Throughout the year, The Growing Experience delivers a variety of youth programs and workshops aimed at developing an understanding and appreciation of nutrition, the local food system, urban agriculture, science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.) topics, ecology, and more!
Nutrition and Cooking Demos
Getting fresh produce is the first step to adopting a healthier lifestyle, but learning how to use new and unfamiliar items is often an additional barrier. In addition to growing fresh produce, The Growing Experience works to teach members of the community how to get the most out of the fresh fruits and veggies we grow. Workshops are vegetarian friendly and focus on getting youth comfortable with preparing a variety of produce items.
Juvenile Justice and Crime Prevention Act Program
Due to a variety of circumstances, the youth living in the Carmelitos Public Housing Development are considered at-risk, therefore, specialized Juvenile Justice and Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) programs have been developed at The Growing Experience to assist in curbing crime among at-risk youth.
The Growing Experience hosts summer, spring-break, and after-school JJCPA programs to engage Carmelitos youth in meaningful activities on the farm with a focus on developing knowledge of agriculture, the local food system, health and nutrition, and local ecology. While every cohort is different, and the program is tailored to meet the needs and interests of the group, each participant develops skills in personal responsibility, time management, and team building. Over the duration of the program, the youth plant and manage their own garden, learn to harvest and prepare fresh foods, study basic nutrition, and explore the farm ecology. Participants also engage in arts and crafts and take educational field trips related to the topics they explore in the program.