Exploring Careers Through Field Day Experience

Natural resources play a vital role in everyday life and meeting people’s needs, much like providing career opportunities plays a vital role for youth to become successful and aware of available job options. Without opportunities, it is challenging for youth to learn and become aware of the numerous career possibilities. Clay County’s graduation rate is 66% compared to that state’s average of 91%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The medium household income is 27,479 with a 37.3% poverty rate (U.S. Census Bureau).

One avenue to improve this issue and concern is to provide more positive learning experiences for youth to gain knowledge about available career options. Each year, elementary students have the opportunity to participate in the local 4-H Environmental Field Day. This day consists of collaborating with many community partners including the local Soil Conservation District, Ranger Station District, Forestry Department, Division of Waste Management, Wildlife Education Center, teachers and volunteers. 130 elementary students completed 20-30 minutes at each station learning about careers in these areas, the purpose of each department, and completed an activity. Not only do students have the opportunity to learn numerous concepts throughout the day, but they enjoy the outdoors while participating. 

After the  field day was completed, students were asked to complete an evaluation. Results revealed: 

100% reported learning a new skill

85% reported having an interest in a natural resource related career

100% reported learning one or more interesting facts about the environment

95% reported using the knowledge gained and applying it in the future