Touching, Wondering, Investigating, Growing, Sensing (TWIGS)
TWIGS is a part of the Horticulture Therapy Program (HTP) curriculum, developed by Susan Grimes. This program is designed specifically for children with various physical, emotional, psychosocial, or developmental challenges at the middle school level. TWIGS utilizes plants, gardening, nature, and the environment as a treatment modality for such individuals .
This program is a two year program, with the first year devoted mainly toward the goal of a basic introduction to the natural world, intense sensory stimulation to overcome nature deficiency, rudimentary instruction on health and nutrition, social interaction, and simple gardening techniques, based upon their abilities.
The second year of the program will provide the students with curriculum-based plant activities, increased sensory stimulation, and matching with an elderly mentor to create an interactive mentored experience between student and elder.
