Youth Programs
VCE Virginia Beach Master Gardeners offer three programs for elementary school students that are designed to correlate with specific SOL objectives. All programs are presented by Virginia Beach Master Gardener volunteers who have received training specific to the programs. All volunteers are subject to background screening through Virginia Cooperative Extension.
If you have a school or youth program event at which you would like Master Gardener involvement, submit your request per the program contact info below. Please allow sufficient time for scheduling. Some programs may require additional supplies
Children's Garden and Fun on the Farm Tours
Fun on the Farm is a 2-hour interactive field trip at the VB Farmers Market where children Pre-K thru 5th grade learn about agriculture. Our introduction illustrates the story of our connection and dependence to agriculture, farming and farmers. Hands-on activities include milking a fiberglass Holstein cow, washing clothes on a washboard, churning cream into butter, grinding corn and more. All guests plant seeds in recycled newspaper pots (for later growing at home) while learning the function of the plant parts, and most importantly, the parts of the plants we eat. We tour the Children’s Educational Garden where children see firsthand the importance of pollination, the variety of butterfly host plants, lessons about good and bad bugs, habitat, vermiculture, composting and we just might pull up a carrot, potato or snap some sugar snap peas off the vine. We’ll also visit our chicken coop and our laying hens. The second half of the tour is focused on seasonal curricula, a craft, story time and an ice cream treat.
SOL information is available upon request.
Tours are by reservation. Contact the VB Farmers Market - 757-385-4388, Farmmrkt@vbgov.com
Fee is $8 Per child. No charge for teacher and chaperones.
SOL Correlation: K.1, K.2, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, K.10, 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, 3.10, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 4.8
Grade Level: K-4
Time of Year Offered: All year
Location: Virginia Beach Farmers Market
Ready, Set, Grow!
The goal of this program is to create enthusiasm for gardening among first grade students by utilizing interactive educational tools. We teach that plants have basic requirements in order to thrive, that not all insects are harmful, and how to be a good steward to the environment.
SOL Correlation: 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 1.8
Grade Level: 1st
Time of Year Offered: Spring
Location: At Local Elementary Schools via coordination with the First Grade Science Coordinator.
Community Events
Virginia Beach Master Gardeners participate in several programs that are overseen by outside organizations. These programs are included for informational purposes only. For more details, or to request participation, please contact those organizations directly.
Garden Eco Explorers
Two one-week day camps are conducted each summer. The goal of camp is to encourage an interest in gardening and in environmental stewardship. The camp is offered to teenagers and registration is handled through the City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation program.
Farm Days
Coordinated by the Virginia Dare Soil and Water Conservation District, this two-day event at Hunt Club Farm allows students to discover the wonders of agriculture. Master Gardeners host an activity and learning station.
Harvest Fair
As part of the Farmer’s Market fall celebration of agriculture, Master Gardener volunteers educate and engage children with hands-on activities at a horticulture station at the event in October.