The Importance of Biodiversity

According to the American Museum of Natural History, biodiversity (from “biological diversity”) refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and can encompass the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural processes that sustain life.Digging in the ground is a great way to learn about biodiversity and the diverse plants and animals that make up our planet. When you dig in the ground, you ... Continue Reading »

Importance of Budgeting for Kids

Budgeting is an important skill that can help kids learn to manage their money and make informed financial decisions. Budgeting is the process of planning and managing your money in order to achieve your financial goals. It involves setting aside money for different expenses and making sure you have enough to cover your needs.Budgeting is important for kids because it helps them learn to live within their means and ... Continue Reading »

Cultivating Community: Reflections on the First Year of the Garden

The Bob Burdette Center‘s community garden is made possible by the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington. Through the support of transformative health initiatives that empower all individuals to lead lives of optimal health, self-reliance, and self-respect, the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington strives to foster systemic change and collaborative impact in our community.As the inaugural year of the Bob Burdette Center’s community garden draws to a close, it is ... Continue Reading »

Growing Minds: Teaching Kids About Gardening and Nutrition

Engaging children in gardening provides a unique opportunity to instill lifelong habits of healthy eating and sustainable living. The Bob Burdette Center‘s efforts focus on making gardening an interactive and educational experience, allowing kids to immerse themselves in every step of the process—from planting tiny seeds in the soil to marveling at the vibrant fruits and vegetables their hard work has produced. These hands-on activities are paired with ... Continue Reading »

Music Week at Bob Burdette Center

Our theme for week 3 of our summer program was ‘Music Week’. That week the afternoon activities included: Musical Chairs, Limbo, Music Bingo, Classroom Karaoke, Music Treasure Hunt, Freeze Dance, and others. But the highlight activity was what we called a ‘Listen and Paint’ activity. The idea came from what some adults participate in these days known as a ‘Sip and Paint’ (where they sip on a drink and paint). However, ... Continue Reading »

Planting for the Seasons: A Fall and Winter Garden Transformation

As summer crops fade and the vibrant greens of the season give way to golden hues, the Bob Burdette Center‘s community garden embarks on a seasonal transformation. The transition marks a time for renewal and preparation, as volunteers come together to clear out the remnants of summer’s abundance. Old plants are removed to make way for fresh beginnings, and the soil is carefully tended to ensure it is ... Continue Reading »

“The greatness of art is not to find what is common but what is unique.”

– Isaac Bashevis Singer.On Friday, July 5th, the Bob Burdette Center took the students in the Summer Program to The Clay Center. It was a full day of exploring and having fun! The standout of the day though, was when the students entered the Juliet Art Museum and toured a new exhibition that will be showcased until September 8th: the Charles Jupiter Hamilton Exhibition. Per the Clay Center’s website:“... Continue Reading »

In Our Garden

In Our Garden :Our Summer Program kicked off on Monday, July 1st. One of the activities the kids will be observing this Summer is the progression of our own Community Garden located on the corners of Bream Street and Hull street on the West Side of Charleston. When fruits and vegetables start to produce, the community, along with our Bob Burdette Center families, are all welcome to take whatever they ... Continue Reading »

When the Harvest is Shared: Tackling Theft in Community Gardens

The mission of the Bob Burdette Center’s community garden, made possible by the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington, is rooted in generosity and inclusivity, aiming to provide free, fresh produce to those in need. However, the reality of operating an open-access garden has brought challenges, particularly when it comes to theft. Missing produce not only disrupts the intended distribution of fruits and vegetables but also undermines the collective efforts of ... Continue Reading »

Top 10 Vegetables Perfect for Community Gardens

Choosing the right crops for a community garden can make the difference between a bountiful harvest and a season of struggles. Staple vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and cucumbers are perennial favorites for a reason: they are relatively easy to grow, highly productive, and widely loved by gardeners and cooks alike. Tomatoes, for instance, thrive in full sunlight and require sturdy stakes or cages for support, while zucchini grows quickly ... Continue Reading »