Submitted Article
Looking for a wonderful educational opportunity for your children (ages 8-13) beginning on May 7? The Penn State Junior Master Gardener program offers children the opportunity to learn about the many aspects of horticulture. They will receive basic instruction in botany, insects, berries, trees, soils, vegetables, flowers, fruits with a show and tell, a pumpkin harvest plus much more.
This will be a fun learning experience using a computer program called Zoom, where students and teachers can see and interact with each other. The meetings will consist of lectures, power points and videos for the half hour or so and then the kids can begin hands on home projects and worksheets which will be mailed to them ahead of time.
The Junior Master Gardener program is full of experiments and growing challenges. Children will sign up online through the Susquehanna County 4-H program: www.4honline.com. The cost is $21. The deadline to sign up is May 1. The program is open to youths in both Susquehanna and Wyoming counties.
The first Junior Master Gardener meeting begins on May 7 and will serve as an orientation for parents and kids. The program for the children continues every Thursday from 6 pm until approximately 7 pm. The program ends in early October. Kids can garden at home and can also do container gardening. We will be encouraging them to grow fresh produce for their local senior centers as a community service project. Other projects including mason bee lodge kits, birdhouse kits, bug sucker kits, etc. will be delivered to their homes.
The goal of the Junior Master Gardener program is to motivate the children in our area to achieve certification as a Junior Master Gardener and to be involved in community service, while working closely with Certified Master Gardeners and 4-H leaders.
In light of the current situation due to COVID-19, this is a wonderful, interactive, fun and educational opportunity to share with your children and give them a lifetime of sustainable skills.
If you have a child or know children who have a big interest in gardening, this program is for them!
For more detailed information or how to register call the Penn State Extension Master Gardener program in Susquehanna County at 570-666-9003 or email: susquehannamg@psu.edu