In today's fast paced world it can be hard to lead a healthy lifestyle of eating well and staying active. It is especially hard for our young teens. According to a study by the US Department of Agriculture adolescents don't eat enough vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and they eat too much fat and saturated fat. This may not be a surprise to most parents, but a new study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture also suggests that teenagers' poor diets may put them at risk for health problems later in life. On top of that, the food our young teens do eat many of us don't know who grows it or how.
One of the most effective ways to ensure our youth are eating well is to teach them how to grow their own food!
Learning to grow your own food is fun, good for your health, and good for the environment. This summer get outside and learn all about gardening. YouthGrow is a program that gives young people the opportunity to make friends, visit local farms and gardens, learn new skills like gardening and cooking with fresh produce, and most importantly get dirty outdoors!
This summer, youth between the ages of 9-13 can join YouthGrow. This is a fun and educational three-week gardening summer camp hosted by Northwest Youth Corps and the School Garden Project.
The program is staffed by well trained AmeriCorps members. They will lead the youth to various School Garden Project garden sites, community gardens in the area, and Northwest Youth Corps’ Laurel Valley Education Farm.
Activities -Planting seeds and starts
-Harvesting produce
-Preparing meals from garden produce
-Taking trips to local farms
-Playing garden games
Benefits
YouthGrow will make summer 2010 one to remember. Participants will learn, explore, and have fun outdoors. All who come will leave with an appreciation of gardening, new knowledge about the natural environment, lots of new friends, and tons of great memories.
The School Garden Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps schools create and sustain gardens where hands-on learning connects students with their environment and local food system.
