9/10/2023
Extension Master Gardener volunteers welcome University of Minnesota day campers to Goldy's Garden to learn more about where our food comes from
Gopher Adventures is a 9-week, day-camp style, summer youth program for ages 6-12. One day each week, campers participate in a youth education garden activity as part of their day at camp. Volunteers meet with the campers in Goldy's Garden on the University of St. Paul campus, where a different gardening concept—taken from the national Jr. Master Gardener curriculum—is introduced. The children spend time applying what they've learned while exploring the large vegetable and flower gardens. At the end of the summer, participants work together to prepare and share a harvest lunch.
Camp sessions take place on Tuesday mornings from mid-June until the end of August. There are two sessions per day with 10-15 campers attending each session. A Master Gardener volunteer lead presents each lesson and other volunteers lead small groups to assist and instruct the campers in the garden.
In addition to the youth education activities, there are lots of options for garden maintenance throughout the season where volunteers can get their hands dirty, literally.
This volunteer activity is unique among most Ramsey County Master Gardener volunteer project; it is a collaboration between the Master Gardener Volunteer Programs chapters from Ramsey, Hennepin and Anoka counties. This offers a rare and fun opportunity to work with and get to know other Master Gardener volunteers from the central region.
Susan C
Master Gardener Volunteer
Gopher Adventure Project Lead—Ramsey County
This community service project supports the Horticulture Skills priority of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program: Share current research-based horticulture principles and practices.