Since 2016, Oconee Cultivation Project has provided youth with education in growing food and culinary practices. Through educational workshops, our free summer youth camp, and access to community gardens where we are able to share ideas and knowledge with a younger generation. Our volunteers are passionate farmers, gardeners, homecooks, chefs, and business owners who wish to share their knowledge with the community.

We are raising funds to grow and expand our Cultivateen Program. We need to raise $1200 to host our culinary camp that will be happening this month in Westminster. This is a free camp for teens ages 12 - 15, they will develop advanced cooking skills, time management, foresight and work ethic. They will be able to plan and execute a full dinner service for their family and some of our local farmers who have been supporting OCP over the years. This camp also includes educational activities at the Community Garden on West Abbey St, where teens will learn more about growing food, composting, native plants and the importance of community. This is a special week for teens to be empowered with knowledge and have an opportunity to build life skills that they can immediately apply and use daily. 

With funding of  $2000 we could expand on our Cultivateen Program this year to offer more youth cooking classes to give more kids from the community the opportunity to build skills that will last a lifetime. We will also be able to have more day trips to visit our local farm and support our community.

Oconee Cultivation manages two garden spaces in Oconee County, one garden in Westminster and one in Walhalla. Maintenance and operating cost for these Community Gardens is around $800 per year. With $1,500 we could cover our expenses and make improvements to these gardens for the community to enjoy these spaces.   

The Community Garden is the one place in the City where you can have a direct impact in a public space. We want more of our local community of all ages to come out and get involved with these beautiful spaces. Sharing ideas and knowledge is encouraged to help us create a magical community space for all to enjoy.