This pandemic year caused much disruption in children’s lives-socially and academically.  The lack of face-to- face instruction from the coronavirus has had negative effects on children’s education.  Over the summer, kids can also experience a loss of learning.  One study found that the average student lost 17–34% of the prior year’s learning gains during summer break (American Educational Research Journal).  In an effort to offer social and academic learning opportunities for young children whose experiences may have been more limited due to the pandemic, the Campbell County FCS, 4-H, and Horticulture Department taught the summer day camp program-Adventure Buds.

Adventure Buds was a three day, day-camp for fifteen children aged 4-7.  Each day included story time, yoga, craft activities, and tours through the educational gardens. Stories, Songs, and Stretches, Kids 4-H Yoga, the 40 development assets for positive youth development, and horticulture curricula were utilized. 

End of the program child participant evaluations showed the following:

1. 100% learned about plants/nature and bugs and butterflies.
2. 100% learned yoga movements.
3. 100% used the crafts they made.
4. 100% said they practiced their creativity.
5. 100% said they learned relaxation/mindfulness techniques.

Parent surveys showed the following results at the end of the program:

1. 100% of the parents said their child shared with them what they learned in class.
2. 100% said the summer day camp helped their child stay engaged with learning.
3. 91% said their child showed them yoga poses.
4. 82% said the day camp helped foster independence in their child.
5. 73% said their child showed them relaxation/mindfulness techniques.

One parent said that “My boys loved the program so much!  It was their first day camp, and they had a great experience. They were very excited to share about the games/activities they participated in, the crafts they made, and the friends they met.  It seemed like the content was geared perfectly for their age group!”