1630 HAWTHORN AVE
BOULDER, CO 80304
United States
Growing Gardens’ mission is to enrich the lives of our community through sustainable urban agriculture. We envision people experiencing a direct and deep connection with plants, the land and each other. Growing Gardens unites the Boulder County community through urban agriculture projects, such as: The Cultiva Youth Project (Ages 12 – 18), The Children’s Peace Garden (CPG, Ages 3 – 11), Horticultural Therapy, Community Classes, The Goat Dairy, Growing Gardens Food Project, and the Community Gardens (General Public), and our Community Orchard. I am the Program Manager at Growing Gardens, which means I get the opportunity to work with our different youth and young adult programs across our organization. I get to teach in our Children’s Peace Garden programming and Field Trips and also manage our teen program, the Cultiva Youth Project. I enjoy working with children and having the opportunity to teach them about the importance of their food and where their food comes from. Through the different programs Growing Gardens offer, we are able to engage with so many community members; children, teens, young adults, adults, and more.
Opportunity Examples
We are really excited to have a few youth-led, youth volunteer days this summer and fall at both of our sites. All of these opportunities will be primarily for youth (chaperones permitted), and the work will be guided by our Cultiva Youth Leaders here on the farm. If you have volunteer hours to fill for school or a club, or just like getting out and spending time with friends helping your community you can join us for any of the below dates! You MUST register to attend and have the electronic waiver signed by your guardian.
The Cultiva Youth Project is a youth leadership program where youth ages 14-18 operate an urban organic farm, growing produce for the local community while developing leadership and job skills. In Boulder, the youth seed, tend, and harvest produce for Growing Gardens’ CSA program, which provides a weekly share of vegetables for 70 community members. In Longmont, this produce is donated to community partners that give the food to locals that are food insecure. Throughout the summer, the youth deepen connections with our community by engaging in volunteer projects, and by gleaning and donating produce to community members in need. This hands-on farm experience teaches youth the importance of caring for the earth while learning how to grow their own food, work in a professional environment, operate a small business and create positive change for the community, the environment, and themselves. Cultiva participants are empowered to make decisions about many aspects of the program. Youth are encouraged to participate in project administration, public relations, and community education, as well as garden work and community service projects.
Growing Gardens’ interns are essential to our success in cultivating community through sustainable urban agriculture. We offer hands-on, engaging, real-world experiences in a fun and welcoming work environment. Our interns have a strong desire to learn and work hard while maintaining a positive attitude throughout their commitment.
