The children’s garden is designed to be a living playground. When children walk through the vine-covered arbors, they discover a house made of sunflowers, a tunnel made of cucumber vines, and a trio of teepees climbing with pole beans.
Young visitors can brush up on their letters by walking along our ABC path and learn chef secrets in our fragrant pizza garden. Kids are encouraged not only to stop and smell the flowers, but also to sample the organic fruit and produce. The children’s garden is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Every June, we gather to celebrate summer in the children’s garden. Everyone is welcome. We paint signs, make scarecrows, plant flowers and veggies, and march in a veggie parade. Watch our Facebook page or website for the date!
Garden Explorers Camp campers learn about the cycle of plant and insect life in the garden through stories, projects, games, and exploration. They also learn the basics of organic gardening by planting, tending, and harvesting their own vegetables. This is a great first-camp experience for younger kids and a perennial favorite for older children. Garden explorer families will enjoy fresh vegetables and flowers all summer long.
Explorer’s Camp:
Open to: Ages 4–10
Registration Fee: $100
Camp Day: Thursdays
Duration: 6 weeks: July 13-August 24
Session choices: Session 1: 8:30am-10:00am or Session 2: 10:30am-12:00pm
Instructor: Christine Slader Contact information: Email: cslader@myfairpoint.net
Register online @ yarmouthcommunityservices.org or by phone, 846-2406 or in person at Yarmouth Community Services. Scholarships are available.
FAQS
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TO THE GARDEN?
Please bring a water bottle, a snack, a hat, and clothes that look good with dirt. Please pre-apply sun screen and bug spray. (We’ll have extra at the garden, too.)
WHAT IF WE CAN’T AFFORD CAMP THIS SUMMER? No problem. Just ask YCS about our scholarship program, or email Christine Slader at cslader@myfairpoint.net for more information.
WHAT’S THIS I HEAR ABOUT ASKING GARDEN EXPLORER FAMILIES TO VOLUNTEER IN THE GARDEN THIS SUMMER? We need just a little of your time and talent to help us care for the garden. By asking participating families to donate 3 hours (per family) we can keep the garden in good working order and keep the program cost down. Asking for “service hours” also reinforces the community-building mission of the garden. Don’t be intimidated if you’re not a gardener; knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to guide you and pour the lemonade.
IS THERE A BATHROOM AT THE GARDEN? Yes. It’s not fancy, but there’s a porta potty.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ALLERGIC TO BEES OR OTHER INSECTS? Like all healthy gardens, ours is buzzing with bees. We even have hives tended by a local beekeeper. The kids and bees coexist just fine, but please, if your child is allergic, let us know. Make sure your child has an EpiPen and knows how to use it. If your child has other medical issues, please let us know.
AM I EXPECTED TO STAY FOR CLASS WITH MY CHILD? No. You can drop your child off, or you’re welcome to stay and help. Teachers are looking for volunteers to help. Please contact Christine Slader if you are interested.
ARE SIBLINGS AND FRIENDS INVITED TO COME TO CLASS? Because classes do fill up, we prefer you don’t bring children who aren’t signed up in the program. Of course, you’re welcome to play nearby in the garden with them while we have class. We also welcome family and friends to join us for special weekend events and harvest celebrations.
Yarmouth Community Garden 