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Youth

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Encouraging Connections to Nature and One Another

Gardening engages kids by supplying a dynamic environment to observe, discover, experiment, nurture and learn. Gardens are like living laboratories where learning comes from real-life experiences and is fueled by a child’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm, resulting in an environment that encourages participation and responsibility.

Our goal is to provide youth with an interactive garden space that inspires curiosity, builds knowledge, kindles passion, and strengthens respect for all living things.

Youth

featured programs

Garden Explorers - Youth Programs Feature

Fresh on Friday Garden Explorers

The Bee Happy Discovery Garden  buzzes with excitement each Friday morning! No chemicals here, just happy kids, pollinators and plants! Learn about and taste what’s growing in the garden. Kids may respectfully explore, help out, and observe using all their senses. Magnifying glasses, watering cans, art materials and books help kids connect with the garden at their own pace. Each Friday features special garden activities and community partners. Follow our Facebook page for our changing weekly schedule. 

Grow - Youth Programs Feature

GARDENERS OF TOMORROW

For middle school and high school youth. Free.

This summer program is designed to offer a very flexible time commitment  for this busy age group.  Youth will find a variety of areas to explore, including gardening, cooking, community service and more. Join us at one of our informational sessions to learn more!

Informational Sessions:

Tuesday, May 23, 6:30-7:00pm 

Wednesday, May 24 6:30-7:30pm

Clear Lake Public Library

The Clear Lake Public Library is a rich resource to our community and we are pleased to have them facilitate a few of their programs in the garden! All of these activities are free. Be sure to check out what else the Clear Lake Public Library has to offer!

Strolling Stories:

Thursday, May 25: 5:30pm, Monday, June 13, 5:30pm

We will stroll along the path using our senses to enjoy all that the garden has to offer, stop to read a seasonally themed story and then continue our adventure with an exploration based on the day’s book. This program is aimed at families with children ages 3 to 6 years, but all are welcome!

Story Time: 

Wednesdays, Aug 2-August 30, 10:30-11am

Clear Lake Public Library brings story time to the garden with a creative activity and fun book to share!  Story Time is designed for children aged 0-5 and their families. A responsible adult caregiver should accompany children.

Fall StoryWalk®:

From September15-October 15, National Hispanic Heritage month will be celebrated with an interactive bilingual story! Start inside the main gate and follow the signs through the gardens to read a story. The StoryWalk® is a wonderful way for readers of all ages to combine literacy skills and healthy exercise while enjoying the surroundings. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition (VBPC) and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.

Upcoming Events

UPCOMING DATES

  • Gardeners of Tomorrow Informational Session

    May 23 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm

    For middle school and high school youth. Free. This summer program is designed to offer a very flexible time commitment for this busy age group. Youth will find a variety

  • Gardeners of Tomorrow Informational Session

    May 24 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm

    For middle school and high school youth. Free. This summer program is designed to offer a very flexible time commitment for this busy age group. Youth will find a variety

  • Strolling Stories

    May 25 @ 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    We will stroll along the path using our senses to enjoy all that the Gardens has to offer, stop to read a seasonally themed story, and then continue our adventure

Team Hugs Family at Central Gardens of North Iowa
June 10, 2021   |
5:30 pm -
7:30 pm
hugs2
June 24, 2021   |
5:30 pm -
7:30 pm
Grow-Share-Grow
May 15, 2022   |
6:00 pm -
7:00 pm
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