a Menu for Agriculture-Based
Youth Development
Liz Kenton Farm-Based Education Conference November 2011
YOUTH
AGRICULTURE
PROJECT Growing Skills
Presentation Outline• Context: UVM Extension 4-H
• PYD and experiential learning:
What – So What – Now What?
• the Youth Agriculture Project’s history, philosophy, & programs
• Growing Skills• Discussion and Q&A
UVM … Extension … 4-H
Experiential Learning Model
the Youth Agriculture Project
Mission Statement
Through hands-on education in sustainable agriculture and healthy nutrition, the Youth Agriculture Project helps young people build the
life and job skills to participate in Vermont’s local food systems.
Youth Hort / Ag 2001-2011
2001 2004 2008 2011
Summer Work & Learn
Career Center Horticulture
Growing Connections
+ SWL Bennington
+ SWL Manchester
School Enrichment & Other programs
Alumni program
Insta-Gardens
Crop Mob
Pizza Garden kit
Indoor Gardens
School & Community Gardens Conf
Growing Skills
Brattleboro Farm & Educational Programs
Diversity of gardens and programs
Curriculum Assembly & DevelopmentContents
Introduction 3Welcome to Youth Agriculture 4How to Use This Guide 5
Teaching 7Positive Youth Development8State Learning Standards 15Curriculum Planning 16
Serious Games 19What is a Serious Game? 20Sample Serious Game 21Menu of Games 22Introductions 23Group Challenges 35Energizers and Transitions 49Workshops 55
Building Blocks 87Field Tasks 88Youth Mentoring Youth 90Farm and Garden Visits 99Market 100Community Service 110Cooking and Sampling 112Feedback 114Community Celebration 117
Growing Food 119Field Safety 120Planning Your Garden 122Using What Your Grow 126Glossary of Growing Terms127Planting Guide 128Harvest Calendar 131Harvest Key 133Ongoing Field Tasks 134Sources for Supplies 136Ways to Grow 137
Managing 141Securing a Space 142Recruitment 143Safety 147Schedules 152Recordkeeping 155Evaluation and Follow-Up 157Alumni 160
Resources 161Resource list 162Recipes 168
Example pages
So What? –Distribution, feedback, and lessons learned
Criteria for reviewers
Clear and ready-to-use
Multiple learning styles and abilities
Age-appropriate
Safety
Youth empowerment and youth-adult partnerships
Activities are engaging and have clear objectives
4-H life skill(s)
Now What? –Current Activities
• Winter 2011-12: Workshops; Distribution for field testing
• Spring 2012: Workshops; Support new sites; Ongoing revision based on feedback
• Summer: Field testing; Final feedback• Fall: Workshops; Final revisions
Resources & Connections
Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Patricia Hannaford Career Center (Middlebury)
VT Agency of Agriculture
Green Mountain Farm to School
Post Oil Solutions
Women’s Ag / New Farmers Network
4-H Educators
VT-FEED (Food Education Every Day)
Vermont Community Garden Network
Rutland Area Farm & Food Link
The Tutorial Center
YOUTH AG PROGRAMS
Growing SkillsCrop Mob
Pizza GardenChick to PlateInsta Garden
Q & A
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