Fun and fellowship is important for the success of your Master Gardener program. It is a key to keeping your members involved. Use these ideas to keep your monthly meetings interesting: 

1. Let several Master Gardener's at each meeting tell 3 things about themselves, one if which is not true, and guess which one is not.
2. Give out slips of paper with gardening things that go together, like weeds and Roundup, and give prizes for the first 3 matches. 

3. Present one of the items at your meeting and ask for several suggestions on how it would apply to Master Gardener's

   • Eraser: Remember to consider mistakes as opportunities to learn
   • Penny: To help us adapt to "change" 
   • Rubber Band: A reminder to stay flexible
   • Pencil: List your blessings every day
   • Snickers: Laughter is the best medicine
   • Paper Clip: To help us keep it together

"Great meetings" is part of the backbone of the Master Gardener program. Enthusiasm is what keeps everyone focused and on the go. We need to retain the old and incorporate new volunteers. We can’t do this without lively, interesting and refreshing meetings for our members. How can this be accomplished?

1. Speakers: Either invite someone to present a program or ask members to speak on a topic of interest to all. 30 minute programs work!
2. Potluck and Refreshments: Nothing can get you more in the mood for a meeting than the cooking skills of Master Gardeners. 
3. Games: Make raffles of donated items. 
4. Handouts: Keep the information flowing.
5. Plant Swaps: Fun!
6. Photo Displays: Encourage members to bring cameras to work days and pass around photos at meetings. Geniuses at work!
7. Recognize Members and Projects: Everybody likes a pat on the back. Recognize "Birthdays of the Month" or any other achievements even outside the Master Gardener program. 
8. Keep Business Brief: Don't let the meeting drag. 
9. Provide a Comfort Zone: Create a relaxing, comfortable environment. 
10. Research Your Members' Likes and Dislikes: Get everyone to participate and be involved. 
11. Merit Recognition: Master Gardener of the Year or Month, Project of the Year or Month, Newsletter Profile, Most Hours by a Volunteer. 

There are hundreds of great ideas all over the state. Remember: Enthusiasm is contagious - don't be afraid to spread it. 

Above and Beyond Hours:

1. Hugs and Kisses: 50 - 99 project hours
2. Starbursts: 100 - 149 project hours
3. Cracker Jacks: 150 - 199 project hours
4. Silver Trowels: 200+ project hours
5. Smarties: 50 - 99 learning hours
6. Nerds: 99+ learning hours 
7. Busy Bees - Bit of Honey: All Executive Board Members
8. Lifesavers: All project coordinators 
9. Mr. Goodbar (or other candy bar): For your county agent 

These awards are given in addition to: 

• Master Gardener of the Year
• Rookie of the Year 
• Project of the Year 
• Friend of Master Gardener of the Year 

• Scented Candle - Executive Committee: There is no Board that can hold a candle to you!
• Tape Measure or Ruler - Standing Committee Chairs: By any measure, you are great leaders!
• Potpoutti - Project Chairs: You have given our projects the sweet smell of success!
• M&Ms - For Everyone: Our Many Marvelous and Motivated Volunteers
• Package of Batteries: Thanks! You've energized us!
• Memo or note pad: A noteworthy accomplishment!
• Chewing gum: We'll stick with you!

Suggestion: Search the internet for informal awards and ways to recognize your Master Gardener volunteers. Other service organizations are good resources also. 

• A Round To It: To inspire you so you can get the little things done in your job.
• Ball: You're a ball to work with/
• Balloon: Thanks for helping us sour to new heights!
• Cake: You the the cake as an outstanding volunteer.
• Candle, match, or light bulb: You help our organization shine bright!
• Battery: Thanks for energizing our organization/
• Gum: Thanks for sticking with us and making such a difference.
• Candy Hearts: Thanks for caring and giving more than you ever receive. 
• M&Ms: You have made a Marvelously, Moving difference in our program.
• Book of Matches: No on matches your volunteer contributions.
• Mint: Thanks for your commitMINT.
• 100 Grand Bar: You're worth 100 grand to our program.
• Post It Notes: Thanks for sticking with us!
• Raisins: Thanks for raisin' us to a new level through your volunteer efforts.
• Seeds: Thanks for all the great ideas that you have planted to grow and bloom.
• Smiley Face: Smile at people when they would have otherwise fallen apart.
• Tape Measure: You measure up as a fantastic leader.
• Warm Fuzzy: Represents all the people and projects you have touched. 

Pins, Ribbons, Trophies, and other awards

• StockPins.com
• PinMart.com
• LapelPinPlanet.com
• JonesAwards.com
• Pinterest is an excellent resource to find additional award ideas.