BCH launches new nature-based story time program
An innovative new nature-based program introducing preschool children to story times in a garden setting hopes to ‘plant a seed within families’ that fosters an ongoing connection to community gardens and their local public library.
The ‘Little Growers: Story time in the Garden’ is a partnership project between Bellarine Community Health (BCH) and Geelong Regional Libraries, which will see families participate in a nature-based story telling program, with stories, songs, and a hands-on garden activity.
By providing story times within community gardens, families can come together in a safe outdoor space, get hands-on in the garden, and find out about the places in their community where they can access free local and sustainable food.
The BCH Healthy and Connected Communities team is delivering Little Growers as part of their Bellarine Youth Agents of Change environmental leadership program, which includes a suite of local initiatives that takes a whole-of-community approach to increasing healthy eating and climate resilience on the Bellarine.
The BCH Youth Guerrilla Garden in Ocean Grove, where the first of the Little Growers sessions was held, is another of BCH’s Bellarine Youth Agents of Change initiative. The Guerrilla Garden is located behind the Ocean Grove Library.
Regular gardening workshops and working bees are hosted in the youth garden for Bellarine young people aged 12-18 years.
BCH hopes the garden space will open up for others in the community, including the Little Growers. Community gardens traditionally attract an older demographic so Little Growers aims to bring young families in to enjoy the many benefits which community gardens bring. This includes increased mental wellbeing, social connection, and access to affordable and healthy food.
Geelong Regional Libraries’ is thrilled to be partnering with BCH on the Little Growers project because it’s a great opportunity to promote and celebrate so many elements of wellbeing – from healthy eating, growing your own veggies, storytelling and fostering a love of reading and connecting with your local community.
As part of the Little Growers program, families will have the opportunity to find out about the Geelong Regional Libraries new Seed Library project. Community members can access free seeds to grow plants and vegetables at home through the Seed Library.
What: Little Growers: Story time in the garden
Where: Youth Guerrilla Garden behind headspace Ocean Grove, Presidents Ave
When: The next Little Growers is 9 Nov from 11am – 11:45am
Booking: No booking is required
Detail: Participants advised to wear sturdy shoes and a hat
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