_ODG Fall 2026 (3) - Flipbook - Page 11
Encouraging a Love of Nature in the Next Generation
Lo
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uAnn Dumminger, VFGC Chair - Youth, School Activities/Scouts/Enrichment Programs
The e a e a
t
s many ways to get dirt under young fingernails as there are NGC clubs!
r
uts of America and Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America)
offer badges with which you individually and as a club can assist. Do you have a
knowledge of vermiculture or composting? Do you know how to prepare soil? Do you
grow vegetables and flowers? You could be a counselor for the Scouting America
Gardening Badge! Scouting America is for everyone. There are over 100,000 girls and
young women in the program. Perhaps you have a Daisy, Brownie or Junior Girl Scout
in your family, neighborhood or church. Do you enjoy experimenting with seeds?
Designing gardens? Protecting the environment? You would be an excellent volunteer
or your club could become a Program Partner for Girl Scouts from kindergarten
through 5th grade. Don’t forget about NGC Youth Contests: Smokey Bear/Woodsey
Owl, Poetry and Essay contests. These are per fect for scouting groups.
Bo h Gi l Sco
4H has an almost limitless variety of projects that always need volunteers. Each 4H
Youth Development Extension Agent shapes programs for interests in their locality.
Volunteers may assist with garden to table projects, work on birdhouses, teach floral
design and so much more!
uting and 4H have safety protocols which must be met before volunteers can begin.
These are not burdensome, but you do want to check well in advance of any planned
program for instructions.
Sco
your club members have children or grandchildren
in daycare? Does your YMCA or church have
afterschool care programs? Mini pumpkins can be
grown in a pot and go well with the NGC book, The
Saved Seed. They will actually reseed themselves if
left alone!
Do
u can find more ideas and resources on the NGC webpage at https://gardenclub.org
under the Project tab/Youth and Scholarships. Additional projects for all groups and ages
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can be found in the Cub Scout Leader
