National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC), South Atlantic Region (SAR), and The Garden Club of North Carolina, Inc., (GCNC) are dedicated to sponsoring and encouraging youth gardening groups, beginning at age three and continuing through the teen years.  They seek to inspire a love of gardening and the natural world in our youth, not only to improve and maintain our environment but also to share the sheer fun of “digging in the dirt”.  Membership benefits include:

• Introduction to the art and science of gardening using fundamental math, reading and writing skills, as well as practical applications.
• Increased awareness of the environment, natural resources, ecology, conservation, composting, and recycling.
• Help in raising standardized test scores, especially in science.
• Encouragement of creativity through observing the cycle of life.
• Development of leadership skills.
• Opportunity for participation and recognition in state, regional and national contests and awards.
• Possibility of future hobbies and career opportunities.

DEADLINES

ALL ITEMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE GCNC YOUTH CHAIRMAN ON OR BEFORE THE DATE INDICATED BELOW:

December 1 – Entries for all SAR and NGC awards (except for the Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl poster contest; that deadline is January 21st.)

March 1 – Youth Garden Club Dues and Rating Form and a check for $10.00 payable to GCNC.

March 1 – Entries for all GCNC awards

April 1 – Favors for the Youth Banquet at the GCNC Annual Meeting

There are 42 Youth Garden Clubs with 1,056 members in North Carolina.  For complete information on the youth program, contact the GCNC Youth Chairman, Ginny Parker, vlp1006@aol.com, 1801 Ridley Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27608, 919-832-5483.