Teaching  youth living in our urban communities about traditional agriculture, the science of where our food comes from, and basic cooking skills is one of the core goals of the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service that was identified from our county assessment report. 4-H youth development agent, agriculture agent, horticulture agent, and nutrition education assistant teamed together to host a 4 day youth program for 15 youth from Newport Brighton Center. These youth are participating in summer youth leadership development program and they have joined Extension to dig a little deeper to explore nature and to learn more about agriculture, horticulture, 4-H youth development and food and nutrition.

Each day brought a new topic with hands on activities and a day long filled with excited and learning. Starting with a visit to Shady Meadows farm, agriculture agent and local farmer opened the eyes of these youth to an urban day on a working horse and cattle farm. Youth had the opportunity to learn and demonstrate how to care for a horse from cleaning, brushing, feeding, and then riding the horse brought much curiosity and bravery to these youth. For many, seeing a horse was a new experience. This was a great experience for the youth as their self confidence improved as the day went on and they become comfortable being around a new environment. In addition, the day at the farm, the youth learned about difference farming equipment and operational practices on the farm. This experience gave the youth a stronger appreciation to our farmers and what the job entails.

Day two the youth joined the horticulture and 4-H agent at the Campbell County office. Youth teamed together on Lego robotics project, learning computer coding to build a pollinator insect and a flower. Local Farmer, Susan Turner from Tinker Ridge Farm, spoke to the youth about her bee hives and the importance of the bee and pollinators in our environment. Horticulture agent brought the youth outside in the educational gardens for the hands on planting project and a tour of the garden while highlighting pollinators and flowers that attract our pollinators.

Learning about hydroponics was the topic for day three. 4-H agent purchased a grow tower unit to be housed at Brighton Center so that the youth can continue to learn and grow more crops in the system. The youth learned importance of proper plant care in order to be productive in a controlled environment. Youth realized that many of our farmlands are transitioning into urban sectors like housing and that technology, like hydroponics, has given farming a new opportunity even in urban communities.

To end the program, nutrition and education program assistant, provided the tools and instruction for the youth about trying new fruits and vegetables and the importance of a healthy diet.

Extension looks forward to partner with Brighton Center and their youth to shine light on agriculture and all that Extension has to offer to them and their families.