At Mapleton Elementary in Montgomery County, two raised beds and two large concrete planters on school grounds had gone unused for several seasons. Many students lacked basic horticulture knowledge and had limited exposure to gardening at home or in the classroom. This presented an opportunity to introduce youth to hands-on environmental learning while fostering responsibility, pride, and a connection to the natural world. These connections can lead the students on to doing projects like this at home or somewhere else that they find important to them.

In partnership with Mapleton Elementary’s Family Resource Coordinator, Sharon Ramey, and I, Cheyenne Lamb, Montgomery County Horticulture Agent, developed and led the Mapleton Elementary Junior Gardener Day Camp for 3rd–5th grade students. I assisted in selecting and purchasing supplies and facilitated the hands-on work of cleaning out and revitalizing two raised beds and two planters.

Educational lessons included topics such as what plants need to survive, the difference between annuals and perennials, plant selection for sun versus shade, growing seasons, and the correct use of gardening tools. Students applied these lessons in real time by working directly in the garden areas.

Five students from grades 3 through 5 participated in the day camp. These students had minimal gardening experience prior to the program. All were enthusiastic, engaged, and excited to take on a new project at their school.

Evaluation showed 100% of participants increased their horticultural knowledge. At the beginning of the camp, only 25% of students could correctly identify the difference between annuals and perennials; by the end, all five could confidently explain the concept. Additionally, all participants learned the proper use of garden tools and how to identify appropriate planting conditions.

Each of the five students reported they planned to grow something at home following the camp. They also shared that they wanted to show their parents the work they had done in the gardens—demonstrating not only knowledge gain, but pride and ownership in their accomplishments. The revitalized garden beds now stand as a vibrant, functional learning space and a lasting result of Extension’s impact on youth development and natural resource stewardship. The family resource center also sent the students home with a gardening book and a plant to start with at home.