Gopher Adventures has been a great youth-focused and cross-county volunteer activity for Master Gardeners but will be on hiatus in 2025
10/2/2024
For many years, Master Gardeners have been part of the Gopher Adventure Camp experience at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus. The program was originally a Hennepin County Master Gardener project but, in the last three years, has included many Master Gardener volunteers from both Ramsey and Anoka counties as well, which offers a fun way to get to know some new fellow Master Gardeners.
Gopher Adventure Camp is for children ages 6-12, many of whom are related to University employees. It includes many types of activities, of which gardening is just one. We lead Junior Master Gardener lessons and include time to work in and learn about Goldy’s Garden, an area specifically set aside for the youth. It includes assorted vegetables and pollinator plants. The past two summers have featured several tomato plants donated to the program by RCMG volunteers and tomato enthusiasts, Joe Baltrukonis and Jennifer Porwit.
Beginning in May 2024, volunteers prepared the raised beds in Goldy’s Garden along with University students and interns. Vegetables and flowers are planted ahead of time so, when the students arrive, the garden is already sprouting. Maintenance of the gardens is one way Master Gardener volunteers sign up to help throughout the summer.
The camp’s gardening sessions take place on Tuesday mornings, June through August, culminating in a harvest feast prepared by the children under volunteer supervision. Master Gardener volunteers can sign up either as a lead teacher or as a small group leader in the garden. All lessons are already created and materials supplied. Sessions end with a brief review and a bit of phenology.
The Gopher Adventure summer program will be on hiatus for 2025 and new leaders from any and all of the three counties—Ramsey, Hennepin and Anoka—are being sought. The raised beds also need to be repaired or replaced before the summer program resumes. We’re definitely hoping to see this long-time successful program back in action after the 2025 hiatus.
If you are interested in learning more about this project or are interested in being part of the future leadership team, contact Susan Cathey.
Susan Cathey
RCMG Volunteer