Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Clark County 4-H Agent offered two sessions of a four-day 4-H quilting day camp series this summer to thirteen youth. The development of life skills such as sewing has been shown to increase hand/eye coordination, improve critical thinking skills, develop creative thinkers and serve as an expressive art form (Rohmah et al., Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 2020). By learning to complete sewing projects youth develop confidence and a sense of accomplishment by
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
4-H LifeSmarts is the ultimate consumer challenge for 4-Her’s in 6th-12th grades. Like academic style competition, team members are quizzed in topics of technology, consumer rights, health and safety, environment, and finance. Harrison County’s 4-H Varsity team competed in the 2024 state competition (online contest) in January. As the highest placing varsity team in the state, Harrison County was honored to represent Kentucky at the National LifeSmarts competition held in San Diego,
Author: Lisa Hagman
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
In our increasingly interconnected world, young people must acquire the knowledge and skills to engage effectively. Local economies now rely more than ever on international resources, and those who thrive in this interconnected economy are adaptable individuals who embrace multiculturalism. Passport Kitchen is a program designed to help young people take their first steps in developing these skills. It not only promotes family mealtime but also fosters life readiness skills. For
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Describe the Issue or Situation: Family Magazine reports that 76% of middle school age youth are babysitting either family members or other’s children. Childcare training provides life skills in parenting. Babysitting is often a youth’s first gainful employment experience.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable): The Meade County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H program offered an 8 hour 4-H Babysitting Basics programs at Stuart
Author: Millie Ledford
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
In the state of KY, only 8.9% of adults consume two or more fruits and three or more vegetables daily. To increase this percentage, the Boyle County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the Danville Housing Authority to do a seven-week program using the curriculum Healthy Choices for Everybody. During the seven-week series, the NEP assistant went to the housing authority to have participants try new recipes with various vegetables and fruits. She also taught nutrition education l
Author: Millie Ledford
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
In Boyle County, the poverty rate is at 14.8%. This statistic sparked a partnership idea for the Nutrition Education Program Assistant. The Boyle County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Haven Care, a center for young and expecting mothers. A 7-week program was started using the curriculum Healthy Choices for Everybody. The NEP Assistant focused on lessons regarding food safety and preparing meals on a budget to help participants stretch their food dollars and increase food se
Author: Lucas Powell
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Lexington Traditional Magnet School identified a need for financial literacy education among its student population. After meeting with the youth service coordinator, we decided that the Reality Store Program would be a great fit for their 7th-grade class, with 85 students. Lexington Traditional Magnet School has a highly diverse student population. During the program, students are randomly given a career, the gross salary, and any education requirements for their job. Students are also ran
Author: Kimberly Harriford
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The problem was the lack of knowledge regarding nutrition, hygiene, and basic well-being.The educational program response was educating four different on nutrition, hygiene, and basic well-being.The participants/target audience was youth of various ages.Other partners (if applicable)Program impact or participant response was presentations on nutrition, hygiene, and basic well-being. Lifeskills Inc., Lincoln Way, Active Day, and Medical Center Adult Day Care all located in Bowl
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Whitesburg- Letcher County is very rural and in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains many of the youth have no clue how much work it takes to produce food or where food comes from. The partnership with both school systems, Gear-up, promise zone, and the FRYSC at each of the schools Appalachian Heritage Days is being revamped in Letcher County. Wood crafters, coal miners, farmer's, local artist, beekeeping, foresters, quilters, and firefighters. Each youth was able to sample fresh mad
Author: Kennedy Hannah
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
With the growing cost of everyday foods and our relicense on fast food, lunch and leans are unique and effective way to teach nutritional concepts and basic cooking skills in a community setting. Growing intake in fast food can cause digestive issues, calorie intake, and many health risk. These sessions educate us how to cook right, eat healthy, how many ways we can cook a particular thing and not get bored up of eating the same food but cooked in a different way. Once a month homemak
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
This summer, Kentucky 4-H Poultry Program partnered with 4-H programs from Livingston, Lyon, Crittenden, and Caldwell counties to host a highly successful BBQ Chicken Camp. Aimed at empowering youth with essential cooking skills, the camp attracted 16 young participants who gained hands-on experience in grilling and food safety.According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, developing cooking skills early in life is a strong predictor of better nutrition-relat
Author: Amanda Clark
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Describe the Issue or Situation.Cooking classes for youth have surged in popularity for several reasons including interest in culinary skills, independence, and hands-on experience. Cooking is essential to learn at a young age for nutritional awareness, creativity, problem-solving skills, and career exploration. Junior Chef has been offered at the Fayette County Extension office for six weeks from September 4th to October 9th for youth ages 9-13. This club offered cooking skills, kitchen safety,
Author: Dora Centers
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Knott County 4-H Council, County Extension Council, and county school needs assessments have identified healthy eating habits and access/exposure to healthy foods a prevalent issue four our Knott County youth. Incorporating new healthy foods is a crucial aspect of children’s development that shapes their health and preferences for life. Data supports these findings with Knott County ranking 117 out of 120 for poor health. Also in 2023, the percentage
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The Kentucky State Fair is the pinnacle event for 4-H members, showcasing the hard work and dedication put into their annual projects. 4-H project work is designed to engage youth in hands-on learning, guided by the following principles: (a) work is centered around the member's interests, (b) supported by an adult volunteer project leader, (c) focused on attainable and measurable goals, (d) recorded for reflection and growth, and (e) involves at least six hours of project-based instruction (
Author: Owen Prim
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
According to the National Council on Economic Education, a high percentage of youth do not understand the concept of money and are not taught financial information to the degree needed. To meet these needs, the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the Newport High School Youth Service Center to conduct the 4-H Reality Store Program. The 4-H Reality Store Program is a hands-on financial education activity that gives students the opportunity to explore careers,
Author: Kelly Smith
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Studies indicate that sewing is not only a productive hobby and life skill, but it can also reduce stress and increase an individual’s feeling of self-worth. The Jefferson County 4-H Agents, 4-H assistants, County Master Clothing Volunteer, and County volunteers planned and delivered a sewing Day Camp. This program was offered to those that may have attended 4-H sewing programs in the past and were intermediate sewers. The youth refreshed their sewing skills, sewing machine fun
Author: Rebecca Stahler
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
In the fall of 2022, the Ponderosa afterschool 4-H sewing club merged from a parent needs survey that revealed the 4th and 5th grade students were in need of an “afterschool/enrichment/learning” activity and/or club. Ponderosa Elementary is the only school in the Boyd County School District that does not qualify for state and/or federal afterschool funds through the 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. To be eligible to apply for the 21st CCLC funds, a sc
Author: Mary Harless
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Youth in our area often lack access to healthy food options due to economic circumstances. If they do have access, they often don't know what certain foods are or how to use them in a way that's good for them. They also lack the necessary skills to be able to help prepare meals or be safe in the kitchen. In order to combat these issues we decided to partner with or office NEP representative to host a two day cooking class unit for clover buds. The two day Clover bud Cooking series w
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Program connects local farmers to school districts to make fresh Kentucky Proud foods available to Kentucky’s school children. In 2013, the KDA Farm-to-school Kentucky Junior Chef competition was launched to teach students to cook and educate them about the importance of buying and consuming locally grown food. Since its inception, hundreds of Kentucky students have participated in the Farm to School Junior Chef competitio
Author: Eric Collins
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Describe the Issue or Situation.Participants of the Lee County Elementary Afterschool 4-H Club were asked what topics they would like to explore during club meetings this school year. After discussion of several possible topics, the students were asked which ones appealed the most. the responses given showed that 60% of the students were interested in learning about kitchen safety and food preparation skills.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The
Author: Chanda Hall
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Studies indicate that sewing is not only a productive hobby and life skill, but it can also reduce stress and increase an individual’s self-worth. The Jefferson County 4-H Agents, 4-H assistants, County Master Clothing Volunteers, and County volunteers planned and delivered a sewing Day Camp. This program was offered to those who may have attended 4-H sewing programs in the past and were intermediate sewers. The youth refreshed their sewing skills, sewing machine functions and
Author: Emily Chaney
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Our County Extension Council asked that we provide programs that would work to bridge the generational divide and connect our youths with the older generation. Local homemakers also expressed interest in passing down their knowledge of our unique heritage on to the next generation.In response, we created an Appalachian Culture club with the goal of connecting generations and preserving practices from our region. The club meets monthly to learn various Appalachian practices such as "chicken
Author: Erin Leach
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
In September 2024, Estill County started a "Junior" 4-H Club. There was already a strong Cloverbud program thriving for years, and the previous program year, it expanded into one club at each of the two elementary schools as well as a homeschool group at the Extension office. Average of 75 kids being reached.However, it was noticed that once the youth aged out of the afterschool Cloverbud program, they weren't being absorbed in any of the other special interest clubs. Youth were no
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
This year, a group of nine 4-H youths embarked on a creative journey, participating in a sewing group for the very first time. Each of these 4-Hers were on beginning level. Guided by seven talented and dedicated volunteers from the community, the program spanned five months and then highlighted a summer sewing day camp.From the outset, the youth displayed remarkable dedication, even investing in their own sewing machines to continue their newfound passion. Their commitment was evident as t
Author: Victoria Riehemann
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
In 2024, the poverty rate for Bullitt County was 10.6%, and although this poverty rate is lower than the national average for poverty (12.5%), the community wants our youth to be prepared with financial skills to fight poverty. According to the 2023 Community Assessment for Bullitt County, 12.6% of stakeholders wanted to see increases in youth career readiness and in youth life skills training, which included money management and life decision making.Bullitt County 4-H partnered with the Family
Author: Trever Cole
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Mason County 4H partnered with Buffalo Trace Health Department to offer the safe sitter course where youth are certified by the Safe Sitter Program to babysit. This course goes through basic child care, first aid, CPR, choke and rescue, and job skills. At the end of the 6 hour course the students receive their certification as well as materials to help them begin baby sitting.
Author: Calyn Colston
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The Murray State University Family & Consumer Science department received a grant earlier this year to facilitate FCS outreach and student interaction within the local community. Calloway County 4-H was contacted to partner with the FCS class to hold a needle felting workshop for 3rd-12th graders who remained in the county during Fall break. Each of the nine Murray State FCS student took part in teaching the workshop to 6 youth participants. Then the college students spread out among the you
Author: Annette Buckman
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Cloverbuds is an energetic and enthusiastic group of youth, typically aged 5 to 8 years. This vibrant group is full of curiosity and excitement, always eager to learn what the next lesson will be. Each month, they engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance their fine motor skills while also fostering growth in other key areas. These activities aim to improve not only cognitive development but also social, emotional, and physical skills. Cloverbuds provides a fun and nurturing environm
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
In life, stress is something that everyone will face. There needs to be outlets for youth to be able to release that stress such as a hobby or a life skill. This is something that sewing can provide for the youth. In Christian County, there is a wonderful partnership between 4-H Agent, a Master Clothing Volunteer, and an experienced sewer that have created a continuous sewing project group to be that outlet for the youth. The 4-H Agent, Master Clothing Volunteer and experienced sewer work t
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Youth actively participated in Your Guide to the Four H’s learning essential life skills to aid in their personal growth. Lessons included grilling on a griddle, gas, and charcoal grills. Food and knife safety. Basic home budgeting and check writing. Understanding the difference between needs versus wants. The importance of staying physically fit, eating a balanced diet, and personal hygiene habits. The day concluded with home maintenance skills youth ca
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Life skill development is a benchmark for the 4-H program. Cooking is one of those needed life skills. Russell Co. 4-H offered a series of cooking classes to youth ages 9-13 in the fall of 2024. The youth learned basic cooking skills such as reading recipes, measuring wet and dry ingredients, proper mixing techniques, proper use of kitchen utensils, correct use of a stove top and oven, as well as kitchen safety. Teaching youth to cook not only instills basic skills for living,
Author: Wade Raymer
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The Webster County Cooperative Extension office collaborated with Providence school to provide a Holiday Themed Day Camp for 50 kindergarten students featuring a craft project, physical activity and cooking lesson. The Day Camp encouraged children to use their imagination and creativity. Working with their hands and creating crafts helps them develop fine motor skills and allowed them to express themselves artistically. This also enhanced their confidence when they completed their craft pr
Author: Heather Coleman
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
According to the American Heart Association teaching youth how to prepare their own food will give them a skill they can use for a lifetime and will help to build confidence. Youth who can prepare foods are also more likely to eat a healthier diet as adults. To address the growing concern about children not knowing how to prepare food safely led to the development of this program. The Floyd County Extension Staff worked together as a team to plan and implement a three-day youth cooking cam
Author: Victoria Riehemann
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Since 1981 the International Center of Bowling Green, KY has helped resettle over 10,000 refugees and immigrants worldwide. The center helps in assimilation and integration into community life. In September, a case manager at the International Center approached the Warren County Extension Agents, requesting nutrition education classes to teach healthy eating habits to lower the risk of diabetes and hypertension
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Since 1981 the International Center of Bowling Green, KY has helped resettle over 10,000 refugees and immigrants worldwide. The center helps in assimilation and integration into community life. In September, a case manager at the International Center approached the Warren County Extension Agents, requesting nutrition education classes to teach healthy eating habits to lower the risk of diabetes and hypertension
Author: Samantha Gabbard
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Childhood obesity is a widespread issue across the United States today. In effort to combat this challenge, it is important that students understand how the food choices they are making impact their long-term health.Nelson County 4-H partnered with the summer program, Huskie Hangout, at Foster Heights Elementary School to implement the Professor Popcorn curriculum with the 3rd through 5th grade youth that attend the summer program each day. Professor Popcorn begins by introducing the students to
