Students at Patrick Henry High School discover the secrets of gardening

Engaging Summer Experiences for Patrick Henry High School Students

The San Carlos Community Garden (SCCG) is providing a unique and hands-on learning opportunity for students at Patrick Henry High School through its Youth Ambassador Program. This initiative not only educates young people about gardening but also empowers them to contribute to their community in meaningful ways.

A Growing Partnership

Lara Dickens, a physics and AP environmental science teacher at Patrick Henry High School, recalls how the partnership between the school and SCCG began over a decade ago. Initially, students were invited to help with a fall garden event, where they supervised activities like a bounce house and a pumpkin smashing booth. Old pumpkins were transformed into compost using baseball bats, creating an engaging and educational experience.

As the program expanded, the skills required grew more complex. Dickens emphasized that while it was initially a risk to involve students, the effort paid off. The success of the program led to more structured involvement, with volunteers teaching students about gardening techniques and sustainability.

Benefits of Hands-On Learning

For students who participate in the program, the benefits are both practical and educational. They gain experience working with various plants, including flowers, fruits, vegetables, and succulents. They also learn about the logistics of maintaining a community garden, such as soil health, composting, and plant care.

Dickens highlighted that while school gardens often give the impression that gardening is fun and easy, the reality involves significant effort and planning. The Youth Ambassador Program bridges this gap by showing students the hard work behind growing food and the importance of sustainability.

Leslie Nelson, a member of the SCCG Education Committee, has been involved in the garden for over 10 years. She started by leasing raised beds and later expanded her efforts to include students from Patrick Henry High School. Her experience with the Henry Gardening Club helped shape the current Ambassador Program, which combines gardening education with lessons on non-profit management and leadership.

Expanding Opportunities

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program faced challenges. However, after restrictions eased, SCCG and Patrick Henry High School collaborated to create a new structure that allowed students to continue participating. The Ambassador Program now includes elements of nonprofit operations, giving students a broader understanding of community-based initiatives.

Last year, student ambassadors attended a leadership board meeting, gaining insight into the administrative side of running a garden. This approach ensures that students not only learn gardening skills but also develop leadership abilities that can benefit them in the future.

Positive Ripple Effects

Nelson believes that the programs offered by SCCG have had a positive impact on the wider community. Through seminars, events, and shared garden spaces, individuals learn about organic gardening and sustainable practices. These efforts contribute to a healthier environment and foster a sense of community among participants.

Payton DeGroote, an educator for the Youth Ambassadors program, has seen firsthand how the program benefits students. As she prepares for her third year studying Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University, DeGroote credits her early exposure to environmental science through Patrick Henry High School’s AP class with shaping her passion for the field.

DeGroote noted that the program provides valuable hands-on experience, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. She emphasized the importance of sustainable practices, especially in the context of climate change, and believes that early exposure to these concepts can have long-term benefits.

A Student Perspective

Ava Chamberlain, a first-year participant in the program, shared her positive experience. She was drawn to the program through her environmental science class, where she developed a passion for protecting the planet.

Chamberlain described the program as both educational and rewarding. She enjoyed working with bees, soil, and compost, and appreciated the welcoming community at the garden. She encouraged future students to join the program, noting that no prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and have fun.

She also highlighted the program’s impact on the local community, as the garden supplies food to the local food bank and a nearby school. Chamberlain believes that the program offers a unique opportunity for students to contribute to their community while gaining valuable skills.

A Fun and Educational Experience

For any Patrick Henry High School students interested in joining the program, Chamberlain recommends taking part. She emphasized that the environment is both fun and educational, offering opportunities to ask questions, meet new people, and participate in events like the produce exchange.

The Youth Ambassador Program continues to grow, offering students a chance to learn, connect, and make a difference in their community. Whether through gardening, leadership development, or community service, the program provides a well-rounded experience that benefits both students and the broader community.