Natural ResourcesPlan of Work

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Marion County CES

Title:
Natural Resources
MAP:
Empowering youth to reach their full potential
Agents Involved:
Amanda Sublett
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Natural Resources
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Today’s youth spend less time outdoors than previous generations (Clemonts, 2004; Karsten, 2005; Carver et al., 2008) and are likely able to identify a Pokémon character more easily than a native plant or animal (Balmford et al., 2002). Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) conducts a survey to assess Kentuckian’s environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. According to KEEC’s 2015-2020 Environmental Education Master Plan (2015), “…the average Kentuckian is able to answer correctly slightly more than half of the environmental knowledge questions included on the survey. This result leaves ample room for improvement” (p 27). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. The KEEC (2018) defines environmental literacy as “…the ability to recognize the components of healthy natural and man-made systems and the actions necessary to maintain, restore, or improve them” (p. 4) and states that environmental education is a pathway to environmental literacy (KEEC, 2018). Kentucky Statute (KRS 157.905) defines environmental education as “…an education process dealing with the interrelationships among the natural world and its man-made surroundings; is experience-based; interdisciplinary in its approach; and is a continuous life-long process that provides the citizenry with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to individually and collectively encourage positive actions for achieving and maintaining a sustainable balance between man and the environment” (Kentucky Legislative Research Committee, 2020, p.1). Kentucky 4-H provides environmental education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation for natural resources and environmental sciences. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of environmental science, entomology, forestry and wood science, geology, soils, water, wildlife, and shooting sports. 

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Audience:   Youth ages 9-18  

Project or Activity:  Shooting Sports  

Content or Curriculum:  State Shooting Sports Curriculum  

Inputs:  Volunteer Adult and Youth Leaders, Parents  

Date:  March-October 2020, 2021  


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Success Stories

4-H Camp

Author: Amanda Sublett

Major Program: Camping

Youth who attend 4-H Camp acquire vital leadership skills, learn responsibility, and gain social interaction skills as well as gaining an understanding of nature and our environment. During the Covid 19 Pandemic, camp capacity was limited to 50% but provided a vital outlet for youth to develop life skills and just have fun and experience social interaction after long periods of virtual school and limited group gatherings. The community supports the program monetarily by providing donations

Full Story
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