At the close of the 2020-2021 school year, which was a blend of virtual and face to face learning, COVID restrictions continued to challenge yet another aspects of our children’s lives, Summer Care.  Oldham County Public Schools wanted to open up the Summer Care Programs but how could that happen safely when so much of the programming was field trips and taking the students out into the community. Protecting the students through the implementation of COVID guidelines was the first priority.  

Elementary Summer Care programs reached out to 4-H to provide project work opportunities which would also enable young people to exhibit their work in 4-H Fair Events.  All Extension staff member taught a different lesson focusing on their area of expertise, which led to project work in Woodworking, Horticulture, Arts, Home Environment, Nutrition and a virtual farm tour.   There were 3 schools that participated throughout the summer involving over 100 youth in 4-H project work, with 103 exhibiting fair projects and 7 member’s projects advancing to the Kentucky State Fair.  

Summer Care participation in 4-H programs has led to an increase in enrollment this fall as well as a monetary donation to support our 4-H Programs.  In addition, the experience was a moral builder for the Extension Staff providing the opportunity to teach our Oldham County youth again in person.