Summer learning loss refers to the decrease in learning that many school-aged children experience while school is not in session.  The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development, Dr. David Weisenhorn wrote an article that describes some ways to reduce the learning lost over the summer break.  These strategies include reading each day, practicing math, writing, and being physically active.  To bring these tips to local parents, the Washington County FCS Extension Agent and Nutrition Education Program Assistant offered an eight-week grab-and-go bag series called the Summer Fun Series.  The grab-and-go style was convenient for busy families who juggled work, sports, vacations, and other activities during the summer months. Bags were filled with activities to fit the theme of that week and other Extension resources, such as Kentucky Proud recipe cards and Chop Chop magazines.  In response to adult activity requests, bags for an adult audience were also offered.   The Summer Fun Series dates and themes were:

1. July 6, 2022: Youth – reading theme with a summer book worm craft
2. July 13, 2022: Adult – journaling theme with gratitude prompts and FCS Writing Your Life Story publication
3. July 20, 2022: Youth – writing and spelling theme with a letter wheel craft and creative writing activity
4. July 27, 2022: Adult – cooking with herbs and spices theme with salt-free spice blend, basil seeds and publications
5. August 3, 2022: Youth – physical activity theme with an exercise game and yoga cards
6. August 10, 2022: Adult – food and financial safety theme with FCS publications on food safety during power outages, identity theft and fraud
7. August 17, 2022: Youth – math theme with salt dough recipe to practice fractions and a math game to practice addition and multiplication
8. August 24, 2022: Adult – hydration theme with embroidered coaster craft and publications

In total, 801 bags were distributed during the Summer Fun Series.  Participants left comments on the Extension Facebook page like “These are great.   Thank you all so much” and “These activity bags will be so helpful to my grandchildren!  The activities are hands-on, educational, and colorful!  Thanks”