Youth Programs
Kansas Extension Master Gardener volunteers have a long tradition of bringing horticulture education to young people across the state. From school gardens and 4-H programs to community events and classroom visits, volunteers work with youth in a variety of settings.
Junior Master Gardener
The Junior Master Gardener program is an international youth gardening program created and managed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Available to anyone who works with youth in a group setting, the research-based curriculum guides youth through hands-on learning and a service project, fostering a love of gardening and appreciation for the environment along the way.
The Junior Master Gardener Journey for Youth
How to get started and what to expect on the road to becoming a Junior Master Gardener.
Youth may start the JMG adventure by joining a registered Junior Master Gardener group. Here they will learn, garden, and explore with other youth who share their curiosity.
The Junior Master Gardener group will work through fun, interactive lessons from the JMG curriculum. Youth will discover eight chapters filled with concepts about plants, gardening, science, and helping others.
Youth will participate in:
- Group activities that they will complete together
- Individual activities where youth will explore on their own
- Community service or leadership projects that make a difference in the youth's community
As youth learn and grow, they can earn:
- Level 1 Junior Master Gardener Certification after completing all activity requirements
- Golden Ray Series Certificate for mastering a single chapter or topic in:
- Level 2 Junior Master Gardener Certification as they continue on their journey for:
After earning Level 1 certification, youth can keep growing! Opportunities may include:
- Helping younger JMG members
- Serving as a junior leader
- Volunteering in their community
- Becoming a JMG ambassador
- Working towards Golden Ray Series certificates or beginning Level 2
The JMG journey is about exploring, creating, discovering, and helping the local community flourish, one seed at a time.
The Junior Master Gardener Journey for Adults
How to get started and what to expect on the road to becoming a Junior Master Gardener Leader.
Begin by choosing an adult who will serve as the group's primary contact. This leader:
- Does not need to be a Master Gardener
- Should enjoy working with youth
- Can reach out to their local Extension office for gardening support
A Junior Master Gardener group must include at least five youth. Groups can form in many settings:
- Schools
- 4-H Clubs
- Homeschool groups
- After-School programs
- Youth organizations (Scouts, YMCA, faith-based groups)
- Libraries, gardens, or museums
The program is flexible and adaptable to both indoor and outdoor environments.
Before beginning curriculum activities, groups must be officially registered. The registration packet appears in the appendix of each curriculum. Online registration is also available.
Choose learning materials appropriate for your youth:
- Level 1 (Grades 3-5): Core curriculum + Golden Ray Series options
- Level 2 (Grades 6-8): Operation Thistle and Plant Growth and Development
- Additional Level 2 modules are being developed; Level 3 is not yet available
Purchase curriculum and recognition materials through the Texas A&M AgriLife Bookstore.
JMG Gear, such as shirts, hats, water bottles, bags and sunglasses are also available for purchase.
Lead youth through hands-on lessons. For Level 1, youth work towards:
- 44 group activities
- 44 individual activities
- 8 community service/leadership projects
Optional Golden Ray Series modules can be completed individually for smaller recognition milestones.
Certified youth can stay active by:
- Serving as junior leaders
- Supporting new JMG groups
- Expanding into Level 2
- Engaging in additional service learning
Your program can grow, evolve, and reach more youth year after year.
Adult Leaders can stay active by:
- Attending the JMG National Leader Virtual Training Conference, annually in February.