Clinton Twp., MI - Macomb County MSU Extension has announced it will host a gardening program for children ages five through 12 at its 4-H Community Garden.
The 8-week program will help young people learn basic gardening practices, plant parts and how to care for a garden. MSU Extension staff will also teach children about the bigger picture of sustainability in food access, food safety and food preservation.
The classes, which will be held once a week for the entire day, will begin (weather permitting) with garden yoga and mindfulness techniques, followed by hands-on garden lessons. After lunch, attendees will participate in planned activities and garden crafts.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children says outdoor play is essential for the healthy development of youth. Research shows that youth display better physical and mental health, improved sleep and cognitive, social and emotional gains from participating in outdoor play.
“With today’s increasingly higher rates of obesity in our youth, MSU Extension is dedicated to providing opportunities for children to not only learn to have fun but to gain lifelong skills towards living a healthier life,” said Lizz Duran, 4-H program coordinator, Macomb County MSU Extension.
The program costs $10 per session and includes lunch and a snack. Participants will meet Tuesdays, July 12-August 23 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Max Thompson Family Resource Center, 11370 Hupp Avenue, Warren, Michigan.
Dates and topics are:
• July 12: Become a Food Systems Detective
• July 19: Food Systems Scavenger Hunt
• July 26: What Goes In Must Come Out
• August 2: Be a Food Systems Investigator
• August 9: Ask an Elder: What is Your Childhood Food Story?
• August 16: Kitchen Waste Analysis: Consequences of Food
• August 23: Choose Your Own Adventure
For more information visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/a-day-in-the-garden. To learn more about MSU Extension, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.