About the Program#

Project Hort, short for horticulture, is a full summer stewardship and volunteer program for teens entering 7th through 12th grade who are passionate about gardening, plants, animals or the environment.

Over the course of the summer, with staff guidance and support, teens will:

• Volunteer at The Gardens—gardening, teaching and helping guests
• Have an impact on their community through conservation projects
• Make great friends with similar interests and participate in fun events

Scheduling Requirements#

This program is a full summer commitment. However, we understand that vacations are important and will work with your schedule. 

• Teens are required to attend a minimum of 12 hours a week
• One shift per week is a set shift for stewardship lessons; this shift is based on participant availability once selections are made. The rest of the week is flexible scheduling with full or partial days up to five days a week

Monday–Friday Project Hort shifts are:

• Full-day shifts: 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Morning shifts are 8:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Afternoon shifts are 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Program Benefits#

While there are many incredible benefits to participating in Project Hort, here are a few of our favorites:

• $100 gift card for teens that meet volunteer hour benchmarks (~12 hours a week)
• Logged volunteer hours (150–250 hours)
• Learning and refining skills such as gardening, public speaking, customer service, grant writing, project management, teamwork and leadership
• Skilled mentoring by staff
• Gardens-themed swag
• Great friendships
• A summer outside in nature
• Additional volunteer opportunities throughout the year
• Free plants

Key Dates#

Please keep these dates in mind as you plan your application:

• Applications Open: Feb. 1
• Applications Due: Feb. 29
• Parent Informational Meeting (watch 2023's meeting here)
• Interview Window: March 11–24
• Mandatory Training Days: May 23, 4 p.m.–8 p.m. or June 1, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (Lunch/Dinner Provided)
• Program Runs: June 3–Aug. 2
• Mid-Summer Celebration: Tuesday, July 2, 5–7 p.m.
• End of Summer Fun Week: July 29 –Aug. 2, with different activities each day
• Community Showcase: July 31, 3 p.m., with garden tours to follow

Applications for summer 2024 are closed. Check back next year!

About the Program#

Junior Hort is a program designed for rising 6th and 7th graders interested in plants, animals and helping their community through volunteering. Students will meet once a week throughout the summer at the Gardens on Spring Creek with each week being a new focus of learning. This program also prepares students for the Project Hort program, which they can apply for in 7th through 12th grade.

Over the course of the summer, with staff guidance and support, incoming 6th graders will:

• Learn about the Gardens on Spring Creek and all the programs we have to offer
• Earn volunteer hours while helping the community
• Participate in fun events and collaborate with Project Hort members
• Receive an introduction to the Project Hort program

Scheduling Requirements#

This program is a once-per-week commitment throughout the summer. However, we understand that vacations are important and will work with your schedule. 

• The program runs June 13–Aug. 1
• Junior Hort shifts are 9 a.m.–12 p.m. on Thursdays

Program Benefits#

While there are many incredible benefits to participating in the Junior Hort program, here are some of our favorites:

• Logged volunteer hours (approximately 21 hours with opportunities for more)
• Learning and practicing skills such as professionalism, public speaking, independence, teamwork, communication and leadership
• Skilled mentoring by staff
• Insight into the Project Hort program
• Great friendships
• A summer outside in nature
• Additional volunteer opportunities throughout the year
• Free plants

Key Dates#

Please keep these dates in mind as you plan your summer:

• Applications Open: Feb. 1
• Applications Due: Feb. 29
• Mandatory Training Day: June 13, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Program Runs: June 13– Aug.1
• Mid-Summer Celebration: Tuesday, July 2, 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
• Community Showcase: July 31, 3 p.m., with garden tours to follow

Applications for summer 2024 are closed. Check back next year!