The RVACG strongly believes in encouraging and training young gardeners who are the food growers of the future.
We have developed a two tier gardening program for children; the Busy Bees Garden Club and Junior Gardeners.
The goal of the program is to encourage children to learn how to garden and grow healthy food. Participants need to be old enough to understand that they must make a commitment to care for their plot and their plants for the duration of the growing season.
We have developed a two tier gardening program for children; the Busy Bees Garden Club and Junior Gardeners.
The goal of the program is to encourage children to learn how to garden and grow healthy food. Participants need to be old enough to understand that they must make a commitment to care for their plot and their plants for the duration of the growing season.
Busy Bees Garden Club
The Busy Bees Garden Club is designed for 3K through 4th grade children who are curious about gardening, nature, bugs, getting dirty and the environment. It is designed to get students outside and let them experience gardening and nature firsthand. The club meets weekly for the months of June and July. Each child receives their own 2 x 4 ft. raised bed for planting. Each week includes a different educational activity or presentation related to gardening.
Application to the program is required and is limited to 26 children. Applicants must reside in the River Valley School District area. There is a $10 fee per child or $15 per family. Funds are used to replenish the soil in the raised beds, repair the beds, purchase garden tools, seeds and seedlings for the students, and supplies for the learning activities. If this is a financial hardship, please let us know. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and are encouraged to participate along with their children. Feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Registration is open NOW! Interested individuals may either:
1. Fill out the Busy Bees application online.
2. Download/return the PDF Busy Bees application.
Application to the program is required and is limited to 26 children. Applicants must reside in the River Valley School District area. There is a $10 fee per child or $15 per family. Funds are used to replenish the soil in the raised beds, repair the beds, purchase garden tools, seeds and seedlings for the students, and supplies for the learning activities. If this is a financial hardship, please let us know. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and are encouraged to participate along with their children. Feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Registration is open NOW! Interested individuals may either:
1. Fill out the Busy Bees application online.
2. Download/return the PDF Busy Bees application.
Junior Gardeners
The Junior Gardeners program is for students in grades 5 through 12. Each Junior Gardener will receive a free 10 x 10 ft. garden plot to grow vegetables or flowers. The student will be assigned a mentor to teach gardening practices and techniques to help make the experience a successful one. The students will have access to tools, water, fertilizer and mulch. Junior Gardeners are encouraged to purchase their own seeds and seedlings. If that is a financial hindrance, the RVACG will provide assistance in securing seeds and seedlings.
The students are required to take care of their plot, watering and weeding as needed, and clearing the plot after harvest in the fall. Junior Gardeners are required to follow all the rules as outlined in the Gardeners Guidelines. 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.
Junior Gardeners and their families are invited to participate in all garden activities including workshops or seminars, work days, task forces, fundraisers, social activities and board meetings.
Interested individuals may either:
1. Fill out the Junior Gardener application online.
2. Download/print the PDF Junior Gardener application.
The students are required to take care of their plot, watering and weeding as needed, and clearing the plot after harvest in the fall. Junior Gardeners are required to follow all the rules as outlined in the Gardeners Guidelines. 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.
Junior Gardeners and their families are invited to participate in all garden activities including workshops or seminars, work days, task forces, fundraisers, social activities and board meetings.
Interested individuals may either:
1. Fill out the Junior Gardener application online.
2. Download/print the PDF Junior Gardener application.
Youth Organization Plots
Local youth organizations that want to garden together as a service project are welcome!
Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.