Grow Outdoors South Carolina (GO SC) recently brought early childhood educators and community partners together in Union, SC, for a hands-on professional development experience focused on gardening, outdoor learning, and healthy eating.

 

Hosted at Love Edify Daycare, the September 17, 2026 event explored the benefits of incorporating gardens into early childhood Outdoor Play & Learning Environments (OPLEs). Participants worked together to install raised garden beds while learning practical strategies for planning, planting, and maintaining successful child care gardens.

 

Gardens provide valuable opportunities for children to connect with nature through hands-on exploration, observe plant growth, interact with living things, and develop healthy habits. When incorporated into outdoor learning environments, these spaces encourage curiosity, experiential learning, and meaningful connections to the natural world.

 

GO SC is grateful to Love Edify Daycare, Live Healthy Union, the South Carolina Department of Public Health, and the community members who helped make this event possible.

Together, we are growing healthier habits and creating meaningful outdoor learning opportunities, one garden at a time!