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GARDENING FOR COMMUNITY AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Extension Education

Kathryn Hopkins
EXTENSION EDUCATOR
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
SKOWHEGAN

Abstract

\r\n There is an increasing interest in local foods and agriculture and with the average age of farmers trending to an older population there is an increasing need to interest younger people thinking about choosing farming or food production as a potential career. Somerset County is the second poorest county in Maine and residents need increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables.  These gardening activities were designed to inform youth about the science of gardening and to teach them life skills about gardening, raising food and being contributing members of their community. Skills they gained included: intensive gardening techniques, getting and keeping organized, recordkeeping, recycling, understanding community needs and donating to their community. They also learned that they are capable, competent individuals who can make a difference in their communities even though they are youth.  As a result, youth learned life skills and leadership development as they made a measurable difference for seniors in their communities.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: K. M. Hopkins, D. J. Kantor
  1. Hopkins, K. Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension - Somerset County, Maine, 04976
  2. Kantor, D. Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension - Somerset County, Maine, 04976