File photo of the Camp Curtin YMCA community garden
Summer may be wrapping up, but Harrisburg kids will have a chance to close out the season by getting their hands dirty in the garden.
On Sept. 25, local urban agriculture group Ngozi’s Let’s Get Dirty! will host an educational and hands-on event to teach residents about gardening and sustainability.
“Our goal is to inspire, educate and empower the residents of Harrisburg most impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19),” said certified permaculture instructor Rafiyqa Muhammad of the agricultural organization, in a statement.
The Living Healthy Harrisburg event will take place at the Camp Curtin YMCA’s urban garden, in back of the facility, and run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ngozi instructors will teach students how to build a garden using a recycled chair and how to grow a strawberry plant in anticipation of next spring. The class is limited to 12 children.
They will also help youth build, design and paint compost containers for the YMCA garden.
“Living Healthy Harrisburg engages, demonstrates and educate local communities on how to reduce their carbon footprint as well as holistic approaches through green sustainable living,” Muhammad said.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. children’s author Danielle M. Jackson will read from her books, including her newest, “Lettuce Turnip at the Farmers Market.” The first 10 children will receive free, signed books. The author of “From Hurt 2 Healing,” Jamillah London, will be present as well.
In addition to learning about planting food, students will get to taste some from the YMCA’s garden harvest.
To help participants get some energy out, fitness instructors Charisse Grayer and Sandy Johnson will lead kids in wellness activities.
The YMCA, the Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg and Gateway Health Plan will also attend to provide education and information about their organizations.
Ngozi’s Let’s Get Dirty! Urban Agriculture is an initiative by local businesses, nonprofits, elected officials and community members to provide education on regenerative and economically viable urban permaculture farming practices.
For more information about Living Healthy Harrisburg, visit their Facebook page.
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