Green Education Foundation (GEF) believes that what is healthy for kids is healthy for the planet. Youth gardening embodies this philosophy, offering opportunities for children to improve habits of nutrition and well-being while also empowering them to be stewards of the earth.
About 2,000 school gardens joined GEF's Green Thumb Challenge youth gardening initiative during the Gardens 4 Earth Day 2010 event. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2010, GEF partnered with the Earth Day Network to launch a worldwide event in youth gardening. Schools and youth groups took part in this exciting campaign in many ways- planting bean seeds in recycled containers or jumpstarting a large garden project. No matter how large or small your gardening project is, kids are interacting with the natrural world in a meaningful way.
GEF's Green Thumb Challenge is the largest youth gardening initiative in history, calling on schools and youth groups to plant 10,000 gardens of any size in 2010. In flower pots or on vegetable plots, in windowsills or on rooftops, the Green Thumb Challenge mobilizes a nation of Green Keepers to get growing. Standards-based lessons, activities and gardening instructions are all provided on www.greenthumbchallenge.org.
All participants receive a coupon for a $10 off a $50 purchase at Lowe's, as well as free access to the GEF online community - an expansive global social network dedicated to environmental education. The community also features garden supply contests, courtesy of GEF sponsors - over $10,000 of raffle prizes have already been awarded to Green Thumb Challenge participants!
10,000 gardens planted for Earth Day 2010 signifies a commitment to the benefits of gardening with youth. As a nation is mobilized, GEF aims to meet the following objectives:
- Address childhood obesity by promoting message of health and nutrition
- Provide national service-learning projects that address childhood hunger in America
- Connect youth gardening groups nationwide via the GEF online community
Spring garden planning resources can help you get your garden started. You and your school or youth group can be part of the movement to get kids growing!
Please note: if you are currently signed up for the Green Thumb Challenge, you are automatically enrolled to take part. You will receive all Earth Day related announcements through the community.
Click on the links below for more information about how you and your kids can continue to be involved in this exciting and meaningful Earth Day initiative.
- Find fun and engaging Earth Day activities in the GEF Garden Activity Center.
- Visit the Green Thumb Challenge homepage to learn more about the largest youth gardening event of all time.
- Browse the GEF curriculum library for standards-based lessons and activites that link to gardening and composting.
- Learn more about the Junior Master Gardener program, curricula resources, and Junior Master Gardeners registration at www.jmgkids.us.
- Why Plant 10,000 Gardens? Click here!
Fostering the new generation of environmental stewards.
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