COURTLAND—Area youths can grow plants, but they can also cultivate knowledge during a weeklong gardening education session at the Southampton County Fairgrounds.

The 2007 Junior Master Gardener Day Camp will be held July 9-13 from 10 a.m. to noon. For ages 9 to 13, the JMG program is an innovative 4-H youth gardening project, according to 4-H Associate Extension Agent Erika Bonnett.

&uot;JMG offers horticultural and environmental science education, and leadership and life skills development through fun and creative activities,&uot; she said. &uot;It is an amazing program that encompasses many things that kids need to know.

&uot;The program uses the exponential learning model, which is learn by doing. This is part of the 4-H motto.&uot;

Featured speakers will include Blackwater/Nottoway Riverkeeper Jeff Turner, Western Tidewater Master Gardener Nancy Franklin and Entomologist Sean Malone of Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

&uot;There will be speakers and hands-on activities each day,&uot; said Bonnett. &uot;We are limited to 15 participants.&uot;

Anne Hedgepeth of Newsoms and other Isle of Wight County Master Gardeners will teach during the camp. Registration is $20 per child, which includes daily snacks and program supplies. Registration should be completed by the end of July 5.

For more information, contact the Extension office in Courtland, 653-2572.