Katie's Krops & Youth Gardening
Katie's Krops donates seeds, garden supplies, and lesson plans, and is a tremendous resource.
Mr. Thomas Nichols donates land, equipment, expertise & more.
We couldn't do it without them!
Benefits of Youth Gardening
As time passes, fewer young people have access to hands-on growing experiences. In addition to fresh air and exercise, gardening and farming create memorable lessons for youth:
Organizational Skills and Preparation (readying dirt for future success)
Diligence (in proper planting)
Patience & Nurturing (as plants grow)
Structured Routine (leads to proper growth)
Delayed Gratification (waiting for harvest time)
Healthy Pride (in good results)
Overcoming Adversity (if a crop is damaged by deer or weather)
Sustainability and Composting (giving back, sustainable agriculture)
Generosity (in sharing crops with those in need)
Age-appropriate tasks are assigned on the farm, and in addition to the lessons above, crops are grown “chemical-free” to demonstrate a “drug-free” lifestyle throughout the growing season. All Young Motivators programs include elements of reducing drug demand in our communities.
Young Motivators learn other life skills on the farm: teamwork, how to use tools, operating farm equipment safely, and the importance of maintaining property and equipment.
Young Motivators produce is donated to our Food Pantry Operations.
Katie's Krops
Katie’s Krops is an outstanding example of how much an act of kindness can accomplish.
Katie and her mother, Stacy, were inspired by Katie’s elementary school project, a tiny cabbage seedling which grew into a remarkable 40lb cabbage. Katie asked her mother to donate the cabbage to feed the hungry, and Katie watched as her cabbage was made into a large batch of soup, feeding 275 people!
Katie’s generous heart led to years of local outreach, and in 2020 Katie’s Krops was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation based in Summerville, South Carolina. Katie’s Krops now supports over 100 gardens in 30 states in America, giving young people a chance to learn, grow, and fight food insecurity.
Katies Krops is a generous donor to NCF Young Motivators. Please visit Katies web site to learn more.
Thomas Nichols' Farm
Year Round Camp Classes
Clayton Fleming leads year round camp classes for up to 12 youth per month. He teaches them how to plant and grow and harvest healthy food.
Donor Thomas Nichols
Mr. Nichols is a 3rd generation farmer, a strong mentor, and wonderful role model in addition to being a generous in-kind supporter of North Central Florida Young Motivators.
Let's Work Together!
If you are able to help, please reach out today!