June 16-18, 2025

In June, the Blue Mountain Coalition for Youth and Families hosted its 4th Annual Garden Camp, a three-day day camp for kids ages 6–12. Held entirely in the West Point Community Garden, the camp gave children a hands-on opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with nature in a fun, interactive setting.

This year’s highlights included special lessons from Gwen Barnes with CalFresh and local vermiculture expert Mary Bastian. Campers created art using seeds, taste-tested herb teas, nature journaled, built their own mini worm bins, and even harvested garlic and onions straight from the garden!

Spending time in the garden offers kids more than just fun activities—it builds a deeper understanding of where food comes from, encourages healthy eating, and teaches responsibility through caring for plants. Gardening also sparks creativity and curiosity, while offering a calming and grounding space for children to connect with the natural world.

Garden Camp continues to be a joyful tradition for our community, planting seeds of knowledge, wellness, and wonder in the next generation.