School Gardens

Growing Healthy Habits, Lifelong Learning, and Community Connections

The HANDS School Garden Program gives children the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow through hands-on experiences in nature.

What began as a community project has grown into an educational space where children discover where food comes from, learn about healthy living, and develop a deeper connection to the world around them.

The garden serves as an outdoor classroom that promotes learning, wellness, teamwork, and environmental stewardship for children and families throughout Wyoming County.

  • The School Garden is about much more than growing vegetables.

    It helps promote:

    • Healthy eating habits

    • Family wellness

    • Physical activity

    • Outdoor exploration

    • Community involvement

    • Positive learning experiences

    During the summer months, children participating in Group Connections help care for the garden and continue learning about nutrition and healthy living.

  • The School Garden gives children the chance to learn through discovery, build confidence through accomplishment, and develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

    By combining education, nutrition, nature, and community involvement, the program helps create meaningful experiences that support the growth and well-being of Wyoming County's youngest learners.

A young girl wearing a floral sun hat, a white t-shirt with a cartoon animal, and tie-dye pants, picking cherries in a lush outdoor garden.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The school garden provides children with unique opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences that support early childhood development and school readiness.

Through planting, growing, harvesting, and caring for the garden, children learn valuable lessons in:

  • Science and nature

  • Healthy eating habits

  • Responsibility and teamwork

  • Problem solving and observation

  • Environmental awareness

  • Physical activity and outdoor exploration

Teachers regularly incorporate garden-based activities into classroom lessons, helping children connect what they learn indoors with real-world experiences outdoors.

A Community Effort

The School Garden was established through funding from the Wyoming County United Way and the support of numerous community partners, volunteers, educators, and local organizations.

From its beginning, the project has brought together:

  • Preschool teachers

  • Parent volunteers

  • Local farmers

  • Retired educators

  • HANDS staff

  • Community organizations

Students from the Tunkhannock Area School District STEM Academy even helped design, construct, and deliver the raised garden beds that remain part of the garden today.

The project continues to demonstrate what can be accomplished when a community works together to support children and families.

What's Growing in the Garden?

The garden consists of multiple raised garden beds designed to help children experience different types of planting and harvesting activities.

Throughout the growing season, children may help care for:

  • Lettuce and salad vegetables

  • Beans and cucumbers

  • Carrots and radishes

  • Potatoes and onions

  • Pumpkins

  • Apple and pear trees

  • Raspberry bushes

  • Blueberry bushes

These experiences encourage children to try new foods, learn about nutrition, and understand the connection between gardening and healthy lifestyles.

Growing for the Future

The success of the School Garden has been made possible through ongoing community support and partnerships.

Funding and assistance have been provided by organizations including:

  • Wyoming County United Way

  • PA Pre-K Counts

  • Tunkhannock Rotary

  • Wyoming County Master Gardeners

  • The Mercy Foundation

  • Individual community donors

These partnerships help ensure the garden continues to provide educational opportunities and healthy experiences for children for years to come.

Support the School Garden

Community support helps us continue expanding and maintaining this valuable learning space for local children and families.

Whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or community partnerships, every contribution helps cultivate opportunities for future generations.

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Whether you are looking for preschool enrollment, parenting support, family resources, or community programs, HANDS is here to help.

Contact Information

HANDS of Wyoming County
1687 Scottsville Rd
Mehoopany, PA 18629

Phone:(570) 833-2350

Office Hours: Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

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