As we begin to drift in colder temperatures, we are warmed by memories of our summer camp expansion! This past summer, City Growers Summer in the Soil was home to 135 young people in Sunset Park (PS 516), Clinton Hill (Arts & Letters), and Long Island City (PS 166Q). From field trips, to farm days, to Greening and Growing in the community, campers made lifelong friends and had a blast! And what’s more – through generosity from our funders and partners (see below!), 90 campers attended a full summer of camp completely free, and another 30 received partial scholarships. We simply cannot wait to do it all again next summer!
Fall on the Farm
What do urban farmers do in the fall? This is the question on the minds of all PreK through high school visitors during October workshops. From harvesting to seed saving, City Growers workshops engage the young people of NYC in the sensory exploration necessary for development, engagement, and inquiry. What do the chickens do in the winter? Do bees hibernate? Urban farms in the fall are the ideal learning laboratory for inviting these questions, and more!
Year 4 of B.E.E.S. After School!
Year 4 of our Brooklyn Environmental Exploration Scholars (B.E.E.S.) after school program is in full swing! We have exciting partnerships this year with our friends at Brooklyn Grange, Bike New York and Chef Jonah Reider of Pith Supper Club. Our young people are getting the chance to explore and experience the many facets of sustainability. Whether growing our own crops, learning how to commute with zero emissions, crafting with recycled materials or cooking with local, seasonal fare, the B.E.E.S. are a symbol of hope that younger generations will do what it takes to protect our planet!
New Program Spotlight: Green Ambassadors
In partnership with HANAC, through funding from the Pinkerton Foundation, we are proud to announce the launch of the Green Ambassadors this fall in Long Island City! Five teens passionate about their city and environment are spending 1 afternoon a week atop the 1 acre rooftop farm in Queens getting knee deep in urban agriculture. Then, the teens will bring their knowledge to IS 141, a middle school in Astoria, to support the growth and expansion of their school garden through peer education. Green Ambassadors indeed!
Bringing the Farm to the Classroom!
Farmer in the Classroom workshops offer hands-on experiences for schools looking to deepen students’ understanding of agriculture, food, and urban environments all year long. Our farmer-educators visit classrooms all across NYC, engaging students and teachers alike in building compost bins and/or learning all about honeybees! Share with a teacher, or email us at info@citygrowers.org to schedule your in-school workshops today!
Our Summer Camp Expansion could not have happened without our partners and funders!
A huge thank you from all of us at City Growers, and from all of the incredible young people who engaged in a summer of exploration!
