With the increasing concern for food security, coupled with the detachment from farm life all around the United States, families lack the skills to grow and cook their own food. When asking a group of children where produce comes from, it is not unusual for them to respond with “the store” rather than “the garden.” To aid in combating the issue of knowing where food comes from, as well as what to do with it, the Boyle and Mercer County Horticulture Agents created a joint children’s program called Plant Camp for kids ages 9-12. 

This year, campers learned to answer questions such “What part of the plant is a broccoli head?” and “How can we identify an insect from a spider?” and “What is a palmate leaf?” This camp also aimed at working with underserved audiences. Specifically, children that live in government assisted housing. When needed, agents supplied transportation to and from camp.

Each day, campers participate in numerous activities to learn basic horticulture concepts such as botany, ecosystem relationships, and plant identification. All activities were hands on and include things like “Plant Part Relays”, insect and leaf collections at the local Wildlife Refuge. The kids also work with the county SNAP and NEP assistants to make lunches and snacks for everyone throughout the day. This teaches basic cooking skills such as measuring, as well as healthy eating practices.

Campers were given pre and post test to see what they learned, the percent increase in correct answers at the end of the campe in given with the sample questions.
•What plant part is a potato?
o83% increase
•What is a palmate leaf?
o83% increase
•What makes an insect an insect?
o34% increase
•Why do succulents need less water than other plants?
o8% increase