Growing Schools
For 25 years, Growing Schools has been sowing seeds with children and youth and transforming school grounds into outdoor classrooms. Our vision is a vibrant garden in every school where students, teachers, parents, and community members can gather to learn, grow, and share delicious food with each other.
We take education outside through our workshops, youth leadership programs, garden installations and teacher training. Through our programs, we aim to empower students and teachers to participate in their local food systems and build a deeper relationship with the natural world.
Workshops
Through the school year, we deliver curriculum-linked programs that engage students in hands-on learning through indoor and outdoor workshops.
We offer a variety of workshops for elementary, middle, and high school students!
Welland Community Orchard Field Trips and Tours
Growing Schools hosts field trips and tours for K-12 school groups and community groups at the beautiful Welland Community Orchard and nearby Knockan Hill Park! This unique orchard houses over 200 fruit trees, shrubs, and vines.
SEED THE CITY | Youth Program
Seed the City is a work experience program for high school students where they can gain skills in urban farming and gardening, explore career pathways in horticulture, and become part of the local food movement in their city.
This program is a partnership between TOPSOIL, LifeCycles, and the Greater Victoria School District.
Schoolyard Micro-Farms
We support the development and maintenance of gardens and micro-farms in consultation with individual school communities.
Want to volunteer?
Volunteers are an essential part of our Growing Schools team. Assist with delivering garden-based workshops, youth leadership programs, garden installation, garden maintenance, and more!