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Youth Mentoring in the Garden with Maurice Small
★★★★★
Give your child the opportunity to learn from Maurice Small—an internationally recognized educator and farmer with over three decades of experience guiding people in the art of growing food. This isn’t a typical youth class—it’s a personalized mentoring experience where young people receive direct, one-on-one or small group attention from a teacher who truly believes in their power to connect with the land.
At our dynamic teaching farm in Metro Atlanta, students won’t just follow a set curriculum. Each session is tailored to the season, to the child’s interests, and to the rhythms of the land. Maurice weaves together laughter, exploration, science, and time-tested sustainable practices into an engaging and unforgettable experience.
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A: This is a 4-week mentoring program where students work directly with Maurice Small, an internationally recognized educator and farmer. Students receive personalized guidance in gardening, sustainable practices, and land stewardship. The experience is hands-on, tailored to the child’s interests, and designed to build confidence and practical skills.
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A: Children and teens ages 8–17. Parents must be present during sessions unless the student is 15 or older.
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A: Students gain confidence, practical gardening and farming skills, knowledge of soil and plant care, sustainable growing techniques, and a deeper connection to the land and community.
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A: Sessions are primarily held at the Small Farmz teaching farm south of route 20 in Metro-Atlanta. Occasionally, sessions may take place at youth-focused partner sites in Decatur, GA.
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A: The program runs for 4 weeks with 2-hour sessions once a week (8 hours total). Start times are scheduled in collaboration with Maurice, typically on weekdays between 4–6pm.
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A: Pricing is per student per 4-week cycle:
Individual (1 student): $350
Small Group (2–3 students): $300 each (≈15% discount)
Medium Group (4–6 students): $250 each (≈29% discount)
Large Group (7–10 students): $200 each (≈43% discount)
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A: No, transportation is not included. Families are responsible for getting students to the teaching farm and/or partner sites.
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A: Yes. Maurice has passed both private and public school-based background checks, so families can trust his expertise and professionalism.
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A: Comfortable clothes for gardening, closed-toe shoes, a notebook for notes, and a water bottle.
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A: Unlike standard classes, this is a personalized mentoring experience. Sessions are tailored to each child’s interests, the season, and the land. Maurice combines humor, exploration, science, and sustainable farming practices to create a dynamic, hands-on learning environment.
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A: There are no refunds for missed sessions or cancellations. If scheduling conflicts arise, contact Maurice to discuss rescheduling options.