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Growing Future Leaders
The Learning Gardens Youth Programs nurture young minds through engaging activities in nature. We focus on character building, exploring and learning about native species, fostering a strong sense of community, and cultivating the garden where we learn how food is grown and harvested. Our programs welcome parents to actively participate, enriching the educational experience and fostering a collaborative, supportive environment.
Spring 2026Programs
Wednesdays Weekly: 11am - 2pm
Wednesdays in the Wild embraces the magic of nature as our classroom. Join us most Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for hands-on outdoor learning designed to build confidence, curiosity, and connection to the land.
This program is best for kids ages 6–14, offering a mix of freedom, structure, and meaningful skill-building.
This season, students will focus on nature journaling—a practice that encourages observation, reflection, and creativity. Each Wednesday, they’ll spend time on the trails sketching, writing, and recording their discoveries in their own journals.
🏅 New for Spring 2026: The Learning Gardens Badge System
Beginning this spring, students can earn a specialty badge each week for completing age appropriate hands-on activities through demonstrating stewardship, curiosity, and skills.
These badges motivate learners, track progress, and celebrate real accomplishments in the natural world.
Students can earn badges such as:
- Wildflower Friend, Bird Buddy, Tree Tender, Eco Artist, Soil Scientist, Weather Watcher, Pollinator Partner, Erosion Engineer
Dates:
2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13
Wednesdays in the Wild Informational:
2/11
Bad Weather Make Up Day:
5/20
Fee: $275 + $25 supply fee
Drop in for 4 sessions: $120 + $25 supply fee
Drop in for 1 session: $35
Spring 2026Programs
Fridays Monthly: 10am - 11:30am
Join us for Little Sprouts at the Learning Gardens — a fun, hands-on program designed for children ages 0-5 (with parent participation). Together, you and your little one will explore nature, connect with the outdoors, and engage in creative activities like planting seeds and taking short hikes through the beautiful Learning Gardens.
Held once a month on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, this program offers a perfect opportunity to introduce your child to the wonders of nature, while bonding with them in a peaceful, nurturing environment. Each session is a new adventure filled with discovery!
Dates: 3/13, 4/17, 5/15, 6/12
Fee: $60 for all 4 sessions
Drop in for 1 session: $20
$5 for each additional child per session
Saturdays Monthly: 12pm - 4pm
Once a month, kids in grades K–8 are invited to unplug, explore, and connect with the wild. Bushcraft Saturdays offer hands-on experiences in traditional outdoor skills, designed to build confidence, curiosity, and a lasting relationship with nature.
Set among the woods of our beautiful learning space, each session is packed with real skills, real tools, and real adventure.
Dates: 3/14, 4/18, 5/16, 6/13
Fee: $120 for all 4 sessions
Drop in for 1 session: $40
Nature Explorers Trunk Program
Inspiring students to explore and protect nature
The Nature Explorers Trunk Program brings hands-on environmental education to schools with portable trunks filled with books, activities, and resources. Featuring themes like “Plant a Garden” and “Birds of Northeast Texas,” it helps students connect with local nature and fosters stewardship. Available to public and private schools region-wide, the program is supported by community partners including the Athens Rotary Club and dedicated volunteers, inspiring curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.