“To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded! ” — Emerson
FIELD TRIPS (ages 10-16)
RIPE New England partners with existing youth programs throughout Boston to provide field trip initiatives that get youth out of the city and onto the land. On the land youth interact with gardeners and small family farmers, engage in meaningful work, learn about where food comes from, and what it looks like before it gets to the market shelves. These one-day programs will be tailored to meet each group's particular needs and interests.
SUMMER WORKSHOPS FOR YOUTH (ages 10-14)
RIPE New England will be offering the one-day garden workshops throughout the Summer of 2005.
Our goal for the workshops is to create a fun program that brings youth back in touch with how food
moves from the seed state to table. The garden program will introduce and reinforce the pleasure that
comes from growing and eating fresh, locally grown food as a community. The emphasis is on bringing pleasure
and fun to the important task of fueling our bodies well while learning about science, math, history,
and communication.
Science of a Garden Workshop: Introduction to the Garden
Class duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Aim:Students will be acquainted with a community garden and understand many of the jobs, tools and care required to make the garden produce food.
Do Now Exercise: As soon as students arrive they will be asked to do an observational exercise in the garden using all five senses. This will help them become acquainted with the garden environment.
Activities:
Introductory meeting with reflection on observation completed during the "Do Now" exercise.
Explanation of the jobs of the day.
Introduction to garden tools and equipment.
Pose a "Question of the Day", providing focus for contemplation while working on garden tasks. Example: If you were a garden superhero what would your superpower be? or What is your favorite vegetable and why?
Youth are grouped and choose from the day's stated garden jobs,divide up with adult supervisors to complete tasks.
Clean up tools. Youth will learn proper care and maintenance of basic garden tools.
Snack time. Snack will include item cooked with a food from the garden, for example, zucchini bread.
Discussion on some topic of science in the garden, for example, what is vermicomposting? Or a food systems and sustainable agriculture growing lesson.
Closing words and answers to the "Question of the Day".Homework: Each youth participant will write a letter to the Mayor or their local representative describing their experience in the garden. Letters will be returned to RIPE New England and we will forward them to the appropriate parties.
Requirements: Workshops are designed for groups of six to twelve youth. Youth must be accompanied by one adult per six participants. Groups must arrange for their own transportation to and from the garden. The garden is located in a relaxing, bucolic setting on Fort Hill in Roxbury.
Cost: $250 (We offer a sliding scale fee schedule in order to ensure that all interested youth may participate. Please contact us to make special arrangements if necessary)
Workshop Dates: July 5, 11, 12. August 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23
FALL INTENSIVE YOUTH PROGRAM (ages 10-14)
RIPE New England will offer a twelve week "Seed to Table" program starting in September of 2005.
The program is an after school enrichment program, which will run three to four afternoons a week,
with each session lasting two to three hours. We will work in the garden, visit/participate in local
farmers' markets, cook in the kitchen, and visit local farms and market gardens.
Contact Margot Lord at RIPE New England for more information about Summer or Fall sessions, or to schedule a workshop date.