According to the National Library of Medicine, flooding is now the most frequent type of major disaster. While most people who are involved in disasters recover with the support of their families, friends and colleagues, the effects on some people’s health, relationships and welfare can be extensive. Flooding can pose substantial social and mental health problems that may continue over extended periods of time. Flooding can challenge the psychosocial resilience of the hardiest of people who are affected. This stress is not only in adults but can be seen in children as well. The floods that affected Eastern Kentucky this year not only brought high water but also mental stressors for people of all ages. With disaster relief efforts coming from all over the country, Bell County Cooperative Extension Service found another way to help, through “Brain Breaks.” to offer students who have been impacted by the flooding a chance to decompress and take their minds off the mental stressors that flooding can cause and enjoy some fun educational programming. 

Brain Breaks was a day camp held at Knott County Extension Service. Bell County Cooperative Extension sought to give the attending students and parents a mental health break from the stressors of reality. Bell County CES provided programming in the form of a natural resource day camp. Bell County’s Agriculture Agent taught lessons about why bees are important to the ecosystem and how pollination occurs. The students were also taught the basics of beekeeping and how to properly wear and use safety equipment. A student volunteer wore the beekeeping equipment and aided in demonstrating how to complete a full hive inspection. Students also had the opportunity to view an observation beehive and see live bees working. Students learned how to identify different parts of the hive and identify the different types of honeybees and were able to spot the queen bee. Finally, each student received a honey stick and was taught the health benefits that honey offers.

The 4-H agent taught a lesson on how easy it is to make an effective tackle box and went over the different parts of a tackle box. The students were then allowed to build their own “Pocket Tackle Box” to take home. After the students completed their tackle boxes, they went outside and were taught casting skills. Students learned how to properly use and cast a spin cast fishing reel and played a game of backyard bass. 

Out of the 17 students, each one said they learned something new about beekeeping, one student said they wanted to take up beekeeping at home. Other students wanted to get outdoors and put their pocket tackle boxes to use. These attending students not only received education from the extension service but were able to take a step back from reality and smile for a couple of hours.