Applications for 2021 Summer Programs are now closed.

Applications for 2022 will be available in February 2022.

Garden Warriors sessions are four days each week, Monday-Thursday and three weeks, cover gardening, nutrition, physical activity, and Native culture and language for teens ages 13-18. Participants are paid a stipend for their work in program and are paid for their time working at farmers markets.

Garden Warriors Session I - Three Week Session (July 12th - July 29th)

Garden Warriors in Session I learn the basics of organic agriculture and healthy cooking fundamentals. Youth have the opportunity to cook healthy lunches in the kitchen and to work at farmers markets. We encourage first-time youth to apply for this session. Previous Garden Warriors may also participate.

Garden Warriors Session II - Three Week Session (August 9th- August 26th)* 

In Session II, returning Garden Warriors deepen their knowledge and improve skills from previous seasons. Youth learn seed saving and hand pollination. Youth also have the opportunity to cook healthy lunches in the kitchen and to work at farmers markets.

Garden Warriors often have the opportunity participate in a cultural activities and camps in addition to program. In 2018, Garden Warriors II went wild ricing, attended the Minnesota Tribal Youth Gathering, and led healthy food demonstrations with the Sioux Chef's Indigenous Food Lab.

After participating in the Garden Warriors program, participants can become a Youth Leader. Youth Leaders participate in DWH programs and events year-round.

*Program Dates and format are subject to change.

Summer Youth Programs during COVID-19

We are committed to doing our part to keep our communities and relatives safe during this time. We were so fortunate to have safe summer programming in 2020 with no COVID cases, and we are committed to ensuring youth safety this year as well. Our 2021 programming includes frequent and scheduled hand washing, daily temperature checks, masks at all times, sanitation of frequently touched spaces and decreased capacity in programming and in transportation vehicles.
We are fully prepared and committed to ensuring a safe environment for our youth to learn and be healthy.
We are closely monitoring not only case numbers but Minnesota Department of Health and CDC guidelines regarding summer programming. We will be sure to update you all along the way.

Questions?

Please contact our Community Programs Coordinator, Angel Swann, if you have any questions about youth programs.  You can reach Angel at Angel@dreamofwildhealth.org or call at 612-874-4200 (ext 107).

During our programs, Native youth will be empowered in their own individual cultural identities, and will deepen their connection with the earth, water, pollinators, elders, and peers. 

Our three week Garden Warriors program includes teachings about: 

  • Seed saving
  • Cooking healthy and traditional foods
  • Sustainable indigenous agriculture
  • Foraging
  • Sacred & traditional medicines
  • Food sovereignty 
  • Leadership skills
  • Physical activities & traditional games
  • Life skills and knowledge to advocate for healthy community changes
  • Job training at Four Sister’s Farmer’s Market