Home schooling has become an increasingly popular option as parents seek alternatives to traditional classroom education. These parents are often excellent educators, but may not be experts in all subjects. Many turn to community programs for the additional education and social interactions they provide. While our 4-H program offers a home school club, we do not always consider the value of our many adult oriented extension classes for young people. One resourceful family found numerous educational opportunites for their son who shared the following with us. 

"At 12 years old, my mom was searching for supplemental activities for my home school curriculum. I have always had a passion for the farm to table movement and lost arts like blacksmithing, organic gardening, and sewing. Our research suggested that the Fayette County Extension Office (FCEO) classes would be a great fit! Although the classes were designed for adults, the FCEO staff allowed me to enroll as long as my mom attended. So began my journey of education and friendship. Fayette County horticulture agent, Jamie Dockery, has been influential in my journey, never shying away from my unending agriculture questions and showing interest in my hobbies including bee keeping, raising goats, and my greenhouse. Even with his busy schedule he never passes without a “Hi Brilee!” and “What's up at the farm?”. I so appreciate that he and Consumer Sciences agent, Liz Kingsland, took a chance on me 6 years ago. As a result of their kindness and wealth of knowledge, I now have several small businesses selling vegetable plants, fresh produce, local honey, mums, and hand forged items privately, at a local store and the Wilmore Farmer's Market. I have become a home canner after numerous classes and canning boot camp. I raise and show goats through the Fayette County 4-H Livestock Club. I am much more knowledgeable and resourceful because of years of extension classes, “Lost Ways” group meetings and field trips and 4-H Home school Club. I'm grateful for the many things the extension office has given to me and the friendships that it has fostered. There is so much more to be learned. I am now looking into forestry and horticulture degrees once I graduate from high school this year"