Parkland Garden Club partnered with Upper Macungie Township Recreation Supervisor Emily Crosby-Piszczek to offer a gardening activity to help children who are attending the summer camp learn about seeds, soil, and earthworms. PGC's Helen Papathanasiou, Gail Micca, Karly Lazo and Vivki Sorg developed the gardening workshop which was offered to children aged 6 through 12 on June 18th, 19th and 25th, 2024 at Jaindl, Veterans and Fogelsville elementary schools. 

The campers were divided into groups by age and began the activity by listening and answering questions posed by Barbara Campbell. Barbara read a book called “The Saved Seed” written by Brenda Moore, the current president of National Garden Clubs, Inc. The book illustrates how seeds saved from carving a pumpkin at Halloween can be planted to grow a vine with new pumpkins for the next year.

Gail Micca brought a tray of tiny basil plants that she started from seeds and prepared small pots of a rich soil mixture. She instructed the children to carefully separate one seedling to plant in their pots. The campers then had their choice of a bean, pumpkin or squash seed to plant in another pot. 

Karly Lazo brought earthworm castings to add to the soil. Karly talked about the importance of earthworms for healthy plants and brought a tray of worms that the children were excited to see and touch. 

It was a successful and enjoyable program. In addition to Helen, Gail, Barbara and Karly, thanks go out to Carol, Mary, Megan, Maria, Ardith, Millie and Brenda who assisted with the activity.