Budding Growers Volunteer Days ~for families~

Budding Growers is our designated tour and volunteering session for families with children (ages 6-12)! Join us every first Saturday of the month at 10 am to get your family's hands in the soil and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of our vibrant and abundant urban farm in South Chicago.

Whether you’re bringing your little ones to volunteer on their assigned day or your teens on a general Saturday, we require 1 adult present for every 2 children. In addition, a theft, liability, and photo waiver will need to be completed and signed for each child by a present legal guardian. As you come along on our guided tour, you will get to stroll through the farm and discover how we optimize urban spaces to grow an abundance of fresh produce for our community.

***SEPTEMBER 6 - SPECIAL EVENT***

We are thrilled to partner with 2 local bookstores Da Book Joint and Burst into Books and Baba Orrin Williams with CPHP to present Narratives & Nourishment at our September 6 Budding Growers.

Come out to hear readings from authors including Rev. Dr. Shaunté Brewer and her book Chi Farmer Bae's Garden of Feelings. Experience a cooking demo and tasting with farm fresh ingredients. And see first hand where we grow all our delicious food.

***ARRIVAL & TOUR***

For Budding Growers, their waiver must be signed by a present legal guardian. All volunteers must sign our Liability, Theft, and Photo release waiver at least once per season: LINK.

Please plan to arrive ten minutes early to check in at the Welcome Table visible from the entrance before heading onto the farm to join the tour. A UGC representative will greet you at the Welcome Table.

We do have active bee hives on the farm! If you have any allergies or medical conditions such as asthma or anaphylaxis, please bring your inhaler or epi-pen and inform your group leader before beginning work.

**VOLUNTEERING***

After the tour, we host an activity and volunteering session at 10:30. Learn hands-on about planting seeds, weeding, and transplanting seedlings to nurturing plants. There are plenty of tasks suited to different skill levels and physical abilities. Not only will you be actively contributing to our farm, but you’ll be making a meaningful impact on our local community.

***GROUPS***

Groups over 10 must organize a group volunteer session with us separately; if your organization is a local nonprofit please inquire here, and for corporations/offices please inquire here.

***DONATIONS***

• We ask for a $10 donation per adult, and $5 for children.
• Neighbors (zip codes 60617, 60620) are welcome to join us donation-free!
• We also have a free RSVP for our regular volunteers, who have come at least twice already in the season.
• Regardless, cost should not be a barrier—if financial support is needed you can RSVP using the Free Neighbor RSVP.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

South Chicago Farm, 9000 South Mackinaw Avenue, Chicago, United States