Youth Enrichment Programs
Youth Enrichment Programs
Free
Ages 12 – 18
Farm on Ogden
No participation limitations or prerequisites.
Advance registration is required.
Read on to find more information about the different upcoming Youth Enrichment opportunities, or click the button below to view all currently available for registration.
Windy City Harvest offers free, hands-on enrichment workshops for youth ages 12 – 18 at the Farm on Ogden in Chicago’s North Lawndale community. These workshops invite young people to explore food, nature, art, and wellness in a welcoming, supportive environment. Programs are offered as individual sessions—youth may register for one workshop or attend multiple sessions across programs.
Find information about Windy City Harvest's upcoming Youth Enrichment Programs below.
Youth Therapeutic Horticulture Workshops
Gardening and plant-based activities to support relaxation, self-expression, and overall well-being.
Youth Therapeutic Horticulture Workshops
Youth engage in hands-on, creative projects that encourage mindfulness while building basic horticultural skills.
Schedule
- Grades 9 – 12: Tuesdays, February 24 – April 21, 2026, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- Grades 6 – 8: Tuesdays, April 28 – June 23, 2026, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Youth wilL explore
- Connections among plants, wellness, and creativity
- Participate in calming, hands-on gardening activities
- Build confidence through reflection and creative expression
Sample activities include
- Seed starting and plant propagation
- Succulent and herb container projects
- Flower pressing, mandala cards, and sand art
- Painting pots with affirmations
- Jewelry making with natural materials
Youth Cooking Classes
These classes, created in partnership with Chef Maria Fernandez, combine hands-on cooking with a discussion about healthy, balanced eating.
Youth Cooking Classes
These free, two-hour cooking workshops introduce youth to essential kitchen skills, nutrition basics, and the experience of preparing meals together.
Schedule:
- Thursdays, March 12 – May 28, 2026, 4 – 6 p.m.
Youth will learn:
- Kitchen and knife safety
- How to prepare simple, nutritious meals
- Key nutrients in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Teamwork and shared kitchen responsibility
Workshops include:
- Nutrition discussions
- Hands-on cooking lessons
- Shared meals and clean-up
Youth Art & Nature Workshops
In partnership with Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE), these workshops were created to blend creative expression with nature-based learning.
Youth Art & Nature Workshops
Led by teaching artists, youth explore multiple art forms inspired by the natural environment while building confidence and a creative voice.
Schedule
- Grades 6 – 8: Mondays, March 23 – April 27, 2026, 4 – 6 p.m.
- Grades 9 – 12: Mondays, May 11 – June 15, 2026, 4 – 6 p.m.
Youth wilL explore
- Visual, movement-based, and storytelling art forms
- Creative collaboration and experimentation
- Nature as inspiration for making art
Activities may include
- Digital art and photography
- Cinematography and theater
- Movement in nature
- Nature sculptures
- Sound art and creative writing
Contact Information
For questions regarding the Youth Enrichment Programs, please contact Aurea France, Manager of Education and Wellness.
