VCMGA CAMP
Kids’ event remains fun for all and all about learning
by Linda Lees/Victoria County Master Gardener
May 3, 2025
Master Gardener’s annual Kids’ Camp is set for June 2-6. (contributed photo)
Earlier this year the Victoria County Master Gardener Association’s Growing Healthy Kids Summer Camp committee began planning for the 2025 event.
They agreed this camp was going to be the best of the best VCMGA Kids Camp. They wanted more exciting daily programs. They demanded more active and fun filled mornings.
An expectant feeling of change was in the air as they selected a theme based on each season of the year. Following this train of thought, the committee decided to name the topic for this camp “Gardening Through the Seasons.”
The objective was to teach what goes on during summer, autumn, winter and spring in the garden while keeping everyone so busy the hours will quickly fly by. It was agreed that each day would feature one guest speaker instead of the traditional two thereby freeing up more time for crafts and other exciting ventures.
Another First for VCMGA
Best of all, campers will have the opportunity to install a new flower garden at Victoria Educational Gardens (aka VEG). This garden will feature annual flowers, and it will be located at the front of the facility. Everyone will be given potted plants to transplant into the garden, and in addition they will be creating colorfully painted rocks to decorate this area.
As this garden grows weeks following the summer camp, the children are encouraged to return to the VEG with their families and friends to proudly view their handiwork.
The camp will be open to youngsters aged six through 12. It will be located at the Victoria Educational Gardens and Pavilion, 283 Bachelor Dr., across from the Victoria Regional Airport control tower. It will run from June 2-6 from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
Registration Begins May 1
Registration will begin May 1 and conclude May 26. A fee of $65 per child will be charged. Enrollment will be limited to 60 participants on a first come, first served basis. To register go to www.txmg.org/victoria and click on Kids Summer Camp. The registration and consent form may be printed from this site. https://txmg.org/victoria/files/2025/05/2025-REGISTRATION-AND-CONSENT-FORM.pdf
All entries must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. They must grant permission to allow VCMGA to photograph their children for recognition, advertising, or media purposes. Each participant has the right not to participate in any activities that makes him or her uncomfortable.
VCMGA will not allow off campus visitors to attend the program unless they are parents or legal guardians.
The completed registration and consent form may be mailed with payment to VCMGA, P.O. Box 3822, Victoria, Tx, 77903, or delivered to the Victoria County Office of Texas A& M University AgriLife Extension Service, 528 Waco Circle, located near the airport.
Look for Updates on Camp Agenda
Participants and their parents are urged to look for updates on the camp agenda. They may do so by again going to www.txmg./ org/victoria. Many of the activities were still on the drawing board at the time this article was submitted to the Gardeners’ Dirt column.
One promise has been made. There will be fun hands-on gardening time and crafts each day. Outdoor activities will include scavenger hunts, along with games like dragon races, beach ball hockey, “snowball” fights and alligator (without the real alligators!) races.
Youngsters will learn about the world of bees and insects. They will gain knowledge about the small critters beneath their feet, like earthworms. Once again, the popular “bug” play will be performed this year featuring butterfly costumes and entertaining scripts.
Each day VCMGA volunteers in the Pavilion kitchen will serve up tasty and healthy snacks featuring the seasons. There also will be time to enjoy music, indoor games and a “discovery table” with small prizes.
For additional information call Nancy Kramer at 361-935-1556.