Youth Programs 

Hilltop is a special place for children!

Children's Bookshelf

Hilltop is establishing a small library, in memory of Paula Dillemuth, of children’s books about trees, nature, plants, animals, bugs, gardening, ponds, woods and all things Hilltop. The Children’s Bookshelf is in located in the gift shop and available to the public for reading anytime the office is open.

 

Summer Sprouts

A hands-on outdoor day camp experience for children (ages 4-6).  Hilltop’s 14 acres is the perfect space to learn about plants, birds, butterflies and critters of all sorts. Kids will enjoy our trails, our trees, our flowers and our pond. Due to staffing shortage, we will not be holding Sprouts Camp in 2023.

 

Backyard Habitat Gardener (BHG)

A get your hands in the dirt program developed by the University Cooperative Extension Network that introduces young gardeners (ages 7-10) to natural habitat gardening which is a place where native plants, bird, butterflies, bees, toads and other little creatures live in harmony. It’s a garden that’s full of life from hummingbirds to butterflies, and bees to lizards – a very exciting place to be!  BHG is offered three times a year: in the fall (two-day Thanksgiving Camp), spring (two-day Easter Camp) and summer (third week of June) from 9am-1pm. The Louisiana Master Gardeners of East Baton Rouge Parish provide financial and volunteer support for the program. Due to staffing shortage, BHG spring and summer camps will not be held in 2023. A decision on the fall camp will be made later in the year.

 

Field Trips

School trips to Hilltop are fun and educational! You will find a quiet place far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life and a place to learn about Louisiana’s trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Resources and activities to help plan your visit are available for teachers and youth leaders upon request. For additional information email hilltop@lsu.edu or call 225-767-6916.