Des Fleurs Garden Club began the delightful task of creating a hands-on children’s gardening experience on the grounds of OCAC in 2007. The second phase continues this spring.
Ready, Set, Grow! Immerse your child in the magical world of a garden where experience-based learning creates connections through gardening, play and the inspiration of story ...
OCAC has partnered with the Des Fleurs Garden Club and the Environmental Mobile Unit (EMU) to provide a unique summer experience that will immerse children in the magical world of a garden where experience-based learning creates connections through gardening, play and the inspiration of story…A place just waiting for the child’s imagination!
Children from 6 to 12 years of age are invited to get down and dirty this summer exploring plants, animals, and the soil that keeps them and us alive. Gardeneers will learn about seeds and how to grow them, how to transplant and root plants, how to prepare and care for a garden, and how fun it is to eat what you have grown. Explore the world of worms, meet and eat amazing plants, and exercise your science skills. The young gardeneers who choose to participate will create a beautiful garden for all of Oxford and its visitors to enjoy! A limited number of scholarships are available.
Gardeneering Camp 2008 Flyer/Signup Sheet
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
The mission of the Children’s Garden is to create a unique and joyful garden environment designed to inspire, empower and connect children with the importance of plants and the natural world in their lives.
Research shows that children have a basic need to establish a deep emotional connection to the natural world.
- Children with views of and contact with nature score higher on tests of concentration and self-discipline. The greener, the better the scores.
- Children who play regularly in natural environments show more advanced motor fitness, including coordination, balance and agility, and they are sick less often.
- When children play in natural environments, their play is more diverse with imaginative and creative play that fosters language and collaborative skills.
- Exposure to natural environments improves children's cognitive development by improving their awareness, reasoning and observational skills.
- Nature buffers the impact of life stress on children and helps them deal with adversity. The greater the amount of nature exposure, the greater the benefits.
