YOUTH CLUBS

 

 

 

 

 

How exciting it was for me at the annual convention to report to the membership that we now have five registered youth clubs in the state!  I’ve been having a great time talking with the adult leaders of the clubs, finding out what activities they are doing.  Isn’t it wonderful to know that there are generations behind us with a love of gardening?  Someone has to do all of this weeding when we’re gone!  I’ve also talked to many club members that have an interest in starting a youth club but maybe don’t know where to start.  I can tell you from experience it’s not as hard as most people think.  The first thing you should do is get a copy of the new Youth Garden Club Handbook from National Garden Clubs, Inc.  It costs $5.00 and is well worth it.  It includes 20 program ideas and information on national youth awards and scholarships.  Page one lists the sponsorship requirements for an adult club wanting to sponsor a youth club.  I’m going to list the requirements for you and I think you’ll be surprised.

YOUTH CLUBS:

*Must be sponsored by a local adult garden club or council federated with the National Garden Clubs, Inc.

*Must conform to a minimum of 5 members and 5 meetings per year, regardless of age.

*Must register Youth Garden Clubs yearly with state garden clubs, which in turn register all Youth Clubs regionally and nationally.

*Must pay yearly registration dues, if required by state garden club.

   INDIANA DOES NOT REQUIRE THIS!! 

*Must distribute all nationally sponsored contest/award information an      deadlines to Youth Clubs each fall; monitor The National Gardener magazine for updated contest/award information.

*Must notify Youth Clubs of contest/award winners and recognition options each spring.

 

 As you can see, sponsorship is easy!  Notice that sponsoring clubs only need to conduct 5 youth meetings per year.  So you could have a spring youth club that meets once a week for a couple of months.  Start small and see where it takes you!

In talking with club members I realize that finances are an important consideration when planning your programs.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a youth club.  Should I repeat that?  You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a youth club!  These young gardeners want your time and your knowledge.  Try contacting the Extension Agent in your county or the Master Gardener Association or the recycling center.  Most of these organizations have volunteers that are willing to give programs for you.  The internet is a great place to find ideas for programs and craft projects.

 

 

 The important thing is to jump in there and do it.  Start small and see what evolves.  Let this be the year that your club begins to pass your love of gardening on to a new generation! If you have any questions or concerns about starting a youth club please contact me and we’ll work through any obstacles that you might have.  If your timing is right maybe I’ll even come and do a program for your new youth club!

 

 

  Happy Gardening!

Michelle Rowland, Youth Activities Chairman, tannersmom9@hotmail.com