Our Seed to Harvest school garden is going on it's 8th season and with your help, we can make it our best yet! The STH program was put in place to help our children become healthy adults who eat their fruit and vegetables, know the basics of growing food, and contribute to a thriving community. Each year, we put on at least 1-2 one-hour lesson/planting sessions with every class at Ben-Hem. Each grade focuses on a different plant and growing topic ranging from the parts of the plant to pollination and photosynthesis. Students love their time in the garden and take pride in the plants that they grow each year. We keep lessons interactive and try to get the kids outside as much as possible.

If you have time this spring, here are just a few of the biggest volunteer needs that we have:

• STH Program Co-Chair - Are you a planner/organizer with a passion for teaching kids about the outdoors? This may be the opportunity you've been looking for! Parent, Krissy Fernandes, has been running the STH Program for the past 6 years but has only 1 year left at Ben-Hem. We need someone who can shadow Krissy this season to learn the ins and outs of the program and can work to take a leadership role in the 2021 season. A large part of the program is defined and documented (so you don't have to reinvent the wheel) but there is plenty of room for you to be creative and make it your own.
• Grade-Level Lesson Leaders - Do you like working with kids? Do you want an excuse to get in the classroom and become more involved in your students school experience? This may be a great fit for you! Pick a grade and we will train you so you can lead/deliver the lesson content. Don't worry, our lessons are not difficult. If you know the parts of a plant, the things plants need to grow, and the difference between dirt and sand, you have the qualifications needed. You will need to be available to deliver lessons during the school day.
• Lesson Helpers - Even if you aren't comfortable leading a lesson, you can still help. We need volunteers to set-up the materials for the planting sessions, help students follow directions and ask questions during the hands on activities to spark their interest and get them excited about the garden. You will need to be available to help with lessons during the school day but can choose the class(es) that fit your schedule.
• Garden Helpers - If you can't help out during the school day, but still want to get involved, ask to be put on our volunteer distribution list. We will send out information about tasks that need to be completed in the garden, garden clean-up events, etc. Most of the help needed can be completed at any time (during the week or on the weekend) and can be done yourself or as a family. No prior gardening experience is needed.

If you are interested in any or all of these opportunities, email seedtoharvest@benhempto.org.

Want to learn more before you commit? Join us for a Seed to Harvest Meet & Greet (dates and times to be announced soon) or email Krissy at kfernandes@benhempto.org. You can also find out more on our website or social media pages.