Center Director, Pete LaFleur, brought more than just a storied career in Job Corps, he also brought his passion for the skill of gardening. 2019 brings the third year of Pete’s Gardening Club at Muhlenberg Job Corps. Each year, the number of students has increased in the Gardening Club. The size of the club is not the only thing growing, Pete stated this year’s garden would be 39’ by 53’ with a 10’ by 20’ raised garden.

Pete uses the skill and knowledge of gardening as a teachable moment. The art of gardening is something that has seemed to have faded away from this generation; therefore, being able to teach our youth this skill is very rewarding Pete stated. Pete also said it is also a way to build relationships with the students. Pete emphasized, “You really get to know your students while working in the garden.”  First year Garden Club member, Katherine Gardiner, a student at Muhlenberg Job Corps, said, “I like to be outdoors and I love that my hands help build, prepare, and harvest from the garden.”

This year’s garden will have Butternut squash, Acorn squash, Spaghetti squash, Cantaloupe, Zucchini (green), Zucchini (yellow), Cucumbers, green beans, peas, sunflowers, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, dill, oregano, cilantro, and basil.  MJCC is planting seeds in the student’s life and in the garden.

Muhlenberg Job Corps Students and Center Director Pete LaFleur

John Austin Heavy Equipment Instructor