Cumberland County Youth Summer Garden Camp Series
- Length
- 5 camps, 2 hours each
- Language
- English
- Note
- $15 per child, per camp
Children ages 7–15 are invited to join us for a summer filled with fun, learning, and hands-on gardening! Each Tuesday session offers a unique theme where campers will dig in the dirt, discover science in action, and take home projects they’ve created. With guidance from Penn State Master Gardeners, youth will grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers—sharing their harvest and donating surplus produce to Project SHARE in Carlisle.
Activities include garden work, STEM-based lessons, games, snacks, and exploration of the natural world. Camp is held rain or shine, using both indoor and outdoor spaces. Each session has a separate registration option, and space is limited to 20 campers per session.
Camp Themes & Dates
June 9 – Go Green!
Join us on our Leafy Green adventure as we explore the vegetable world of leafy greens that are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Plant seeds in the Youth Garden at the Penn State Extension Office and plant your own shoe box garden of superfoods to take home. Help make a prediction on what items we find in our local landfill in the garden at the end of summer.Â
June 23 – Let’s Dig in to Root Crops!
Dig into the fun world of root crops! Explore how plants like carrots, beets, turnips, and radishes grow beneath the soil. Through hands-on plantings, simple experiments, and garden games, learn how to plant, tend, and harvest them. Plant your own grow bag with a variety of radish seeds to take home.
July 7 – Awesome Alliums
You love to eat us, but do you really know us? Garlic, onion, chives – we make your pizza, spaghetti, salsa, salads, and soups delicious! We’re also great garden protectors – we can help keep pests from eating your other vegetables. Learn how to grow, harvest and store garlic, onion, and chives. Learn the do's and don'ts of companion planting with alliums. Plant green onions in a container to take home and grow.
July 21 – Vine Time: The Great Cucurbit Adventure
Get ready to follow the twisting, climbing, and sprawling vines of the cucurbit family! In this camp, you’ll explore cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, melons, and gourds through fun, hands-on activities and games. Discover how these plants wind their way across gardens, surprising you with cool facts—like how watermelons, pumpkins, and cucumbers are all related. You’ll check out seeds, plant your own cucurbit to grow at home, and play fact-or-fiction challenges.
August 4 – The Nightshade Family
Join us for a family reunion as we learn about the nightshade family of tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and peppers! Explore how to grow and harvest these delicious plants. Discover unique tomato and eggplant varieties. Create a collaborative art mural with fellow campers, showcasing your artistic skills.
Additional Details
- Drop-off: 5:45–6:00 PM
- Pick-up: Promptly at 8:00 PM
(A parent or guardian must sign campers in and out.) - Wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.
- Registration: $15 per child, per session
- Waitlists available once sessions are full.
- Registration closes two days prior to each session.
What happens after I register for a workshop or conference?
A message including your registration confirmation number and a link to the workshop or conference description will be sent to the email address you provided. The workshop or conference description will provide additional information.
How long are workshops and conferences?
Every workshop and conference is different. You can find the length of a workshop or conference by viewing the workshop or conference description.
What materials will I need to bring to a workshop or conference?
Please refer to the workshop or conference description to learn about any materials you need to bring to a workshop or conference.
How should I dress for a workshop or conference?
If particular attire is recommended, dress code information will be found in the workshop or conference description.
Where will the workshop or conference take place?
Please refer to the workshop or conference description to learn where a workshop or conference will take place.
When will the workshop or conference take place?
Please refer to the workshop or conference description to learn when a workshop or conference will take place.
Where can I learn about the agenda for a workshop or conference?
Please refer to the workshop or conference description to learn about the agenda for a workshop or conference. Any optional sessions you have selected will appear in your confirmation email and online confirmation page.
What is included with my registration for a workshop or conference?
Please refer to the workshop or conference description to learn more about what is included with your registration for a specific workshop or conference.
If a workshop or conference is at maximum capacity, can I be added to a waitlist?
Some workshops and conferences offer a waitlist option when they are at maximum capacity, and some do not. When the waitlist feature is offered, and a workshop or conference is at maximum capacity, you will be taken to a waitlist form after you click on the registration link. As spots become available, we offer them "first come, first served." If a spot becomes available, you will be contacted using the information you provided.
Are workshops and conferences accessible for people who require special needs or services?
We strive to make our workshops and conferences accessible to everyone. If you require special needs or services, please indicate your audio, visual, or mobile disability during registration. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
How do I register for an event or make a purchase over the phone?
Contact our customer service team at 1-877-345-0691 for assistance over the phone. We are here to help on weekdays between 8:30am - 5pm Eastern Time.
Who do I contact if I still have questions about the event?
Contact our customer service team online or by phone at 1-877-345-0691. We are here to help on weekdays between 8:30am - 5pm Eastern Time.
