White House Children's Garden coming to St. Cloud

Investing in our children and our community is always profitable/offers high returns. The White House Children's Project is a high yield investment for our whole community. So why is it special, what can you do to be a part of it and how does it work?

We are creating a road map for schools, history museums, and wellness groups to provide this live, interactive, playful and profitable learning experience that connects us with our first lady, Michelle Obama and reflects the ideals on which our country was born. Adults can invest time, expertise, wealth and communication to support and expand this project. Children can participate actively or validate by visiting and realizing that they are part of a community that values all of its residents and the ideals upon which our country was built.


Children ages 7 to 11, living in or visiting the greater St. Cloud area can take part in the action. Community volunteers from all fields, walks of life and belief systems are working with staff at the Stearns County History Museum to incorporate the garden project with the exhibit. Master Gardeners, RSVP, AAUW and Central Minnesota Women Shine are providing time, expertise and tools. You can call Stearns County History Museum, (320-253-8424 or 866-253-8424) to ask how you can be a part of this community building project.

For the children, each session includes time working in the garden, (weather permitting).  Beekeeping, cooking classes, flower pressing and hiking are all part of the fun. A snack is provided, at each session ends with a reading from The Secret Garden. Children can participate in one session or be charter members. Those who participate in at least 10 sessions will have the privilege to take part in a field trip to a state garden treasure.

This project will shine a light on all children and adults who participate, acknowledge, support. We are nurturing self worth, community and citizenship.

Because we are all busy and want to maximize opportunities, there are other community events focused on wellness and nutrition that children can attend that count towards the 10 session reward:

• Saturday, May 7, visit a garden Center and get verification from staff
• Saturday, May 14, Camp "Bee" Well, St. Cloud Hospital, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Saturday, May 21, Building a Rain Garden, Wilson Park, 2:00 p.m.

A Special thank you for 2nd graders At Talhali Community School along with their teachers and parents for their openness and creativity to participate in this project:

Photographs by Helen O., National Geographic Kids

Second Graders at Talahi Community School in St. Cloud, have planted the first seeds and will soon be transporting the first vegies to the planting site which has been lovingly prepared by garden experts. We promise to have live photos and keep you abreast of activities over the next weeks.

To learn more or register call Stearns History Museum, (320), 253-8424 or (866-253-8424