H.E.L.P.
Horticultural and Environmental Leadership Program
Brochure is now available for download.

WHAT
The Horticultural and Environmental Leadership Program (H.E.L.P.)  is a FREE 5 week program focusing middle-school students on environmental and agricultural issues in their local and greater community. The program is based at the Delaware Center for Horticulture (TheDCH) and at nearby Point Lookout Farm in Chester County, PA. Students will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and to practice teamwork and civic responsibility.
The program format will include on-site horticulture and agriculture exploration, environmentally focused field trips, service-learning  projects, leadership development activities, and local professionals who will speak to the students about relevant topics.
VISION
To provide a positive summer program for teens who will use the knowledge and leadership skills gained to be proactive about environmental stewardship and   influence the future.

VALUES
H.E.L.P. believes in New Castle County residents having equal access to resources and opportunities concerning environmental issues and  leadership.

We fully intend for H.E.L.P. to be fun as well as educational. The success of this program depends on the total participation and cooperation of each student. Students are expected to attend each session, arrive on time, actively participate, and exhibit interest in environmental issues. They must attend the orientation and graduation.
Students may only miss one day during the program, so please take summer vacations into  account. Students must participate in the graduation in order to receive their stipend.

WHO
New Castle County students entering 8th grade. Thirteen students will comprise H.E.L.P. Students are selected based on:
· Academic achievement (C+/80% average or   
  better)
· Teacher recommendation
· Classroom conduct and behavior
· Interest in gardening, science, human health, plants, agriculture, community, and the environment
· Financial need

WHEN
The 2010 class will run from July 12th through August 13th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and longer on field trip days. 

STUDENT BENEFITS
Students will receive a well-rounded environmental education, opportunities to develop leadership and job skills, and gardening abilities. The students are provided with a monetary stipend of $250 at the completion of the program. DART bus passes will be available free of charge to students who need them.

HOW TO APPLY
Download and complete the application, and submit via postal mail, email, or drop off at the Delaware Center for Horticulture to:

DEALINE TO APPLY:
Mail or fax your APPLICATION and QUESTIONAIRE by MAY 21, 2010. Have your school email, mail, or fax your RECOMMENDATION FORMS and TRANSCRIPT by JUNE 4th

Jacque Williamson, Parks Projects Coordinator
1810 N. Dupont Street, Wilmington, DE 19806
302-658-6262 *124
jwilliamson@thedch.org

Youth Garden Tours and Worshops

Exploring a garden is great fun for kids, from our blooming flower beds to our bug-eating bog plants. A great trip to combine with a visit to the playground next door to DCH or a hike down Brandywine Parks trails to the river.

Tours and workshops are available for groups. For a request form and fee information, please contact Sarah Deacle at (302) 658-6262 ext. 117 or sbdeacle@dehort.org