September 28-29, 2022 Pumpkin Days was held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. Youth in Preschool, Headstart, Kindergarten and 1^st Grades attended from multiple different counties where they rotated through educational stations, played games, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and were able to select their own pumpkin to take home. Different SNAP approved pumpkin recipes were made by numerous different SNAP-Ed Assistants, Program Assistants and Agents for the kids in attendance to try. Each group was greeted by Wally Cat and a photo was taken!

Youth in attendance were able to try new foods for the first time! Several positive comments were collected throughout the day from the kids! Youth were excited to get to make the recipes at home, thanks to a recipe booklet that was sent home with each child! First time hay ride and pumpkin patch exposures occurred for lots of our youth. This event provides positive learning experiences combined with a safe place to try new and exciting things.

Due to the abundance of generosity from those working in Extension, we were able to provide this day to 697 youth over the two days.

Wolfe County’s Kindergarten and 1^st grades were able to attend. One child reported that “they had the best day ever.” Another student was so excited to make one of the recipes with their mom that weekend. Another student stated “this was the first time I tried eating a pumpkin, I LIKED IT!”

Teachers enjoyed the day and appreciate the vast opportunities provided to their students. Please see a comment below emailed from a participating teacher at the event. 

               “Thank you all for such a wonderful opportunity.  My kinders loved the activities!  Of course, the highlight was getting a pumpkin of their very own.  Have a great day, Lisa”

                                                                                                                        -LR, Kindergarten Teacher at CES

“This year my kindergarten class attended Pumpkin Days at RCARS and it was amazing! The stations were set up so that students moved easily from one activity to another and they held their attention with stories, songs, games food taste testing, etc. The students really enjoyed the wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch as well! We are so glad we had the opportunity to attend! Thank you to everyone involved in making this day fun, educational and successful!

                                                                                                                        -AD, Kindergarten Teacher at RRVE