Birding in the Garden
ABOUT USTHE GARDENGET INVOLVEDPROGRAMSCONTACT

FOR EDUCATORS

The CLDS is happy to help teachers, parents and other community leaders explore ideas for creating and implementing garden education programs.

 

Interested in classroom projects or starting a schoolyard garden? We can help!

 

Contact Krista Schneider at kschneider@digclds.org or 570-578-5903 for more information.

FIELD TRIPS

Plan a field trip for your school, classroom or group for fun, hands-on learning in the garden!

Children can engage all their senses through exploration and hands-on activities at the Butler Township Community Garden.

Pre-school children can dig in the dirt, plant seeds, smell and touch flowers, look for bugs, forage for compost critters, and find the unexpected delights of gardening.

Elementary school groups can learn about ecology and practice important garden activities such as making compost, planting, tending and harvesting crops, collecting seeds and other seasonal activities. CLDS volunteers will work with you in structuring your field trip to reinforce curriculum learning standards.

Contact Krista Schneider at kschneider@digclds.org or 570-578-5903 for more information on field trips, including scheduling and costs.

BECOME A GARDEN DISCOVERY VOLUNTEER
Do you enjoy working with children in the garden as they engage all their senses through exploration and hands on activities? Link to our volunteer page for more info.

GARDEN EDUCATION LINKS

KidsGardening.org

Edible Schoolyard Project

Center for EcoLiteracy

 

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Garden Discovery Camp

The CLDS Garden Discovery Camp is designed to encourage hand’s-on study, science exploration, and outdoor recreation within a safe and beautiful garden setting. Watch our page for dates!

Earthworms

Most activities take place within the Butler Township Human Nature Community Garden in Drums, where the kids will plant and maintain a garden, learn about bees, birds, butterflies, and worms, and get a chance to eat fresh veggies grown in the garden. A field trip may also be scheduled, depending upon enrollment.

Registration

Camp registration is accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications will be accepted until a session is filled (maximum enrollment of 15). Cost is $15/child/day; sibling or second child cost is $10/child). To register download and print this form and mail it back in with your payment.

A Typical Day

The summer camp curriculum integrates educational materials and programs provided by the Penn State Cooperative Extension 4H Program, as well as other environmental curricula developed by the National Gardening Association. A typical day at camp will involve a fast-paced schedule of activities designed to keep kids interested, active, and engaged with nature. Check out our Facebook page to see photos of previous years' activities.

On any given day, activities may include:

  • Planting seeds
  • Taking a nature hike
  • Making herbal sun teas
  • Transplanting seedlings
  • Building a worm box
  • Learning about bees and butterflies
  • Learning about farm animals
  • Watching a cooking demonstration
  • Maintaining a journal
  • Watering plants
  • Garden arts & crafts
  • Feeding chickens
  • Searching for good and bad garden bugs
  • Taste-testing veggies grown in the garden
  • Playing games
  • Having fun while learning.....
Butterfly Guy Planting
Looking for bugs Making Pickles

Instructors

Each day, guest instructors (including Master Gardeners, naturalists, and other experts in their field) will help the kids plant and maintain their gardens and explore the special topics of the day.

What to Bring

Kids should dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers, and expect to be outside during the entire day. Campers should also expect to get dirty. Every camper should pack a water bottle, sunscreen, and hat. A free lunch may be provided through the Township’s summer recreation program.