Christy Counts, an 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher at Nathan Hale Middle School, is the Lead Program Coordinator of our B.A.R.K. Afterschool Program there as well as the leader of our 6th Grade Summer Transition Program at the school. She is good at convincing rising 6th graders to ditch their phones and come dig in the flowerbeds at the school. Ms. Counts provides the opportunity, the right tools, and encouragement for our young people to discover that they love gardening.
Whether it’s flowers or vegetables, caring for plants helps teenagers develop responsibility. They also gain a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence as they raise small sprouts into full blooming beauties.
Plants require sufficient sunlight and water, but also have individual needs. Our young gardeners get to experiment and learn what is best for each plant, experiencing the benefits of their efforts over time.
Research shows that spending just a few minutes outdoors, surrounded by grass, trees, and plants can boost a teen’s ability to focus and concentrate. Having our students help weed the garden, prune the shrubs, or water the plants— they find they can concentrate better when they get back to work.
Teens that grow their own food are more likely to enjoy eating healthy. Tasting the fruits of their own efforts often inspires them to eat more of the items they grow themselves.
