Campers learn in Georgia K. Battle Flower Garden

Jeannie Holmes, right, instructs campers Wednesday at Georgia K. Battle’s flower garden. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

Summer has been for the gardens at Georgia K. Battle.

Each Wednesday over the previous six weeks, campers have enjoyed time in the flower garden with an array of different topics. Throughout the summer, there were conversations about garden exploration, blueberries, seeds, vegetables, insects and watermelons, showing children where it all comes from.

Peg Godwin, a horticulture extension agent with Lenoir County Cooperative Extension at N.C. State, said it was something she's wanted to do for a while — educating children about the different factors outdoors in the garden. A collaboration with the Kinston-Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Department made it possible.

"It was my dream to be able to talk to the kids about food and nature," Godwin said. "Most of the time, they're indoors with a computer. … We've had this garden for the past five years and have been able to show the kids where their food comes from and just inform them throughout."

Godwin said the children have been very receptive.

"The kids love it," Godwin said. "They appreciate the butterflies, vegetables, flower beds and the gardens overall."

Linezell Robinson, 7, said the camp has been fun for him.

"It's fun because we get to go somewhere every day," Robinson said.

Jamauri Carmon, 7, said there were several things he enjoyed.

"I like the flowers, insects and blueberries," Carmon said.

Jeannie Holmes volunteers at the camp, leading some of the presentations for the children.

"Each week, we had a different theme to discuss before breaking off to crafts and tastings," Holmes said. "They also get to take things home at the end and they've enjoyed it."