Through SPROUT, Science Program Reaching OUT, the Washington Youth Garden conducts one-time nutrition and environmental science outreach programs during the spring, summer, and fall months of the year. All students and educators are invited to join us at the U.S. National Arboretum for an interactive educational experience in the Youth Garden.

The curriculum for this program uses cooperative learning techniques and focuses on plant and soil science, composting, pollination, nutrition, and garden science topics. The program is geared towards children in grades K-8, with lessons that vary depending on grade level.

By making this program free to schools and other youth organizations, we hope to provide an opportunity for children and educators from across the Washington metro area to experience the Youth Garden. On a limited basis, WYG staff is available to facilitate the program in local classrooms, after-school programs, and at other youth organization sites for groups who are unable to make field trips. Donations are always appreciated, so please contact us if you would like to contribute to the sustainability of our programs.

WYG educators conduct the SPROUT lessons in the fall between the months of September and November and in the spring between the months of April and May either as an after school enrichment program or a field trip during school hours. We also schedule SPROUTs for the summer months June-August for camps and other summer youth programs.

Click here for a reservation form. Please note our cancellation policy: WYG is not equipped to hold programming if there is inclement weather. We aim to make a prediction 24 hours ahead of time and notify the scheduled group if we must cancel. However, there are occasions in which we must make day-of cancellations do to weather conditions. We do our best to reschedule cancelled visits.

Visit our blog to learn more about Washington Youth Garden programs.