Planting seeds of knowledge: ‘Sprout Scouts’ educate youth on agriculture

If you’re from Sumner, you know that daffodils play a big role in our community. 

The “Sprout Scouts,” a group of FFA students at Sumner High School, is educating elementary students across the district about the significance and life cycle of the daffodil. The effort is part of an annual Washington FFA competition called Forestry Agriculture and Resource Management (F.A.R.M.) for Kids, focused on educating students on agricultural topics. 

“Our goal is to provide an engaging and educational experience where students can learn about the daffodil, how to grow and care for them, and the importance of the daffodil to the Sumner community,” according to the Sprout Scouts. 

This month, the group visited classrooms at Emerald Hills, Maple Lawn, Donald Eismann, Daffodil Valley, Crestwood and Victor Falls elementary schools to teach the lesson. So far, the group has presented to 213 students ranging from kindergarten through 2nd grade, with more schools to attend next week. Students followed along with a slideshow presentation about daffodil planting, created a flower craft and planted their own daffodil seed in a container to take home with them.

The Sprout Scouts – Olivia A. (11th), Cortlynn J. (11th), Lainey O. (11th), Tessie S. (10th), Marley D. (11th), and DaniRose H. (12th) – are all SHS students in FFA. This is the first year the Sprout Scouts have done a project of this magnitude, and feedback has been positive! 

"My students absolutely loved everything about the presentation, especially the hands-on learning,” said Maple Lawn 2nd grade teacher Jamie May. “It is important to start teaching children at a young age about life cycles and farming."

"The class loved it and the girls did an amazing job teaching the lesson,” said Carrie Brines, Emerald Hills kindergarten teacher.

The Sprout Scouts will present at the FFA State Contest in May where they will showcase their lesson and overall impact on students. Way to go, Sprout Scouts!