DUG’s Youth Engagement programs aim to inspire a love of nature for our future earth stewards.
DUG connects young learners to the intersections of food, community, and climate through exploration, play, and learning. We offer a variety of ways to engage youth with DUG through our school-based gardens, engaging classes and community partners.
Book a Class with DUG!
DUG brings the wonder of gardening to your classroom or community group with our signature youth classes. Explore our options to bring a DUG instructor directly to your kiddos with classes that run 30-60 min long, depending on your class’s availability and needs.
DUG Classes are offered at the following pricing tiers, with generous funding support for Denver County through HFDK.
| Free | $95 per class | $175 per class |
| All Denver County public schools | Title-1 designated, non-Denver County public schools (e.g., JeffCo, Aurora, Adams, etc) |
non-Title-1 designated,
non- Denver County public schools (e.g., JeffCo, Aurora, Adams, etc) |
| Nonprofit, extracurricular programs, youth groups, and private organizations principally serving Denver County youth with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less | Nonprofit organizations, extracurricular programs, youth groups, and private organizations not principally serving Denver County youth with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less |
Nonprofit organizations, extracurricular programs, youth groups, and private organizations not principally serving Denver County youth with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or more
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| Denver County private schools with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less |
Denver County private schools with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or more
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| Optional Worm Bin Kit Add-On*: $0 | Optional Worm Bin Kit Add-On*: $75 | Optional Worm Bin Kit Add-On*: $75 |
| Optional Light Kit Add-On: $0 | Optional Light Kit Add-On: $50 | Optional Light Kit Add-On: $50 |
*subject to availability
Soil Superheroes: Hands-on with Red Wiggler Worms
Join us on an exciting journey to discover the underground world of worms—our very own soil superheroes! In this fun and interactive class, kids get up close and personal with red wiggler worms, learning why they’re crucial for healthy soil and plants. We’ll explore a worm bin, find out what worms love to eat, and get close and personal with our wriggly visitors. From feeding our worm friends to uncovering the secrets of “black gold,” this adventure is packed with hands-on learning, curiosity, and creativity.
Optional Worm Bin Add-On:
We’ll set up your very own classroom worm bin! Students will help build your worm bin while learning all about their new classroom companions. Worm bin, initial materials, and ½ pound of Red Wiggler worms included. Teachers are responsible for maintenance and continued care of their worm bins.
Seeds of Wonder: Seasonal Planting Experience
This lively exploration allows young gardeners to discover the secrets within different seeds, journey through their amazing lifecycle, and get hands-on with soil and planting while making learning fun and interactive. Perfect for indoor planting, this class sparks curiosity about plant life cycles and fosters a love for growing in our youngest earth stewards.
Optional Light Kit Add-On:
We’ll set up your very own classroom light kit! Participants will be able to start their first seeds with DUG staff and be able to do the process with you all year round. Kits include seed trays and domes, 84 LED with 6000K white light attachable to tables, and watering tools. Participants are responsible for maintenance and continued care of their growing areas!
Peck, Scratch and Squawk: Everyday Use of Chickens in the Garden
In this hands-on experience, students will be introduced to aviculture with live chickens, discovering the role of poultry birds in gardens and farms. They’ll learn about different poultry types used for meat, eggs, and feathers, as well as essential bird care, including nutrition housing, and even how to speak chicken!.
Intro To The Garden: Outdoor Garden Exploration
Do you have access to a school or community garden but aren’t sure how to use it as an outdoor classroom? Let us show you the way! During our Introduction to the Garden class, DUG will cover the rules for the garden and then lead you and your students through a grade-appropriate hands-on activity, from discovering shapes and colors to exploring the senses or identifying animal and plant life cycles.
The Four Seasons Sensory and Wellness Nature Practices
Join us as we explore mindfulness and emotional well-being through nature-based activities that change with the seasons. Students will engage in hands-on experiences that foster a deep connection with the environment, promoting relaxation and mental health. From sensory explorations to seasonal discoveries, this class is designed to help students unwind, de-stress, and learn about the rhythms of nature in a fun and meaningful way!
Explore Our Family Programs
We offer intergenerational classes designed to spark learning and fun for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents!
There are currently no events.
DUG ECE Resources
Lessons offered in nature are transformative for young children. In the garden, students engage in hands-on experiences that foster holistic learning, build skills in natural science, and encourage collaboration, community, curiosity, and exploration.
ECE Garden-Based
Lesson Plans
Our ECE gardening-based lesson plans for educators offer a range of engaging activities and lessons designed to ignite curiosity and nurture a love for science in the littlest of learners.
Farmer Dave + Friends
Video Collaboration
DUG meets up with Rocky Mountain PBS stars Farmer Dave (and his friends!) in DUG gardens across Denver as we have fun in nature!
Our Community Partners
Want to learn more about youth engagement or partnerships with DUG?
Contact Youth Engagement Manager Vanessa Carrillo Villalobos at vanessa@dug.org.
Seed to Plate to Regenerate (SPR)
Denver Urban Gardens, Slow Food Denver, and We Don’t Waste work together to educate students and increase access to nutritious food. Leveraging each organization’s strengths, SPR delivers hands-on activities in gardening, cooking, nutrition, composting, and food waste reduction, including classroom lessons, cooking classes, food waste audits, and food distribution.
The Growing Scientists Program
In partnership with six Title I schools, Denver Urban Gardens, Colorado Ballet, Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Botanic Gardens, and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies offer no-cost STEAM programming for Pre-K through 3rd-grade students from underserved communities. Grounded in state and national science standards, the program enhances classroom learning with interactive experiences. Each cultural organization contributes grade-specific activities, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop STEAM skills while engaging alongside teachers and parents.
