Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
When I applied for the position of Agriculture and Natural Resources/4-H Youth Development Agent in Robertson County, I made a list of things/goals I want to accomplish within five years of working. One of those goals was to double the number of cabins we take to 4-H Camp. When looking at the bed county from 1999 to 2019, the number of beds filled by Robertson County has not went over the 40 people mark. As a matter of fact, the highest number as of 2018 was 36 people in 2013. This means that we
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Why state fair? As I think of the past year and am really trying to have a more successful year this year, I think of what all my 4-H members did for the past year and how that was recognized at the Kentucky State Fair. By working hard and having entries in so many different areas and seeing how these project areas has contributed to their life style and has become a lifelong learning project for them, I am convinced that the time spent is valuable. Of the seven areas that we
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Research has shown youth gain multiple benefits from 4-H camp experiences in the areas of leadership, character development, self-esteem, decision-making skills, independent living skills, and citizenship. Shelby County 4-H has a long tradition of 4-H Camping. As a result, long waiting lists were generated each year with campers that wanted to attend but could not be accommodated. For the 2019 camp season, Shelby County 4-H had an opportunity to increase the number of youth that cou
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Summer 4-H camp provides a unique and magical experience for youth between the ages of 9-14 years old. The simple challenges of learning how to shoot a bow, hike through the woods, or conquer a high ropes course are among the opportunities presented during this five day adventure. There are the much more complex challenges of getting along with a new group of peers, learning how to ask for help from others, or taking manageable amount of risks without a parent following after you. Psychology Tod
Author: Stephen Conrad
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Kentucky 4-H mission statement reads "4-H YD Education creates opportunities and supportive environments for culturally diverse youth and adults to be capable, competent, and caring citizens". The Boone County 4-H Program feels that one of the best ways to achieve this mission is with a strong residential camping program. This past July we had 420 campers, JC’s, AC’s, and staff attend camp. 20 instructional classes were offered, covering a wide range of interests
Author: Joe Maynard
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
According to data USA, as of 2017, Martin County had a median household income of only $29,000 and a poverty rate of almost 30%. These numbers are well below the Kentucky and national averages of 46,000 and 57,000 respectively. Poverty rates for all of Kentucky are 18% and 11% nationally. All schools in Martin County qualify for the national free lunch program. These statistics alone provide barriers for youth in Martin County to have a great quality of life. When p
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Through 4-H, kids experience a variety of opportunities that support developing leadership skills, building self-confidence and experiencing a sense of belonging. Positive youth development studies have found individuals involved in 4-H, compared to other students, are two times more likely to be civically engaged in their community, four times more likely to contribute to their community, two times more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, and research has also revealed other positive fi
Author: Rebecca Stahler
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Experiential learning has been around nearly as long as Cooperative Extension. Seaman Knapp, considered the father of Cooperative Extension, wrote, "What a man hears, he may doubt; what he sees, he may possibly doubt; but what he does himself, he cannot doubt" (International Adult & Continuing Education Hall of Fame, 1997). The educational philosophy of the 4-H program is "learn by doing," and the agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and c
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Lee County Extension Council has conducted a youth field day on the last Friday in September for the past few years. The objective is to introduce youth to farming and new opportunities. This year they concentrated on animals, country ham curing, observations of tractors, wagon rides, and arts. Over 750 youth and adults attended and gained knowledge on animals, electric safety, and drone uses. Over half the youth that attended could not identify the animals we had present
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Environmental Education program takes elementary students to a camp setting that is a positive outdoor experience. A place to learn and engage in ecology, science, forestry, soil conservation and so much more. The last three years, Bullitt County 4-H has worked with local businesses and leaders to plan and implement a 4-H Environmental Camp.Crossroads Elementary and Old Mill Elementary teachers, staff, volunteers and Bullitt 4-H agent work together to plan for presenters, transportation and
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Carlisle County 4-H'ers showed off at this year's county and state fairs. The fair gives 4-H'ers the opportunity to showcase all the hard work they have completed in 4-H all year long in the seven curriculum areas of 4-H programming: Health, Family & Consumer Sciences, Leadership, Communication & Expressive Arts, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Science, Engineering, & Technology. It also gives the public a chance to see what 4-H is all about as they attend other event
Author: Michael Rose
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Where do I go to check on my property value? Who helps to run the court system in our county? How many adults and youth can answer these questions? Adair County Cooperative Extension Service is focusing on “Our Government” in the 5th Grade 4-H Club meetings. Monthly lessons on “Our Government are being conducted. To kick off the project, the 5th grader participated in the local 4-H Government Tour.Due to teachers stating that this was a problem for
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
SituationCounty Fairs and Extension go hand in hand. This has been true in Crittenden County for decades. The Crittenden County Extension agents have partnered with the Crittenden County Lions Club to conduct an annual county fair for many years. However over the years, the Lion’s club building that housed the exhibits started to have roof leaks and no heat or air. Eventually, cats were able to gain access to the building and eat the food displays and high temperatu
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
An important goal of 4-H is to provided positive youth/adult partnership experiences, teach youth leadership skills, crucial life skills, and how to be a good citizen. 4-H CloverBuds ranging in age from 5-8 years old, enjoyed a day camp in Muhlenberg County where they discovered 4-H and the exciting environment around them. Fifty-five youth attended the CloverBud Day camp in July where they explored Paradise Park and discovered stimulating topics like woodworking, recreation, dance,
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
We had an exceptional week of camping this year at the West Ky. 4-H Camp in Dawson Springs K, with over 110 people in attendance from Calloway County. The youth that attended camp learned several valuable skills that they will carry with them as they get older such as independent living, self-care, discipline, responsibility, time-management, resiliency and much more. They also participated in a wide variety of activities and classes such as archery, high ropes, horsemanship, shooting spor
Author: Ryan Spicer
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
According to Kentucky: By The Numbers, Breathitt County’s poverty rate was at 34.3% in 2016. Breathitt County’s Agent for 4-H Youth Development believes that the best way to combat this issue is to teach the children of Breathitt County about the leadership skills they need to achieve, and to be able to overcome the problems of poverty. One of the agents focuses for the 4-H program of Breathitt County is to take 4-H’ers each year to the J.M. Feltner 4-H Camp located in London,
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
"Inclusion means that people with disabilities have the same opportunities for involvement in meaningful and satisfying experiences as afforded other segments of the population." according to Stump, Henderson, Luken, Bialeschki, and Casey (2002). Some adaptations have to be made to increase the understanding by 4-H members and volunteers to the sensitive issues facing special needs youth. The youth with special needs benefit from activities and opportunities that let them use their tal
Author: Patrice Thompson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The 4-Hers at Western Middle School were invited to the Ignite Conference held at Kentucky State University during the Small Farms Conference on November 20, 2019. The Sparks Conference was designed using the Sparks Curriculum to help them identify and sharpen their unique talents and abilities. Middle schools from the Tri-State area were invited, and from Western 40 students participated. There was a total 251 participants, and all were given the opportunity to apply for a community service pro
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
According to youth.gov diverting youth who have committed minor offenses away from the system and towards community-based treatment and support options is a better way to direct the youth to a better life pattern. The Menifee County 4-H agents and the Gateway Court Designated Workers developed a program that will teach self-worth to the youth. A planning meeting was held in November to discuss what the court workers needed the program to contain. An agenda was put together by t
Author: Heather Coleman
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
“4-H to me has always been like my second family. When I was in third grade I was so excited about getting to be in 4-H the next year and go to camp. I just couldn’t wait! I wasn’t aware of what an impact on my life the experience would be or what a love I would soon develop for 4-H. I absolutely love being in a club, camp, its members and what we all stand for. Regardless of where I go or what I do I always seem to see someone from my 4-H family
Author: Novella Froman
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Pike 4-H Represents State During Three National Meetings“Those that strive to be above average soon are.” - H. Jackson Brown Seven Pike County youth strove to be above average and were successful. Their wins on the national level are a great honor and a great way to learn life skills. In October, four delegates, a volunteer, and I had the honor of representing our state at the National Junior Horticulture Contest. Held in Lincoln, Nebraska, the
Author: Joe Maynard
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Martin County Cooperative Extension Service participates in Heritage Days at each elementary school and the middle school every year. Volunteers from the Martin County Beekeepers Association, Homemakers, Extension District Board, CEC Council and 4-H Council work closely with school system to host these wonderful days of learning at each school. Introducing beekeeping to students is vital because it has a long history of being one of the most important contributors to the productio
Author: Rebecca Stahler
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Youth with disabilities have the right to enjoy, benefit, and learn from extracurricular activities such as 4-H. Shapiro (2000) suggests that "Empathy develops only when typical children gain an understanding of the causes, origins, handicapping effects and consequences of disabilities and feel comfortable interacting with those who have them period." According to Stumpf, Henderson, Luken, Bialeschki, and Casey (2002), "Inclusion means that people with disabilities have the same o
Author: Dianna Reed
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Johnson County 4-H Council, County Extension Council and the State 4-H Office have identified acquiring basic life skills as a priority program for our youth. To meet this need, our adult 4-H Council hosts an annual fundraiser that contributes $6,750 to offset program costs. In addition, both adult and youth volunteer leaders train, and donate their time to attend the summer camoing session. Last year we increased our camping number to 57 participants and exceeded our minimum number of requi
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Through this cross-cultural “garden to table” experience, youth members had the opportunity to observe international gardening techniques, learn about fruits and vegetables from across the globe, and compare and contrast food preparation methods. Through this program, Cooperative Extension Agents reached an audience of multi-cultural urban individuals from multiple countries, a connection identi
Author: Kelly Smith
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Jefferson County 4-H Ag Field Day was held on September 26, 2019 at Sunny Acres Farm, a Southeast Jefferson County working farm. 150 elementary school students at 4th grade level along with their teachers experienced a working farm first-hand. 80% of these students had no awareness of where foods are created. As urban youth, their concept of the origination of their food is simply from the grocery store. Youth were taught within areas of agriculture, nutrition, animal Science and water quali
Author: Kevin Lindsay
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Fayette County Shooting Sports program continues to be one of the largest 4H programs in Fayette County. For the upcoming programming year, there are a total of 10 certified volunteer leaders/coaches. During the January orientation, one of the leaders talked to the group about how Shooting Sports helped her son grow into a now mature teenager. She explained how she watched her son grow from a 9 year old to a now confident 17 year old because of all the leadership skills 4H taught her son thr
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Latino Day Camp was held for two full days, which allowed the kids to enjoy hands-on activities which included, tie-dye, crafts, and cooking. The instructors for the day camp were the County Cooperative Extension Staff and two 4-H teen club members. This day camp gave Latino youth a sense of what extension offices offer, but especially what 4-H is and what it does. The targeted audience for the day camp was Latino youth from Mercer and Boyle County. The Latino Outreach 4-H Day Camp was developed
Author: Amy Branstetter
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
“The 4-H Reality Store is one of the greatest programs in 4-H that I have ever worked in my 4-H career. The impact and skills learned by our youth and adults is appreciation for careers and economic impact based upon an individual decision on his or her career choice.” (Says one of the Metcalfe County 4-H Volunteers)The Metcalfe County Reality Store strive to encourage positive financial management of all 7th and 8th grade youth at Metcalfe County Middle School. This collaborative ef
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
After Reviewing Community Needs Assessments, The Nelson County 4-H Teen Council decided to provide teens with an opportunity to develop entrepreneur and community engagement skills. Partnering with their CES Agent for 4-H YD, Danielle Hagler, the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky, the Nelson County Community and Economic Development Agency, Downtown Bardstown, The Small Business Development Center,the Nelson County Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and local non-profi
Author: Bonita Jolly
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
It is a fact that today’s teen generation believe they cannot live without constant connection to their cell phone. According to an article in the December 2019 issue of Very Well Family, the average teen spends over nine hours a day using their electronic devices. As a result, their social media habits are changing the way they communicate, learn, exercise and much more leading to bouts of depression, obesity, peer pressure and bullying just to mention a few.In an effo
Author: Kindra Jones
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
When Covid-19 struck Kentucky in early March, schools closed and programs came to a halt. The Grayson County 4-H Youth Development Agent began shifting programs to continue reach through social media. Working with the staff assistant that manages the county Extension Facebook page, they began planning out a “Beat the Boredom” Challenge open to all youth in the county. Initial program lesson and video planning was lined out for two weeks, but soon realized that there would be many mor
Author: Mary Jane Little
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that was first identified in December 2019, with patients reporting cases of fever and acute respiratory illness. Since that time, other countries, including the U.S., have seen cases of the illness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mason County 4-H, Horticulture, and EFNEP have partnered to create "Brown Bag Projects" and correlating social media videos for community members in Mason County. These brown bags are free and champion at-
Author: Raven Ford
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Volunteers play integral roles in 4-H programs, performing a variety of duties, functions, and tasks and possessing varied and rich knowledge, skills, and backgrounds (Radhakrishna & Ewing, 2011). 4-H youth development programs within Extension depend heavily on adult volunteers and provide extensive education to volunteer leaders. 4-H traditionally focuses on positive youth development, but adult volunteers are the mainstay of the programs.The purpose of the Kentucky Volunteer Forum i
Author: Christopher Boyd
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Extension programming has been suddenly required to shift from face-to-face contact with clientele to a mostly digital communication platform due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Greenup County office has made significant changes to the way in which we connect with our community. While we have embraced the technology that allows us to connect with people using the internet, we recognize that not all of our Extension program consumers have the capability or the desire to use technology every
Author: Katie Wallace
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the COVID-19 pandemic our 4-H programming has had make significant adjustments to meet the needs of youth in our county. To date we have given out over 150 grab and go bags featuring different activities for youth to do at home along with a healthy recipe and information related to hand washing, stress in youth, and other topics that are relevant to the situation we are living through. In addition to this 4-H livestock members have had the opportunity to receive their educational hours th
Author: Dianna Reed
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In March of 2020, the Johnson Cooperative Extension Service along with government officials, local leaders, school personnel and community members were challenged to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and offer ways to be of service to the communities and clientele. UK administration worked with state officials to develop guidelines, inform personnel of UK, gubernatorial and CDC directives and encourage counties to provide outreach and information to our clientele. To address this challenge agents
Author: Lacy May
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the unprecedented times our Nation is currently living in the Magoffin County Cooperative Extension Service staff is continuing to serve their communities. Extension programming is occurring in ways that have never been utilized to this extent. The belief that Extension adapts and changes to better serve the public now has a solid foundation. After the cancellation of school in mid-March, and encouragement from administration to postpone all face-to-face Extension progra
Author: Jeffrey Casada
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Truth and Consequences - Clay County Kentucky has an ongoing problem with drugs, methamphetamine, oxycodone, opioids and other various illegal and prescription drugs. Nineteen years ago our county hosted a March on Drugs; on a rainy day in the Fall we had over 200 march through town. Many of our arrests for DUI are drug related rather than alcohol related. There is a need for continued substance abuse prevention and intervention in Clay County. You only have to read the
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Unintentional injury, while declining, remains the leading cause of death among children ages 19 and under. (Source: Safekids.org) To raise awareness and demonstrate techniques children can use to prevent unintentional injury, the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service applied for and received a grant from the Progressive Agriculture Foundation to host a Progressive Agriculture Youth Safety Day. The grant provided access to training, along with educational and planning ma
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Warren County 4-H program is alive and thriving! At the 4-H Kick-off Night held in late August, participation doubled from the previous 2 years with 540 students and parents attending. Participants were able to get up to date information on all of the clubs and projects offered in the Warren County 4-H Program. Club leaders set up booths promoting their clubs, goody bags with club information were handed out, and participants could grab a light supper of hotdogs, popcorn, cookies and d
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Warren County 4-H program is alive and thriving! At the 4-H Kick-off Night held in late August, participation doubled from the previous 2 years with 540 students and parents attending. Participants were able to get up to date information on all of the clubs and projects offered in the Warren County 4-H Program. Club leaders set up booths promoting their clubs, goody bags with club information were handed out, and participants could grab a light supper of hotdogs, popcorn, cookies and d
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the pandemic our world has been facing, Extension has been a facet in the community that people turn to for knowledge, support and resources. Residents of Wolfe County both young and old are struggling to meet their most basic needs, including obtaining food. According to census.gov, Wolfe County’s population in 2016 was 7,159. 18.6% of that population is over 65 and 32.2% of the total population is in poverty. By these numbers, approximately 429 seniors over the age of 65 are livin
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
My! Has times really changed. For a person in their seventies, it is a whole new world. All meetings are on zoom, You Tube, and/or Facebook live. I love face to face contact and am learning to adapt. Although things are different, it does not prevent the 4-H program to be any less. Supplies are ready for pick up for those members who have signed up for certain county fair projects where we assign times to come in and pick them up and the same goes for cleaning our c
Author: Vicki Boggs
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During early months of 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic and resulting quarantine have changed our daily lives in too many ways to count. For students about to graduate high school though, the impact of an abbreviated school year has created ripple effects over a season that is supposed to be filled with memories and milestones.While none of us imagined this kind of senior year for our youth we have developed a way to celebrate their graduation by sharing with them congratulations and memorable items. &
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
On March 19 the Hopkins County Cooperate Extension office transitioned to a modified office schedule that had limited access to the public. This was an unfortunate outcome due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the Hopkins County Extension Office being on a modified schedule and several of our 4-H programs postponing or being cancelled, this made for a real challenge in reaching the youth in Hopkins County. After brainstorming and communicating with other 4-H Agents across Kentucky, the Grab-N-Go Ba
Author: Bonita Jolly
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
To date 2020 has been a year of challenge, change and create all due to the circumstances of COVID 19. Of the 20 + years in Extension, I have not undergone so many cancellations, postponements and rescheduling in such a short period of time. Patience has been key to the challenges in both our work and home life. As 4-H Extension agents we are not alone for this also affects the 4-H families that we work with. As one ages, change does not come easy and I have certainly le
Author: Toni Humble
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service empowers communities to respond to challenges they face and reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. One of the first challenges identified was that health care facilities throughout the state did not have enough personal protective equipment for front line workers to do their jobs during the pandemic. Cooperative Extension staff collaborated with Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) across the state to help address the la
Author: Ryan Spicer
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
According to Kentucky: By the Numbers, Breathitt County in 2017 had 2,114 youth between the ages of 5-19. Of those youth, 284 had a disability, making the percent of youth with a disability over 13% for the county. Breathitt County’s Agent for 4-H Youth Development believes that the best way to reach this population is to teach them different concepts and skills that they will need to succeed with their disability. He partnered with the Breathitt High School life skills classes to schedule
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Living a predominately rural area youth are exposed to a variety of conditions in which a person is faced with unsafe conditions around the home or outside in the yard or farm. A majority of youth are not prepared on what to in emergency or how to avoid an accident. The safety day taught youth to be aware of their surroundings and what to do in an emergency. Teaching youth proper safety on the farm or around the home is essential to their development. A safety day was held for sixth-grade youth
Author: Patrick Allen
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the pandemic it has become increasingly more important to reach our youth audiences. They are stuck at home and need to stay busy for their mental and physical health. We have created an opportunity for youth to still be active 4-H members at home though projects they can complete at home. Each week we have prepared a project kit that can be safely picked up at the extension office and completed at home. We have tried to make all kits match a project that is eligible to be entered in the
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In mid- March, 2020 life as we knew it either came to a halt or drastically changed as the Covid-19 pandemic began its known presence in Kentucky. One of the groups of people that became widely thought about during this time of shutdown were the high school graduating class of 2020. Not being able to finish out their year in school brought about many traditions that too were missed, including that of graduation. Clark County 4-H had 17 Senior graduates this year. As reali
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
As programming through the 21st century is more advanced in technology it can be useful in the times that we are facing it can also be difficult for those that do not have all of the equipment that they need. Each of the youth that are involved in our programs are all faced with challenges through daily tasks. Having to deal with a new world and a new way of learning can be challenging so in lite in the current new normal for our schools and youth we partnered to have weekly packets available fo
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges for the community as schools were moved online and parents were home from work. In an effort to address these issues, the Graves County Extension Office offered Grab-n-Go Project Bags to give youth something to do after their NTI work was completed. This gave youth something to look forward to as many enrichment programs were cancelled and also helped continue their at-home education. Project bags that were designed, assembled, and distributed
Author: Esther "Susan" Turner
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Through 4-H, the Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service has the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of its members. Working with youth as they grow through the program provides a unique perspective of how the activities, events, projects and program have helped to develop life skills. One 4-H member shares her experience as follows: Having been a 4-H member for eleven years, I have served as my club president and secretary/treasurer. I have had the o
Author: Esther "Susan" Turner
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service continued to keep youth and families engaged in educational activities through weekly grab and go kits. The grab and go kits were offered each Thursday and included most of the supplies and instructions for 4-H projects and Homemaker activities centered around physical activity, nutrition, science, and crafts. The kits also included information on proper hand washing techniques, a weekly recipe, and inform
Author: Heather Coleman
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Jack Friar was “The Stepping Stone” for Floyd County 4-H and is a man who many will always remember as their 4-H Agent. Jack Friar retired after 30 plus years of service. Jack was many things to many people; he encouraged many youth to continue their education and to pursue their dreams. One of Jack’s passions was 4-H camp. So in his honor, the Floyd County 4-H Council as directed by numerous leaders and alumni established the Jack Friar Memorial Scholar
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the COVID-19 situation of spring and summer of 2020, Ballard County 4-H provided 1149 project kits in the core curriculum categories. Eighty related to communications, 101 related to agriculture, 224 health related,117 family and consumer science,124 natural resources, 144 science, engineering and technology, 342 in expressive arts, and 30 in leadership. We reached at least 75 different families and many of them multiple times. We also reached some new minority families
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Cooperative Extension Service in Madison County held a 4-H cake decorating club that met each month for 6 months in the fall of 2019. This club had 24 participants that attended the meetings regularly. Each of the first 5 meetings were spent practicing various cake decorating techniques, learning about cake decorating tools and just having fun. At the last meeting the youth were each given a full cake to decorate. According to Cornell Cooperative Extension service, hobbies can be satisfying
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The 2020 Coronavirus pandemic brought 4-H programming to an abrupt halt in March 2020. Parents, educators, and local communities began learning how to function in a way that no one had experienced before. One of Extension’s strengths is its flexibility across counties and states to address local needs to achieve locally desired outcomes (Diem, 2016). This statement could not be any truer than in the current environment of COVID-19 and the impact it has, and continues to
Author: Zachariah Bartenslager
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Livestock Programs have always had a strong appeal to Youth across the Commonwealth. In recent years the Livestock Skillathon Contest has seen a resurgence of interest. Continuing the upward path of participants each year, the 2020 contest (held on February 22 in Bowling Green, KY.) saw an increase of 30 contestants. The grand total of contestants for the 2020 contest came to 250 individuals. Livestock Skillathon Contests provide an educational avenue for youth to express their competitive
Author: Zachariah Bartenslager
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
No question the COVID-19 Pandemic has created countless difficult situations for everyone. One aspect that has been impacted in Kentucky Youth Livestock Programs, has been 4-H Livestock Judging. Hosting an in-person clinic or contest with hundreds of participants has been impossible due to social distancing guidelines. Thanks to modern technology livestock clinics and contests have adapted to the unprecedented times here in the Commonwealth. A four-week, five-part video webinar series (over the
Author: Patrice Thompson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
As the school year ended suddenly and summer approached, we have had to adjust our programming and re-focus our efforts in reaching our audiences to an alternative source. During this time of re-focus, I have kept in contact with my direct contacts which include various school and community leaders. This has been important because the online programming that is offered is being directly communicated by those stakeholders to our target audience through email and newsletter. The online programming
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
4-H CampSignature Program. 4-H Camp has been referred to by Dr. Jimmy Henning and Dean Nancy Cox as KY 4-H’s “Signature “program. .For Butler County, it is. The KY State 4-H Office says that a county our size should take a minimum of 25 camp participants. That a county our size, doing an excellent job should have a goal of 40 participants. Our camp participation was 102 and ranges from year to year between 90 and 105.Our program is large because ou
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Covid 19Unexpected, and unprepared. We canceled almost everything. Our clientele have been very supportive.But we were able to go full on with our 4-H Bee Keeping Project. Youth have been learning through 4-H Manuals we got from Purdue Extension. Plus some facetime/zoom, and some individual one on one instruction in the field.Due to a donation from Miss Patricia Pendley, we were able to start 10 youth as new bee keepers, and add 2 hives and an observation hive to the West KY 4-H Camp.We pu
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the COVID-19 pandemic, families were encouraged to stay home and Extension services could not be provided in person. To meet this challenge and provide youth with long-term programming, the Graves County 4-H program offered an opportunity for at-home learning through the 4-H Virtual Olympics. Youth ranked which of the 7 teams representing the 7 curriculum areas of Kentucky 4-H that they were most interested in. Options included River Ramblers (Natural Resources), Tech Wizards (Science, En
Author: Paula McCuiston
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
On March 16, 2020 the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service began a quick transition to remote working conditions due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. During this time, our local school system had dismissed and students were doing school work from home so the Hickman County 4-H Agent quickly began looking for ways to continue programming and reaching youth within the community. One of the ways the 4-H Agent began doing this was to create grab-n-go kits if you will. &nb
Author: Wade Raymer
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
LifeSmarts. Learn it. Live it You may have had times in your adult life where you have thought, “I wish I had learned that in school” or “I have no idea how to do that.” When it comes to many adult topics, like how to make a will or how home mortgages work, we often find ourselves learning as we go. A new Webster County 4-H program seeks to take some of that guesswork out for youth and give them valuable information that they will need as adults.In 2018 the KY LifeSm
Author: Kindra Jones
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
4-H Camp is one of the most anticipated events by youth across the state. They come together with their fellow youth in the county and head off by bus to embark on a week of life skill development. From making new friends to learning new skills in classes, Sally time and reflection to Mega Relay; all activities through 4-H Camp provide participants with skills that will carry with them through life. Prior to the Covid-19 shutdown in March, Grayson County had 55 campers registered for camp 2020.&
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, the Crittenden County Extension Office was forced to rethink the way we deliver programming to our clientele. The week prior to the agents being asked to work remotely, we met and planned then best way to continue to offer quality programming without face to face contact. One thing we decided to do was offer “Grab and Go” bags with projects from all three program areas during the months of March and April. 88 % of the audience polled p
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Prior to the Covid 19 Pandemic, the Crittenden County Extension Service page was not used to it’s fullest extent by all of the agents. 4-H programs and event pictures were posted and the staff assistant was great at posting fliers for all areas of our upcoming event but that was about all we used the social media for. But the Coronavirus forces us to step out of our comfort zone, rethink the way we deliver education programs and reach out to a whole new audience. Since March 18, 2020
Author: Jessica Marquez
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Issues: What is the situation? Who cares and why?Whitney Young Elementary school is located in the west side of Louisville, KY, where it is considered to be an economically disadvantaged area. It is considered a Title 1 School. The majority of the students (about 66%) are African American and 22% are Hispanic, which is considered to be higher than the Kentucky state average of 24%. About 78% of the students are on free/reduced lunch. Whitney Young Elementary school ranked below average on their
Author: Jessica Marquez
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Issues: What is the situation? Who cares and why?Conway Middle School is part of the JCPS school system located in Louisville, KY. It is a Title 1 school. The majority of the students (about 75%) are economically disadvantage. The minority enrollment is 47% of the student body, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 24%. Conway Middle placed in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kentucky for their overall test scores, and about 95% of their student population is considered “not g
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
4-H Camp provides the opportunity for youth to experience time away from home, meet new people, and learn life skills. The youth attending 4-H Camp participate in activities that focus on teamwork, physical activity, and personal development.Due to COVID-19 and the concern of safety for our youth, the 4-H Camp Summer Program was canceled. With the passion of 4-H Camp still very prominent in Casey County, 4-H Camp Leaders brainstormed a way to still provide a little of the 4-H Camp experience vir
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In striving to continue to provide educational opportunities to youth and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, free educational kits were assembled and distributed the Casey County community on a weekly basis for 10 weeks. Various activities and materials were included in each kit covering 6 of the 7 Kentucky 4-H Core Curriculum (agriculture, natural resources, expressive arts, health, family & consumer science, and science, engineering, and technology). Below are the total kits asse
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
With the Covid-19 Pandemic redefining the 2019-2020 school year, high school graduating seniors across the United States faced the harsh reality of not being recognized for their academic and community efforts in the traditional format. Virtual, drive in, and/or social distance events/activities became the options to honor these youth. Marshall County, Kentucky was not any different…in some ways. The Marshall County High School Class of 2020 is the face of strength, pers
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
To say 2020 was a game changing year for the world would be a massive understatement. Covid-19 has created challenges on health, social, economic, and environmental scales not seen since major World Wars. The effects on how organizations provide their “products” of programming, research-based information, and social interaction is what the Cooperative Extension Service and others had to face. Use of social media to provide virtual programming and information has met
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
2020 has certainly been a year for the history books. Everyone’s world was turned upside down when COVID-19 (coronavirus) became a world-wide pandemic. Schools had to be closed, businesses had to close, churches had to shut their doors, and people were ordered to stay at home by the government. Being extension professionals, we had to think fast and critically on how we could reach our clientele during this difficult and necessary time. Our offices were closed to the public, and staff bega
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Studies have shown links between quality parent time — such as reading to a child, sharing meals, talking with them or otherwise engaging with them on one-on-one activities results in positive outcomes for kids. The same is true for parents’ warmth and sensitivity toward their children. Child development and pediatrics experts agree that even short spurts of creative time greatly impact social, cognitive, and emotional development of children in their earliest formal years and create
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Responding RemotelyIn response to the stay at home and social distancing orders during the Pandemic of 2020, Nelson County 4-H worked quickly to respond to the needs of our community and clients. Agents and volunteers worked to provide alternative programming and outreach efforts. Online OutreachAgents personally created original content videos and worked with 4-H participants, volunteers and colleagues to provide consistent and timely educational resources in the form of video
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Due to Covid-19 the Spencer County Extension Agents had to learn how to change our ideas on programming to reach our community. FaceBook Live, FaceBook, and the office website have served as tools to make the pavilion projects to go a huge success in Spencer County.Over 2,000 projects have been given to members of the community through the pavilion projects. 950 kits have been distributed to students through our partnerships with Taylorsville Elementary School, Spencer County Middle
Author: Wade Raymer
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Webster County Extension Council and the 4-H Council identified life skills as a need for the citizens of Webster County. Life skills promote mental well-being in young people and equips them to face the realities of life.Life skills are “abilities for adaptive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life” (WHO, 1997, p.1). Webster County 4-H has an excellent working partnership with local schools to provide educationa
Author: Kayla Walton
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Gateway Youth Court Diversion Program is an initiative to work with youth who have been convicted of minor criminal charges to redirect their decision making and promote positive behavior changes. The Menifee County 4-H agents and the Gateway Court Designated Workers developed a program to teach self-worth and valuable life skills to the youth in this pogram. A planning meeting was held in November to discuss what the court workers needed the program to contain. An agenda was put
Author: Kaitlyne Metsker
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
COVID-19...In a short matter of time, 4-H programs as we know came to a halt. Events, clubs, and programs were cancelled in their traditional manner and 4-H Youth Development Agents began planning and preparing ways to still reach youth. With schools being closed and students at home, a strain was placed on parents and caregivers, who might also be working from home, to provide educational and fun activities for youth. As 4-H Youth Development Agents, we are familiar with adapting to any si
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Thousands of schools have closed their doors in March due to COVID-19 leaving many parents juggling working remotely, homeschooling their children, as well as everyday house hold chores. These challenges parents are facing at home are unprecedented. Because of the COVID-19, day camps throughout were cancelled leaving parents who were used to dropping off their children unsure of what to do and how to entertain their children. 4-H Grab and Go Bags were developed to help fill that void
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the challenging times, each week the Wolfe County Extension Office, Wolfe County Family Resource, Red River Valley Family Resource and Wolfe County Youth Service Center worked diligently together to provide Take Home Activity bags. We targeted school aged youth in our community and placed 5-7 activities in each bag. We had a theme for each bag and we each came up with an activity, craft, recipe, etc that fit that theme. We dispersed 250-285 bags each week having the children sign them out
Author: Meagan Diss
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Due to CDC and University of Kentucky recommendations, the Extension Service Offices looked much different during the COVID-19 initial outbreak as offices were closed to the public. In order to still serve the community, Union County Extension put together bags for the youth in order to maintain some level of programming. As of June 30th, over 650 bags have been distributed to the youth covering topics from health and wellness to agriculture and natural resources. Bags contained multiple activit
Author: Jacqueline Jacob
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The University of Kentucky poultry program offers five competitive events for 4-Hers in the state. All these programs have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the popular events is the avian bowl contest. This is a double-elimination knowledge bowl related to poultry. Questions are drawn from the material in the avian bowl manual. There are state contests for both the juniors and seniors with the top seniors qualifying for the national contest. I have developed narrated Powe
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Shelby County 4-H provides programming in multiple programming modes, most with hands-on, experiential learning methods. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, it forced schools to close, offices to shut down and 4-H families to quarantine at home. As a result, a new approach to providing 4-H opportunities had to be developed. The 4-H Agent, program assistants, SNAP-Ed Assistant and other Extension Agents planned and assembled a series a pick up projects to distribute from the porch o
Author: Chuck Flowers
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
There is a first time for everything. After the dog club had worked so hard their first year, I asked our 4-H agent about the idea of having a dog show. Since we do not have students showing cattle or hogs we approached the local fair board. In conjunction with the fair board and 4-H we planned the first Carlisle County 4-H dog show. Categories were set up and prizes were arranged so students could receive a reward for their hard work and showing ability. By participating
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we are reaching out to the youth of Mercer County. To continue to keep youth engaged in 4-H and create opportunities for youth to continue to learn we have offered 4-H Grab n’go kits. We offered a variety of projects that focus on S.E.T., horticulture, communications, and family consumer science-related projects youth can complete at home. The projects were also developed for age-appropriate activities for both regular 4-H members and 4-H Cloverbuds. &
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Ohio County 4-H collaborates with local schools to provide research-based 4-H Youth Development educational curriculum to youth in a classroom club format. Local 4-H, community, and school leaders strongly support the efforts of professional 4-H staff in the classroom settings as these relationships provide a tremendous marketing opportunity of other 4-H programs to 4-H age youth. Principals, teachers and school staff embrace the 4-H program into the classroom setting because “
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
4-H Youth Development programs provide opportunities for creativity in a learn-by-doing environment and encourage youth to become involved in projects and activities. The Kentucky 4-H Achievement program through motivation and the use of incentives is important to positive youth development by recognizing 4-H youth who have outstanding accomplishments and have increased their knowledge, skills and abilities. Keeping youth involved in leadership opportunities, being civically active, and achievin
Author: Heather Coleman
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Since all Floyd County Youth had their school year cut short, we at the Floyd County Extension Office wanted to provide youth with fun educational activities that they could enjoy. An activity packet was designed from the 4-H Core Content Areas. Those areas were Family and Consumer Science, Health, STEM, Communications and Expressive Arts, Agriculture and Natural Resources. Each kit contained six educational hours of learning materials and each kit was given out over a 2 week time pe
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered how the 4-H Youth Development program has traditionally delivered youth learning experiences, young people are still learning by doing through a variety of activities and programs that emphasize 4-H’s philosophy of youth development. At-home learning activities are taking place across the state and educational programs are delivered by virtual methods. 4-H is perceived as the foundation of positive youth development and during tim
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Some of the goals of the Kentucky 4-H Camping Program includes providing a positive change in youth, providing programming that allows youth to master activity skills, creating a sense of belonging for everyone that participates, providing experiences that lead to new interests and hobbies, and to increase our retention rate of campers and volunteers. Due the COVID-19 the Kentucky 4-H Camping Program was suspended this summer. The Madison County Cooperative Extension Service understood the defic
Author: Novella Froman
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Pike County 4-H Is Inclusive! To make 4-H available to all youth, we have 4-H in every public school in the county. This shows a great deal of support from leadership in the county and city school systems. This makes the programs available to all youth regardless of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age,
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Some of the goals of the Kentucky 4-H Camping Program includes providing a positive change in youth, providing programming that allows youth to master activity skills, creating a sense of belonging for everyone that participates, providing experiences that lead to new interests and hobbies, and to increase our retention rate of campers and volunteers. Due the COVID-19 the Kentucky 4-H Camping Program was suspended this summer. The Madison County Cooperative Extension Service understood the defic
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Covid-19 has created new learning opportunities for 4-Hers across the county as well as the state of Kentucky. With remote schooling and limited access to extension offices and personnel the extension staff had to become creative as to how to deliver programs and information in a new format.The week after the schools started remotely the Henry County Extension staff started putting together educational grab bags weekly that could be picked up from a tote outside the front door of the offic
Author: Kimberly Ragland
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Boyle County 4-H has a long tradition of working with local schools to provide educational content to students while sharing the breadth of extracurricular 4-H offerings available to them using an in-class club format. Local 4-H leaders strongly support the efforts of professional 4-H staff in classroom settings as these linkages provide the best marketing opportunity of other 4-H offerings to early 4-H age youth. Teachers and schools welcome the 4-H program into their classrooms bec
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, has made a significant impact across Kentucky, the United States, and the world. The first case in Kentucky was confirmed on March 6. As social distancing recommendations were put into place, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service quickly transitioned to alternative educational delivery methods to support Kentuckians through a very fluid situation. All agents and staff of the Carroll County Cooperative Extension Service utilized social media
Author: Sarah Redmon
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the Covid-19 pandemic 4-H Youth Development Agents across Kentucky had to find a different why to reach their youth through programming. Scott County 4-H Youth Development Agent along with other 4-H agents in Kentucky started by reaching out to their youth through the brown bag project or in Scott County “Project Porch”. The Scott County 4-H Youth Development Agent planned and implemented fifty Project Porch kits each week for nine weeks that youth could pick up on t
Author: Terence Clemons
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
4-H youth development programs within Extension depend heavily on adult volunteers and provide extensive education to volunteer leaders. 4-H traditionally focuses on positive youth development, but adult volunteers are the mainstay of the programs. A study of Ohio 4-H agents revealed that they believed orienting volunteers is important but lack information on whether their training programs or teaching strategies are effective (Deppe & Culp, 2001). Non-systematic training and the lack of vol
Author: Marla Stillwell
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Since 2017, the Hardin County 4-H Council along with 4-H Agents and the 4-H Program Assistant have collaborated to offer an annual 4-H Festival & Expo. The purpose of the event has been to increase awareness of 4-H clubs, programs, events and as a simple outreach to the communities of Hardin County. The event was well-attended once again in October 2019 with just over 120 people in attendance, many of those attending being new, never reached participants. Current members and leaders from eac
Author: Marla Stillwell
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the COVID-19 outbreak which caused schools to close their doors during the 2019-20 school year, keeping youth engaged proved to be difficult for many families. The UK Extension Service in Hardin County made a conscious effort to ease that burden by creating and making available to-go type projects in-a-bag that were accessible in our Extension Office foyer since the office was closed to foot-traffic. Three Hardin County Extension agents and two Extension program assistants re
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 4-H was able to partner with organizations serving underserved youth to reach clients who may not have had internet or transportation access to access Brown Bag or Virtual programming. Kits were assembled that included three lessons on international education including Japanese paper cranes, Taiwanese lanterns, and Mexican tissue paper crafts. Kits included all information needed to complete the lesson at home with all included materials.Kits were then distributed t
Author: Lawrence Caudle
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In March 2020, the United States ended up taking on a new enemy in the form of a virus named COVID-19 or the Coronavirus. COVID-19 has slowed, if not stopped, the United States in almost every aspect from universities refraining from attending classes to businesses either shutting down their operations or limiting the number of employees that can work, plus limiting their hours of operations. The University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Service has been no exception to the rules. The
Author: Sherri Farley
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
On March 16, 2020 the University of Kentucky Campbell County Extension Service began a transition to remote programming as closures from the Coronavirus pandemic loomed. Ways to continue programming to youth in the county resulted in Grab & Go project bags being offered. Utilizing existing supplies for day camps that were cancelled and supplies in storage, thirteen different topics of Grab & Go bags were compiled and set out for pick up by interested families. Included in each bag was: Y
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic impacts, many individuals in Clay County have been unemployed and have learned to take on a new role of being a full-time “at-home teacher” for their children. With many businesses shutting down and limited resources in the county, numerous families have struggled at home with their mental health, accessing food, finances, and limited engagement with others. To alleviate stress and provide helpful, educational resources for children and families during th
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In a short matter of time, 4-H programs as we know came to a halt. Events, clubs, and programs were cancelled in their traditional manner and 4-H Youth Development Agents began planning and preparing ways to still reach youth. With schools being closed and students at home, a strain was placed on parents and caregivers, who might also be working from home, to provide educational and fun activities for youth. As 4-H Youth Development Agents, we are familiar with adapting to any situation and
Author: Rachel Hance
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In the United States, only 1/3 of high school seniors are college-ready. Only 1/3 of high school graduates are work-ready.Kentucky Student Transitions - (2016-2017)College 54.7%Technical Training 5%Military 3%Working 23.4%Other 13.8%Sources: Kentucky Dept of Education (2019)US Dept of Education (2019) 4-H Program
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
For nearly 30 years this ANR agent has been working the state fair youth beef show as the superintendent for most of those. For many youth, showing at the state fair marks the end of their beef project. One intent of the youth beef project is to encourage youth to produce cattle in their adult lives. Therefore, to help foster this desire, the experiences the youth have during their project need to be real but also, hopefully, positive. As the superintendent of the show, this ANR agent can try to
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
When the Covid-19 Pandemic struck it presented challenges for not only physical health of those infected but also the mental well-being of the entire country. David Weisenhorn, UK Senior Specialist for Parenting and Child Development said, "the uncertainty around Covid-19 is even harder for Children," additionally, the implications around school closures and social distancing requirements have the potential to have a long-term impact on youth mental health. To continue to support
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The international pandemic of 2020 provided new opportunities for Kenton Cooperative Extension to educate 4-H youth involved in local programs as well as provide resources to families and educators seeking support and educational opportunities. Kenton County CES Agent 4-H Youth Development (Kelley) followed the Youth Program Quality Model “Research demonstrates that high-quality youth programs can have measurable impacts that result in positive youth development outcomes (Smith
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
A longitudinal study of 4-H by Tufts University revealed young people involved in 4-H programs have a consistently higher level of positive youth development, contributions to their community, and increased life skills. “The results of this longitudinal study continually reinforce the idea that when youth participate in programs such as 4-H, they thrive in numerous ways including health, positive development, and community contribution,” said Dr. Richard Lerner.One particular 4-H&rsq
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Why am I a 4-H agent? There are some professions where money is not the reason that you get up and go to work even if it means long hours and weekends. This is so true in the life of a 4-H Youth Development Agent. 4-H teaches so many life skills. Skills that will truly make a difference in the life of a child. Why would I make such a statement? Because I have seen so many children grow by being a 4–H member. As you know there are 7 areas that the 4-H agent teaches
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
During the COVID-19 pandemic it has become increasingly important to reach our youth audiences. Youth have lost many opportunities to stay busy creating difficult situations for their mental and physical health. Nicholas County 4-H created an opportunity for youth to still be active 4-H members at home though diversified projects they can complete. Each week we prepared a project kit that is eligible to be entered in the county or state fair and could be safely picked up at the extension office
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Corona Virus outbreak truly rocked the 4-H world, and Cooperative Extensions as a whole. When it hit in early March most people had no clue that it would be as devastating and life changing as it has been. We learned a lot about social distancing, importance of hand washing, wearing mask and had to accept the fact there was now a new “normal”, whatever that turns out to be.Schools began to close and students were expected to do NTI or other forms of alternative education.
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced Kentuckians into quarantine youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. Due to this situation the Kentucky 4-H Program began the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences on social media platforms. The goal of the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences was to maintain ways for youth and families to engage with 4-H projects, events and activities while learning new life skills th
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
On March 19 the Hopkins County Cooperate Extension office transitioned to a modified office schedule that had limited access to the public. This was an unfortunate outcome due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the Hopkins County Extension Office being on a modified schedule and several of our 4-H programs postponing or being canceled, this made for a real challenge in reaching the youth in Hopkins County. After brainstorming and communicating with other 4-H Agents across Kentucky, the Grab-N-Go Bag
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Due to the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, the Kentucky 4-H camping season was cancelled. Kentucky has four 4-H Camp sites across the state that sees approximately 11,000 youth and 2,000 adults each summer on their grounds. Bell County 4-H typically takes between 50-60 youth to experience a lifetime memory. Bell County 4-H receives annual donations from gracious donors that assist in offsetting the cost of camp attendance for youth. With 4-H Camp being cancelled, one donor graciously decided to
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
When the Covid-19 Pandemic struck it presented challenges for not only physical health of those infected but also the mental well-being of the entire country. David Weisenhorn, UK Senior Specialist for Parenting and Child Development said, "the uncertainty around Covid-19 is even harder for Children," additionally, the implications around school closures and social distancing requirements have the potential to have a long-term impact on youth mental health.To continue to support youth
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In March 2020 when the Covid-19 Pandemic closed the schools in Kentucky, our 4-H programming was severely impacted with the amount of youth that we could reach. In Fayette County we decided to offer programs and projects that youth could do at their homes. We supplied everything that they would need in a “Take and Make Kit” this allowed parents to come pick up the supplies from our Extension Office and take it to the safety of their home to complete. We offered these projects for 8 w
Author: Rachel Guidugli
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced Kentuckians into quarantine youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. Due to this situation the Kentucky 4-H Program began the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences on social media platforms. The goal of the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences was to maintain ways for youth and families to engage with 4-H projects, events and activities while learning new life skills th
Author: Bobby Ammerman
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
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Author: Meagan Diss
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
County fairs are a staple, especially in rural communities. It provides a time to come together for not only the community but also the 4-H members as their projects are on display. COVID-19 came to emergence in the spring of 2020 and led to many county fairs being canceled on CDC guidelines. In order to still provide an opportunity for the 4-H fair projects to be shown, Union County Cooperative Extension Office came up with the idea for Rally Days. Youth dropped off their projects at the office
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In early March, planning for summer programs was underway, excitement about camp was building, fair projects were started; however, when COVID-19 struck all of those things went out to door. As extension agents, we were wondering how we can impact and serve a community that we could not interact with. Through social media outlets, we developed a weekly take home bag that included items from all three-program areas. To date we have given out over 180 kits. The themes of these kits ranged fr
Author: Laura Huffman
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In 2020 families have experienced a time like no other. When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced families into quarantine youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. Due to this situation the Hart County 4-H Program began designing and creating 4-H Grab n Go Kits for youth to have a hands on learning experience while at home. The goal of the Hart County 4-H Grab n Go Kits were to maintain way
Author: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
With the growing number of careers in the Science, Engineering and Technology field, it is becoming more important to begin exposing youth to the subject matter as much as possible and in a variety of ways. Job skills, such as team work and communication are also important to expose youth to as much as possible. In attempt to educate our 4-H members about Science, Engineering and Technology, as well as other curriculum areas and job skills. Hancock, Webster, Henderson, Breckinridge, and Ohio Cou
Author: Madison McAlmond
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Programming at the county level changed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic that took over in March of 2020. Youth and adults alike went from having various activities to attend, people to see and things to do to scratching their heads at home wondering what they can do to not only keep themselves busy and engaged, but keep the youth they now have at home active as well. During the first week of the shutdown Lindsay and I put our heads together to try to figure out what we can offer to th
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
With the onset and spread of COVID-19 throughout Kentucky and our county, the Knox County 4-H program moved swiftly to deliver our message and reach our clientele in a new way. After conversations with the Knox County 4-H Council, it was imperative to continue to reach youth with positive research-based programming and to do it remotely while continuing to be hands-on. The Knox County 4-H program responded by offering virtual programming and also project kits that contained current i
Author: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered how the 4-H Youth Development program has traditionally delivered youth learning experiences, young people are still learning by doing through a variety of activities and programs that emphasize 4-H’s philosophy of youth development. At-home learning activities are taking place across the state and educational programs are delivered by virtual methods. 4-H is perceived as the foundation of positive youth development and during tim
Author: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
4-H Youth Development programs provide opportunities for creativity in a learn-by-doing environment and encourage youth to become involved in projects and activities. The Kentucky 4-H Achievement program through motivation and the use of incentives is important to positive youth development by recognizing 4-H youth who have outstanding accomplishments and have increased their knowledge, skills and abilities. Keeping youth involved in leadership opportunities, being civically active, and achievin
Author: Catherine Weaver
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In Jessamine County, Week Long 4-H Camp is the highlight of summer for nearly 400 youth and counselors who attend each year. As a result of the global pandemic, and out of concern for the safety of our 4-H members in the commonwealth, 4-H camp was cancelled for the summer of 2020. Jessamine and Mercer 4-H saw a need for normalcy, and a need for camp magic to continue in some form, thus “4-H Camp at Home” was born. 4-H Camp at Home was a weeklong virtual experience that s
Author: George Heersche
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
I am chairman of the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest Management Committee, and I serve as co-superintendent of the dairy cattle judging contests at the North American International Livestock Exposition. Both of these are high profile multi-state educational events which bring recognition to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.Serving as chairman of the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest Management Committee continues to presented some extra ch
Author: George Heersche
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Dairy cattle evaluation involves utilizing several skills. For example: keen observation, simultaneously evaluating multiple inputs, logical thinking, making decisions, and defending those decisions with an oral presentation.I have coached or help coach the Kentucky 4-H dairy cattle judging teams starting in 1978. This has been a very successful educational program. We have also been fortunate to win three national championships.The National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management Career
Author: Tyrone Gentry
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced Kentuckians into quarantine youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. Due to this situation, the Kentucky 4-H Program began the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences on social media platforms. Kids love technology and the online format is a natural method to reach them in these challenging times. The goal of the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences was to maintain
Author: Toni Humble
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
“Grab Bag” programs during the Covid 19 became the new way of teaching and reaching our clientele.The 4-H Agent, Family & Consumer Science Agent, and Nutrition Education Program Assistant, partnered to provide 75 grab and go kits per week that included several SNAP recipes, Plate It Up recipes and material along with information teaching others where their food comes from, how to grow, and then prepare enables them to have access to healthier foods.Other Grab and Go Bags wa
Author: Kelly Smith
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced Kentuckians into quarantine youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. Due to this situation the Kentucky 4-H Program began the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences on social media platforms. The goal of the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences was to maintain ways for youth and families to engage with 4-H projects, events and activities while learning new life skills th
Author: Hollyn Howard
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Through the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Nelson County 4-H Youth Development made efforts to deliver 4-H Camp programming. 4-H Youth Development Agents fund-raised, assembled, and advertise kits over the local radio stations, on Facebook, and through mailers. 300 “At Home 4-H Camp” kits were marketed, firstly, to campers that were registered for 2020 as well as to campers from 2019, through a mailed “At Home 4-H C
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
This year, due to COVID-19, County programing was changed like never before. Schools was closed, and people was not allowed to gather. This makes the job of a County 4-H Agent very hard, as we had to change all of our programing from hands on to virtual and self studies. In Trimble county, and across the state, the County 4-H Agent gathered supplies and equipment to supply residents of Trimble County youth the opportunity to continue learning valuable, fun and interactive
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Cooperative Extension Service’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through research based education. Extension takes the University to the people in their local communities, addressing issues of importance of all Kentuckians.4-H is the youth development component of Extension. It provides non-formal education opportunities. According to the 2019 estimated censes, Warren County has a population of 132,896. Of those, 30,453 are youth
Author: Ella Fourqurean
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
COVID-19 hasn't been easy but one thing it hasn't stopped is community involvement in 4-H through programs like "Grab n Go Bags" or the "Brown Bag Projects" across the entire state of Kentucky. Each week brings a new and exciting way to engage our youth in simple, fun projects at home. To date we have given out over 100 grab and go bags weekly featuring a multitude of activities for youth ranging from Agriculture, SET, Health, Family and Consumer Science and more. Inc
Author: Anna Meador
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
As a response to COVID-19 school and community closings, Allen County Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H Program sought to meet a community need to provide continued education opportunities amid the new social and distance learning climate. Due to the COVID-19 social distancing period, the 4-H and Extension Programs developed an “Extension Tool Box” that helped to keep clients informed and continuously involved with 4-H and Extension programs with Take-n-Go Education kits.In
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
COVID-19 is a public health crisis for both physical and mental well-being. According to David Weisenhorn, UK Senior Specialist for Parenting and Child Development, “the uncertainty around COVID-19 is even harder for children.” Morgan County Extension service aimed to support mental health among youth and families during this crisis while following CDC and social distancing guidelines. The goal of the 4-H program was to provide hands-on programming for youth, using
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
When the COVID-19 erased the in person 4-H programs on our calendars, we knew we needed to “reinvent the wheel” for our 4-H members, parents, leaders and other youth. This Agent was ask by the schools to provide a weekly list of virtual activities for the 4,000 + students in the school systems. Each school sent the list to their students to supplement their plans.A wide variety of activities were utilized on the Barren County Face Book page and the County website. Virtual learning in
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In response to COVID-19 school, community and business closings, Marion County Cooperative Extension Service and the 4-H Program sought to address a community need to provide educational opportunities. Due to COVID-19 social distancing, 4-H and Extension Programs developed 4-H To Go Kits and informational packets that helped to keep youth and clients informed and involved with 4-H and Extension programs during the pandemic.Over 1500 informational packets were distributed through Cent
Author: Paula McCuiston
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
On March 16, 2020 the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service began a quick transition to remote working conditions due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Hickman County Cooperative Extension Service quickly looked for ways to continue programming and reaching youth in our community. One of these ways was to create two day camp boxes; one titled “Extension Explorers” and the other “Extension Day Camp in a Box.” The Extension Explorers box is uniq
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In the middle of March 2020, many businesses, restaurants, and schools in Kentucky closed to in-person traffic because of a global pandemic. Families and community members were encouraged to stay home except for essential business and items. Families were suddenly working from home, keeping up with non-traditional school instruction for their children, trying to avoid the public or maintain social distance, and running a household all at the same time. The stress le
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Kids are often bored at the end of the summer and parents are looking for educational opportunities to engage them in before returning to school. Over 87 youth participated in one or more of the following seven day camps offered in July and August 2019: Night and Day, Fashion Design, Kids Eating and Doing Something, Clover-buds, Paper Craft and Mixed Media, Fitness and Horticulture. All day camps included a healthy snack and six included lunch and were provided free of charge to the community. A
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
So many times you hear parents say, “Wow, I didn't know that 4-H had so much to offer,” after their child has participated in a few activities. 4-H is sometimes still stereotyped as being just for “farm kids” when in reality the possibilities are endless. In order to promote the Taylor County 4-H Program to the community, the local council planned and implemented a large scale event that would showcase all of the wonderful things 4-H has to offer to youth and to creat
Author: Dora Centers
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Knott Co 4H program offered multiple brown bag take home projects with educational curricula to youth in our county during the COVID pandemic. The projects themselves are experiential educational learning opportunities. The product of this effort was to show our communities that we understand that the mental health and well-being of our youth is upmost importance during this trying time. Those projects provided outlets for youth and their families to refocus their attention to po
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
According to an American Camp Association article entitled, "The Benefits of Camp," 'Camp provides children with a community of caring adults who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value. All of the outcomes — self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect — build personal competencies. These personal competencies are reflected in the four "C's" of the camp community: compassion, con
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Situation4-Her’s experienced a pandemic for the first time in their lives. Quickly youth were asked to change the way they lived. Whether it was how they do school work, go to the grocery, social interaction, extracurricular activities and so much more. For our local 4-Her’s what did that mean for them? Would there be 4-H Teen Summit, Teen Conference, Fair, 4-H Camp, club meetings and so much more. 4-H wanted a way to keep contact with 4-Her’s, keep them busy with projects and
Author: Lindsey Dunn
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The Kids Outdoor Adventures Committee formed in Daviess County in 2015 with a mission to encourage a break from technology while engaging families in fun, educational, safe, and healthy outdoor activities. The committee is made up of a number of individuals representing local businesses, youth organizations, law enforcement, youth organizations, outdoor sporting organizations and facilities, and volunteers interested in the outdoors. From the three annual programs the committee hosts
Author: Lindsey Dunn
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In August of 2019, the coordinator working with Daviess County’s Homeschool Cooperative group reached out to the 4-H agent looking for activities to offer to their youth. Six sessions were scheduled with the 4-H agent to have the youth attend programming in the curriculum areas of Communications and Expressive Arts and Natural Resources at the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Office.Youth first attended a communications workshop to become familiar with how to properly prepare a s
Author: Lindsey Dunn
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
With the Covid-19 national pandemic, our country is facing new challenges daily, from isolation to uncertainty, causing stress for many individuals. This challenge has affected every individual in the family unit, whether you have been in direct contact with the virus or not. As this virus affected 55 million youth, interrupting their school year (National 4-H Council), many guardians adjusted their work and life schedule as students began to remain home completing non-traditional in
