The value of being outside is universal. Despite our best efforts to build a world in screens and in the comfort of the home, the holistic importance of being in nature or simply sitting on the front porch of your home is measurable.

According to an article published in PubMed Central from the National Library of Medicine, entitled Child Development and access to Nature, the positive effects of nature exposure include improved cognitive functioning (including increased concentration, greater attention capacities, and higher academic performance), better motor coordination, reduced stress levels, increased social interaction with adults and other children, and improved social skills.

Seeing a growing need for socialization post-COVID, engaged learning, and youth reintroduction to the outdoors, in the Garrard County community, the Garrard County 4-H Youth Development Agent and a teacher from Lancaster Elementary School planned, implemented, and executed a two day, one night environmental camping experience for 5^th grade students. 65 Students and 14 administrators, teachers, and volunteers from the community attended the event. Fundraising was accomplished through the Garrard County Extension District Board and one of the local banks.

This experience would combine the academic pursuits of the classroom and the fundamental need for the outdoors and play. The schedule was designed with idea of balance between rigid academic pursuits outdoors with aquatic ecology, mammal behavior and characteristics, and native birds, and more free play experiences with games, fishing, canoeing, and wilderness survival and safety. The environmental camping program was a huge success with evaluations showing increased aptitude in recognizing important characteristics of a healthy aquatic system (43% to 91%), understanding the role of mammals and birds in an ecosystem (67% to 97%), but also, through direct questioning about getting to know someone better, enjoying being around friends, learning in a new environment.

The Garrard County 4-H Youth Development Agent and the classroom teacher from Lancaster Elementary School are planning presentations for the school board, future collaborative experiences for her classroom and encouragement of additional schools to participate in the program.