Summer Camp is filled with outdoor fun, swimming, arts and crafts and gardening? Yes, the Valparaiso Family YMCA has the Green Thumb Garden for campers from pre-school to 7th grade. They are in the garden preparing, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and eating. These raised bed garden plots provides outdoor education for all campers and YMCA Child Care. It gives the Y children an opportunity to learn about gardening and healthy eating.
Carla Patino-Davis, Green Thumb Leader, said we are all delighted about the “Green Thumb” Garden and how much it has grown in the past few years. The Y staff has been working hard on giving the children an organized educational environment in the garden and classroom. The children have been putting their minds, hearts, and hands together in making the Valparaiso Family YMCA be more “Socially Responsible” and to “Activate our Community” by instilling and teaching good eating habits. “
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin.
Lead Teacher Mel Hoffman at Y Downtown Pre-School adds,” The garden gives children hands on learning while teaching responsibility.”
The Y would like to thank those who contributed to the garden this year: the families of Bradford, Hohenberger, Rau, and Stasny Families, the Youth Department Teachers and Office Staff of the YMCA, Mr. Ken Pylipow, President of Von Tobel Lumber, and Mark Bluell for building all 6 garden frames and for the Y Maintenance and Property Department for all of their on-going help and support.
If you would like to be part of the “greening “of the Valparaiso Family YMCA – contact:
Carla Patino-Davis – cdavis@valpoymca.org – 219.464.9543 x 266. Items that are needed are: gift cards to local garden centers, containers for gardening and a bird bath.