Note: We are currently working to expand and improve our student gardening program for students who want to garden a plot and to introduce students to gardening and nature in general. More information will be coming in the near future. = = = = = = = = = = = = =
The RVACG strongly believes in encouraging and training young gardeners who are the gardeners or food growers of the future. Free plots are provided to interested students living in the River Valley School District. The goal is to encourage students to learn how to garden to grow healthy food for their families or others in need.
Interested individual students or student groups may download a pdf registration form below or view it here. Students, parents or guardians or student groups may contact the RVACG directly through the Contact Us link or email us at info@rvacg.org
There is no limit on the age of students participating in the program but they need to be old enough to understand that they must make a commitment to care for their plot and plants for the duration of the growing season.
Students may grow vegetables or ornamental plants for their family, or for the local food pantry of their choice. They are encouraged to use their plots as a 4-H project, a scouting project or for local county fair entries, or entries for the River Valley School Fair. Students will have access to free seeds and seedlings as well as tools such as trowels, shovels, rakes, whatever is needed to plant and care for a garden. Students may also purchase their own seeds and seedlings.
Parent / Guardian Participation Students participating in the program need to have parental or guardian permission. Parent or guardian participation in the project is encouraged at minimum in a supervisory capacity. Students and their parents / guardians are encouraged to participate in any social or fund raising activities sponsored by the Gardens. All activities are family friendly.
Garden Regulations Before plots are planted students, parents / guardians must meet with the RVACG Registrar or attend the Gardens Spring Registration meeting to review the rules and the regulations of the Garden.
Mentors Mentors will be assigned to all youth gardeners if they want them. Mentors will guide the students in seed and seedling selection, soil preparation, planting, seedling identification, mulching and soil care, weeding and harvesting. Student gardeners may visit the garden as needed to care for their plants. Email Notifications / Garden Activities Student gardeners or parents / guardians will be added to the RVACG Garden email list so that they receive any Garden notices sent to the adult gardeners.
Who is contacted? Annual contacts may be made with youth groups or individuals in the area.
These groups include but are not limited to River Valley Middle School / River Valley High School / River Valley Elementary School Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts / Local 4H Clubs St. Johns School / St. Lukes School / Home School students any students who express an interest in gardening to our Board members or one of Gardeners