Growing Young Farmers at Sandown
We work with The Growing Young Farmers’ Society to develop hands-on, outdoor education programs for school children, from Pre-School to Highschool.
Since Spring 2024, Sandown has welcomed class field trips to the farm, where students can learn about soil and plant life, food systems, environmental restoration and regenerative food production.
We offer a range of activities in our teaching gardens that is suitable for all ages and seasons. We offer this program for $75/hr and tailor the field trip length to your needs. We also offer to cover the cost of transportation should fees be a barrier for you. Please reach out if you have any questions, or fill out the booking form below.
Thank you to the Victoria Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment, and Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation for supporting this work!
“The program is providing the students with a sense of physical and emotional well-being for life, and they are having fun!”
— Cathy Afford, retired teacher
"Harvesting not only provides the children with a hands-on learning opportunity but also allows them to engage in healthy eating habits."
— Kristi Norberg, owner/operator, In The Garden Daycare
About The Growing Young Farmers Society
The Growing Young Farmers’ Society was founded in 2011 and became a registered charity in 2013. Their goal is to provide hands-on educational opportunities to youth on growing food, soil and ecosystem health, and biodiversity.
Children who participate in growing food become more aware of what they consume, where it comes from, and how it impacts the environment. By learning how to grow food, students can also play an active role in increasing Vancouver Island's sustainability and decreasing our dependence on the global, industrial food system.
From 2011-2022 Growing Young Farmers operated in-school programs, helping children learn gardening skills by maintaining gardens at their schools. They also offered spring break and summer camps, including at Sandown in 2022.
In 2023 The Growing Young Farmers’ Society transitioned away from school-garden programs, and has entrusted the Sandown Centre to run its youth programming at our farm. Programs will be up and running for school field trips in spring of 2024!
Growing Young Farmers Charity Registration #84181 6887 RR001
Become a Donor.
Help support the ongoing work of the Growing Young Farmers’ Society at The Sandown Centre!
We rely on the generosity of our community to fund youth programs. Let’s work together to ensure a healthy, nourishing future for our kids!
Board of Directors
The Growing Young Farmers Society is run by a dedicated group of volunteer Board members.
Carol Hyland - President
Anita Abbott - Treasurer
Ann Eastman - Secretary
Brooke Williams - Board Member at Large
Debbie Pungente - Board Member at Large