Junior Master Gardener

OSU Junior Master Gardener Summer Camp

Connects Children with Nature & Inspires Environmental Stewardship

Recently over 30 youth participated in the second annual OSU Junior Master Gardener Summer Camp held at the Extension office.  During the five-day camp, young garden enthusiasts, entering grades two through six, spent five, fun-filled days learning about the art and science of gardening, as well as how to prepare a variety of homegrown snacks and meals.  Working alongside OSU faculty and Master Gardener volunteers, campers engaged in stimulating, hands-on projects and activities that helped them establish links between plants, gardening, and healthy living.  Each day focused on a different area of gardening and nutrition education.

Special guests included area beekeeper Tom Chester, Director of the Oregon Renewable Energy Center at Oregon Institute of Technology, who discussed the wonders of honey bees. Campers were able to observe bees and later taste honey.  Liz Diver, President of Badger Run Wildlife Rehab, brought Ewok, a great horned owl, and two other birds of prey to teach the children about caring for wildlife.  Liz and licensed volunteer Pat Spears explained what the campers can do if they find injured or orphaned wildlife.  Dayle Robnett, co-owner of Diamond S Meat, brought campers beef jerky and discussed “animals on a farm” and the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.  

Working alongside OSU faculty and volunteers, campers made dirt babies, worm bins, edible salad bowls, hanging baskets, and assisted in the preparation of their very own snacks. OSU faculty—Darrin Culp, Chanda Engel, Susan Honea, Patty Case, Brian Charlton, Mary Pieper, Kristy Weidman—gave presentations on everything from container gardening to vermiculture to potatoes to beneficial insects. Special thanks goes out to the following OSU Master Gardeners for contributing their time and expertise to the camp:  Ernie Guerrero, Susan Anselme, Nancy Brandsness, Pam McDonald-Erbes, Karen Harreld, Melba Nerida, JoAnn KurcBaums, Michelle Williams, Sherry Tena, Linda Bartram, Theresa Brooks, Romie Nichols, Alison Andrews and special youth volunteer, Britt Weidman. 

If you are interested in this program, please email kristy.weidman@oregonstate.edu to get on our email list. More camps will be offered during the 2010 growing season.