Renfroe Middle School
Offered as an elective special class through the Decatur Recreation Department After School Program at Renfroe Middle School, these four-week sessions focus on specific skill areas, such as fall vegetables, fresh cuisine, composting, and the culture of food.
In the past, this program has included service learning components chosen by the participating students, including stream clean ups and building a turtle habitat.
Oakhurst Elementary and Winnona Park Elementary After School
Every other week, the Garden brings outdoor lessons to these after school programs, utilizing the outdoor classrooms and natural areas on the school grounds to explore the local environment. From insect studies to gardening lessons, these programs provide creative and fun ways for students to get to know their local habitat.
Decatur Recreation Center – The All Girls Green Team
The All Girls Green Team is offered through the Decatur Recreation Department’s Summer Camp program. Twelve middle school girls learn to be entrepreneurs by earning stipends for working in the garden, and starting their own environmentally responsible business. They also learn about health, teamwork and the environment. Every Wednesday afternoon, the girls staff their own booth at the Decatur Farmers Market, and at the end of the season the earnings are split among the program participants. On Tuesdays, the group works at Gaia Gardens, a 2 1/2 acre organic farm, to broaden their agricultural experience beyond the Garden. The summer culminates in a field trip to a local farm or garden site chosen by the team.