The Rockdale County University of Georgia (UGA) Extension, Rockdale County 4-H Club, and the Rockdale County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are sponsoring a Junior Master Gardener (JMG) summer camp for 2015. The camp is open to rising 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. According to Heather McClure, Horticultural Program Assistant with Rockdale Cooperative Extension, “The program is for kids who like to get dirty, grow plants, look at bugs, and are curious about nature.”

The JMG Program is an innovative 4-H youth gardening project. Steve Pettis, Rockdale County Extension Agent, describes the program as being modeled after the highly successful Master Gardener Program. “JMG offers kids science education in horticulture and the environment. It also develops leadership and life skills through fun, interactive, and creative activities,” said Pettis. “This program not only helps youths become good gardeners but also good community members so they can make a positive contribution to their neighborhood, school, and family. Master Gardener Extension Volunteers also get a chance to interact with youths, teaching them about gardening and giving them responsible role models to emulate.”

According to the National Junior Master Gardener organization, “JMG also inspires youths to be of service to others through service learning and leadership development projects, and rewards them with certification and recognition. Children can get involved in exploring their world through meaningful activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride and responsibility, and community involvement. Youths involved in the program develop critical thinking skills, and the ability to identify community concerns and take action to address them through individual group projects.”

“The JMG program is full of fun learning activities,” says Mrs. McClure. “Along with community service and leadership projects, by completing this two-week camp, kids will have the chance to make friends, take field trips, and learn about gardening and the environment.” The camp starts June 8 and runs until June 19, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Graduation will be on June 19, 2015. The cost is $90, which covers JMG handbook, field trips, supplies, and graduation pin. The minimum class limit is five students and maximum limit is 12 so please RSVP by May 25, 2015. Give the Rockdale County Extension Service a call at 770-278-7373 to see if the JMG program is right for your child!

Sources:
Heather McClure
Horticultural Program Assistant
Rockdale Cooperative Extension Service
[email protected]

and

Steve D. Pettis, Jr.
Rockdale County Extension Agent
Agricultural and Natural Resources
1400 Parker Road, Lobby A
Conyers, GA 30094
(770) 278-7373
[email protected]
Rockdale Cooperative Extension Website
The Rockdale Gardener Blog