On November 11, 2025, the Dew of Heaven Children’s Garden (DHCG) proudly kicked off its inaugural outreach event, the “Little Dew-ers Workshop,” a delightful gathering affectionately dubbed the “Garden Party” by our enthusiastic young participants. This event was crafted with the intention of engaging youth in stimulating hands-on STEAM activities while raising awareness about the inspiring mission of DHCG. We were excited to foster community involvement and connect with potential participants, partners, and volunteers.
Welcoming Our Participants
At 10:30 AM, we welcomed eighteen bright young minds along with their parents and guardians, eager to dive into the world of growing food, healthy eating, and the fascinating journey of agricultural byproducts.
Planting Adventure Station
Our adventure began with Mrs. Candi Barahona, a passionate veteran gardener, who shared her expertise on planting radishes and lettuce—some of the quickest and easiest vegetables to cultivate. The eager participants had the opportunity to plant seeds in biodegradable cups, gaining valuable hands-on experience in sustainable growing practices while deepening their understanding of plant biology and agriculture. With Candi’s guidance, they learned the essentials of planting and nurturing their own plants, eagerly taking them home. One participant was thrilled to share that their radish had started sprouting just one week later!
Bird Seed Ornament Station
Next, we transitioned to the Bird Seed Ornament station, led by Mrs. Ramayla Ashford-Odom, where participants explored the importance of Agricultural Byproducts and Wildlife Systems. Everyone enjoyed the creative experience of making bird seed ornaments to take home or hang in the community space. They discovered how crops contribute to wildlife ecosystems while practicing basic measurement and food science principles. Although mixing unflavored gelatin with warm water created a rather amusing smell that led some to plug their noses, the sticky concoction transformed into delightful ornaments after a little creativity and patience.
Farm-to-Table Nutrition Station
The fun continued as we delved into Farm-to-Table Nutrition & Food Systems with Dr. T’arie Todman. Participants prepared a simple yet nutritious snack that connected agricultural production to healthy eating habits. They creatively crafted “flavor flippers” using tortillas and a delightful mix of their favorite ingredients. The process involved a small cut from the edge to the center of the wrap, placing colorful ingredients in each of the four sections, followed by three fun flips—resulting in a layered pocket full of flavor! Some also made a quick taco with the same ingredients.
Community Engagement and Conclusion
Afterward, the youth indulged in some playful exploration at the park while we prepared lunch. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the participants and volunteers, and especially to the Winston County Self Help Cooperative for co-hosting and sponsoring this memorable event. It was a joyful day filled with learning, laughter, and a sense of community, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our budding agricultural learners!