“For a new generation, nature is more abstraction than reality." (Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder"

This Fall, Boone County Extension partnered with Boone County schools to provide an unforgettable, hands-on experience to 1,073 Boone County students, teachers, and chaperones.  These individuals were able to learn about their environment through guided, exploratory programs such as night hikes, pond ecosystems, KY wildlife, live animal encounters and so much more.  Students and chaperones learned about healthy ecosystem, adaptations, and how their behaviors impact them.  Programs follow Next Generation Science Standards to enhance classroom learning and provide teachers and students with needed educational content.

Environmental Camp addressed more than environmental issues.  Incorporated into the curriculum is team building exercises that created unity among the students that last throughout the school year. Teacher's were thrilled to get back to camp after COVID-19 restrictions prevented them from coming over the past couple years.  Schools who were unable to come brought two grade levels in some cases to make-up for missed years.  Many students commented this was their favorite field trip they had ever experience with varying favorite topics.

Students receive an experience they will never forget in addition to the retention of environmental topics needed to state testing and life.  Many students were able to explore their natural environment in ways they have never had the opportunity to do before.