Rapid Ann Garden Club, Fun at Parks and Recreation. Youth Horticulture Education.

Why is it important to expose young children to a variety of new experiences?

-There are lots of “firsts” that will shape them as they grow.

-They need to discover and learn.

-It allows them to develop new relationships.

-They'll find skills and interest.

When the Orange Parks and Recreation Department approached the Rapid Ann Garden Club to devise a project for the children's day camp, it was an opportunity to do all of the above.

Ideally, this would be something that would be interactive and completed in a short time. Club members agreed on a floral arranging project. They also provided the materials and assisted the children in identifying flowers, the use of floral foam and arranging. Approximately 25 students participated and four club members.

The attached photos of the children with their completed arrangements speaks volumes. Each child made an individual arrangement to take home and enjoy. And who knows, among them may be a future celebrity florist, plant pathologist or garden club member.