Applications available for 2024 Kids Can Grow program

Kids harvesting Kale

Photo: woodleywonderworks via Creative Commons

Press Release

Applications are available March 1 for University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s 2024 Kids Can Grow youth gardening program in York County. Teaching sessions are held monthly on Saturdays, April – September at Sanford Community Garden, 246 Blanchard Rd., Springvale.

Kids Can Grow provides children with a positive first experience with gardening and growing their own food. This early experience can inspire a life-long interest in gardening, healthy eating and further exploration of natural resource-related fields. Youth ages 7-12 will learn how to grow vegetables, flowers and herbs, and build and maintain their own raised bed garden at home.

UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteers work with participants throughout the season in the teaching gardens. Youth work in their home gardens with help from their Master Gardener mentors. Participants also learn about community service by donating produce from the teaching gardens to local food pantries and shelters.

The registration fee is $35 per person and the application deadline is Friday, March 29. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants. Please find the application on the program webpage.

For more information, to request a brochure or a paper application, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact York County Extension, 207.324.2814 or 800.287.1535 in Maine, or mary.wicklund@maine.edu.