Fort Bend County Master Gardeners Bring Back 2026 Earth-Kind Kids Camp to Grow the Next Generation of Gardeners
As summer approaches, many Fort Bend County parents begin searching for enriching summer camps that balance fun with meaningful learning. This year, the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are once again offering one of the county’s most unique youth programs — the 2026 Earth-Kind Kids Camp — a four-day, high-energy horticulture camp designed specifically for children entering grades 3 through 5.
Set for July 20–23, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building D at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg, the camp will welcome just 25 participants, maintaining its intentionally small size to ensure hands-on learning and personal attention.
For families looking for summer camps in Fort Bend County that combine outdoor education, gardening, STEM learning and screen-free engagement, Earth-Kind Kids Camp offers a focused and immersive experience rooted in research-based horticultural science.
“Growing Healthy Plants”: A Theme Rooted in Real-World Learning
This year’s theme, “Growing Healthy Plants,” will guide campers through four days of lessons centered on horticulture, plant care and environmental stewardship. Each educational segment will be followed by a hands-on activity designed to reinforce what students learn.
Rather than simply talking about gardening, children will work directly with soil, seeds and plant materials, gaining practical knowledge about how plants grow, what they need to thrive and how healthy landscapes contribute to healthy communities.
The curriculum reflects the Earth-Kind® philosophy promoted through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — a science-based approach to gardening that emphasizes sustainability, water conservation and environmentally responsible practices.
Who are the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners?
The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are dedicated volunteers trained through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to provide research-based horticultural education and community support. Individuals accepted into the program complete 60 hours of comprehensive instruction over 12 weeks led by Texas A&M professors and Extension specialists, along with additional training tailored to Fort Bend County.
In exchange for this in-depth education and the official Texas Master Gardener Handbook, participants commit to at least 50 hours of approved volunteer service before earning the title of Certified Texas Master Gardener.
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Volunteer efforts span demonstration gardens, plant clinics, workshops, school programs, 4-H youth support, greenhouse operations and community outreach. To maintain certification, Master Gardeners must complete annual recertification requirements, including 12 hours of continuing education and 24 hours of volunteer service.
The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, serve as official representatives of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and are required to provide science-based recommendations in all Extension-sponsored activities.
Through programs like Earth-Kind Kids Camp, these trained volunteers continue investing in the next generation — teaching children not only how to grow healthy plants, but how to grow into informed and environmentally responsible community members.
More Than Gardening: Yoga, Cooking, Insects and a Special Guest
The 2026 camp experience extends beyond traditional gardening instruction. Campers will also interact with a yoga instructor, a chef, an entomologist and a special guest known as Cowboy Larry, creating a well-rounded week that connects horticulture to wellness, nutrition and the natural world.
These diverse learning components help children see how gardening relates to healthy living, local food systems and even beneficial insects — subjects that are increasingly relevant in conversations about sustainability and environmental responsibility in Fort Bend County.
What Parents Should Know About Registration
The camp fee is $85 per child. Registration is completed online, and parents must submit a separate registration form for each child attending. Once a registration is accepted, a payment link will be sent via email. A spot is not guaranteed until payment is received.
Because supplies and materials are purchased in advance, refunds are not available. Early registration is strongly encouraged due to the 25-student limit.
Families can register here.
For additional information, parents may contact Brandy Rader at brandy.rader@ag.tamu.edu.
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Why Gardening Camps Matter for Fort Bend County Children
Research continues to show that gardening provides measurable benefits for children. Studies published by the American Society for Horticultural Science indicate that hands-on gardening activities improve motor skills, increase focus and encourage healthier eating habits. Children who grow vegetables are more likely to try and enjoy them.
Beyond physical benefits, structured summer programs such as Earth-Kind Kids Camp also support social development. According to the American Camp Association, summer camp participation is linked to increased confidence, teamwork and resilience.
In a rapidly growing county like Fort Bend, programs that reconnect children with nature can play an important role in fostering environmental awareness and civic responsibility. Learning how plants grow — and why sustainable practices matter — helps children understand how their everyday choices impact water use, soil health and community green spaces.
What Happens Next
With only 25 spots available, registration for the 2026 Earth-Kind Kids Camp is expected to fill quickly. For Fort Bend County families searching for summer camps in Rosenberg, youth gardening programs near me or STEM-based summer activities focused on nature, this camp offers a locally rooted opportunity backed by university research and community volunteerism.
As Fort Bend County continues to expand, programs like this serve as reminders that education does not only happen in classrooms. Sometimes, it begins with soil, seeds and a child’s curiosity.
Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on local education programs, youth camps and community initiatives across Fort Bend County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.