“Growing goods kids by igniting a passion for leading, success, and service through a unique gardening education.”

Junior Master Gardener (JMG) is a special interest education program for youth in grades K-12. JMG programs engage children in novel “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate leadership, personal responsibility, community involvement and critical thinking skills.

The Marion County JMG program offers after school instruction, summer day-camps and school enrichment instruction. Students from six Marion County school districts gain hands-on outdoor education in horticulture, entomology, vermiculture, soil science, nutrition and culinary skills. Students who complete the 10-week program become certified Junior Master Gardeners.

The program is offered through a partnership with 4-H Positive Youth Development, the Marion County Master Gardener Association, classroom educators and non-profit organizations. The program is managed and delivered by volunteers who have a heart for students and outdoor garden education.

More than 80% of the students involved in Marion County JMG programs are underserved and come from low-income families. The cost for one student for the 10-week course is $35.

If you would like to volunteer to help the Marion County JMG program, contact Kelly Noack. Volunteers receive free ongoing training and mentoring from peers and staff, and leaders will work with you to fit your schedule and needs.

Donations are also encouraged and appreciated. Your donation of $35 provides a scholarship for one youth to attend a 10-week program. You can also sponsor a full 10-week camp for a donation of $1,250. Please donate with cash or check to OSU Extension Service Marion County. This program is in partnership with the 501c3 Master Gardener Association TM .

For more information about the Marion County JMG program, upcoming classes or programs, volunteering or donating, contact:

Kelly Noack
Marion County & Oregon 4-H JMG Coordinator
1320 Capitol St NE, Suite 110, Salem OR 97301
Email: Kelly.noack@oregonstate.edu
Phone: 503-588- 5301
Junior Master Gardener Website: jmgkids.us
4-H Marion County Website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/marion/4h