The Junior Master Gardener program is an international youth gardening program of the university cooperative Extension network. JMG engages children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind.
Contact your local county office to see what is available in your area!
Resources
The JMG program curriculum is aligned to the TEKS for grade 3-5 and 6-8. There is also curricula by theme – Literature in the Garden, Wildlife Gardener, and the newest JMG curricula – Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! promoting gardening, nutrition and physical activity.
The lessons and activities are fun, hands on, and encourage learning by doing! There are 2 online training programs that might be helpful for JMG leaders! A complete listing of curriculum and resources for leaders is available online, for purchase or free for the online version.
A complete list of fun activities and resources for students is available online.
There are 2 certification options for youth including:
- Golden Ray Series certification – complete 12 learning experiences, 1 service learning project and 1 career exploration activity
- Or full Junior Master Gardener certification – complete 1 group and 1 individual learning experience, 1 service learning project per chapter of the curriculum