News & Updates

Gabe O’Brien, YLA – Learning Through Working
You know, I never thought that some random slip would get me here, but here I am. I got that piece of paper during a class at Waynesboro High School and I ended up applying to Project GROWS Youth Leaders in Agriculture program so I could be outside all summer. Next...

Brook Loar, YLA – Working On An Organic Farm
My name is Brook Loar, and this summer I worked as a Youth Leader in Agriculture for Project GROWS. Next year, I’ll be a junior at Staunton High School and I can’t overstate what a pleasant experience it’s been working with all the Project GROWS staff. Everyone brings...

Lessons on Learning – Reflections On Being A Summer Camp Counselor
My definition of education and what it looks like is continuously changing for the better, and Project GROWS has been at the center of this transformation. Halfway through my college experience, I was toying with the idea of switching my degree to become a classroom...

Announcing our new Executive Director… our very own Clara Metzler!
The Project GROWS Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Clara Metzler will be promoted to the role of Executive Director as of March 16th. Clara's transition is the result of Project GROWS' long-standing dedication to cultivating superb, mission-driven...

2022 Market Musings: Little things that made a big difference for our inaugural year of Project GROWS Mobile
STAFF NOTE: This week we said farewell to our beloved Market Manager Georgia! Georgia knew how to create a welcoming and upbeat environment for all of our market locations. The care she took with each customer and the compassion she showed for the community helped...

Diving Deeper into Farming for a Second Year: Reflections from Assistant Crew Leader Rosie C.
By Rosie C., Assistant Crew Leader 2-22Graduate, Fort Defiance High School I’m Rosie, a recent graduate from FDHS and the YLA Crew Leader at Project GROWS this year. I heard about Project GROWS about seven years ago when I attended a homeschool field trip there. I...

Hard Work Pays Off: Reflections from Kiersten C., Youth Leader in Ag
By Kiersten C., Youth Leader in Agriculture, Summer 2022Graduate, Staunton High School As I finish up my last few days this summer at Project GROWS, I am called to look back on my time at the farm. I have been gardening since I was a kid with my grandparents, but I’ve...

From the Farm to the Medical Field: Reflections from Katie W., Youth Leader in Ag
By Katie W., Youth Leader in Agriculture, Summer 2022Graduate, Stuarts Draft High School My name is Katie and I am a recent graduate of Stuarts Draft High School. I will be attending Bridgewater College this fall to study Health and Exercise Sciences in hopes of...

An Incredible Time: Reflections from Bailey H., Youth Leader in Ag
By Bailey H., Youth Leader in Agriculture, Summer 2022Senior, Staunton High School My name is Bailey and I am a rising senior at Staunton High School. Whether I was riding horses, hiking, or kayaking, I have always loved nature and being outdoors. When I heard about...

Farm-Based Education at Project GROWS: Reflections from our Education Fellow
By Kenzie Ballard, Education Fellow 2022Masters in Agriculture, Food, and the Environment graduate student, Tufts University This summer, I was given the amazing opportunity to serve as Education Fellow at Project GROWS. Originally from Louisville, KY and studying in...