In spring, the Madison County 4-H Agent asked the Horticulture Agent to partner on a day camp devoted to gardening. Also assisting with the event were two master gardeners and the Agriculture/Horticulture Assistant.

The day was filled with hands on activities to help the youth learn more about not only plants but the garden as a whole.

1. Played a game to help the group think about where their food comes from.
2. Created mosaics with different types of seeds.
3. Learned to read seed packets and made seed tape
4. Created their own snack while learning about compost
5. Learned about different soil textures and the pros and cons of each
6. Arranged flowers
7. Planted three different container gardens which can be entered in the county fair

Overall, volunteers and youths’ parents had lots of positive feedback about the day. One Master Gardener wrote, “The hands-on day you had for the elementary age kids during their spring break was excellent. I am sorry that I was not able to stay for the whole thing. Your timing and projects were spot-on and you have a real talent for engaging and educating children. I enjoyed myself immensely - I had not realized how much I missed being around kids as they actively explore and learn.  How lucky my grandchildren are to have you involved in their 4-H education.”

Parents emailed the 4-H Agent to say, “Thank you all for providing this Day Camp for kids. My children are familiar with plants and gardening, but they can always learn something new, and they like doing things that are not necessarily "Mom's plants" or gardening".” And “My kids really enjoyed it. They thought it was nice to have playtime too.”