A typical afternoon

2:30 to 3:30 pm Students arrive from school, have a snack in the library, and can do homework or play board games. Supervised, unstructured, no programming.

3:30 to 5:30 pm Out to the garden. Each session opens with a short circle to go over what we are doing and why, then students work in small groups across the rooftop garden, the pollinator garden, and the hydroponics system.

5:30 pm Dismissal.

As the weather turns in November and December, sessions move mostly indoors to hydroponics, seed starting, and kitchen work.

Students are responsible for their own arrival and dismissal. No transportation is provided.

Fall 2026 schedule

Mondays and Wednesdays, September 23 through December 9. Twenty sessions.

No session: October 12 · November 11 · November 25

Last session and celebration: December 9. Families are invited.

Download the fall calendar. Descargar el calendario de otoño [español]

Punchcard

Students earn a punch for every session they attend and pick up prizes along the way, with recognition at the December celebration for students who attend nearly every session.

Volunteer hours are tracked and documented on request.

High school students: apply to be a Youth Leader

Gardening Club sessions are for 6th through 8th graders. High school students can take part in one way, as a Youth Leader helping to run the program. We select a small group of four to six leaders for the semester. Leaders take attendance, lead a small group during the work block, own one part of the garden, and teach at least one mini-lesson before December.

Youth Leaders receive documented volunteer hours, a leadership role with real responsibility, and a letter of recommendation. This is a separate role with an application. Email Valeria at vdiaz@ywhi.org to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need to register before coming?
Yes. The registration form must be completed before your child’s first session. It takes about five minutes and only needs to be done once for the whole semester. After that, they can come to any session without telling us in advance. Students who have not registered will wait in the library until the form is complete.

Does my child need gardening experience?
No. Most students start with none.

Is there a cost?
No. The program is free.

Do they have to come both days?
No. Come to whichever sessions work, and there is no need to tell us in advance which ones.

Can they join after September?
Yes. Registration is open all semester.

What happens if it rains?
We move indoors and work on hydroponics, seed starting, or kitchen projects.

My child’s school lets out before 2:30. Can they come earlier?
Contact us and we will arrange it.

Who picks them up?
Students arrive and leave on their own unless you tell us on the registration form that an authorized adult will collect them.

What if my child has allergies or dietary restrictions?
Tell us on the registration form. Snack includes kosher, gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options.

Do they get volunteer hours? Y
es, tracked through the punchcard and documented on request.

Register

Registration is open all semester. Come to whichever sessions work.

Register here

For more information or any questions, contact Valeria Obregón Díaz, Coordinator of Teens and Young Adult Engagement, at vdiaz@ywhi.org.

Español

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