Kentucky is dealing with a large animal veterinarian shortage. According to Agricultural Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles, Only 5 percent of veterinarians in the U.S. practice on large animals. The other 95 percent have turned to companion animal practices, research, or regulatory. In Kentucky, large animal veterinarians make up an even smaller percentage. Only about 3 percent of veterinarians in the state have dedicated large animal practices.

Through 4-H, I decided to direct youth's passion for animals towards dreams for a much needed career in the future. 4-H Vet Camp is a program designed for youth grades 3 through 5 to discover the vast world of animal science and the veterinarian career field. This is a day camp that engage participants in hands-on lessons involving live animals, practicing skills with real tools used by veterinarians and animal scientists.

There were several different topics that were covered during Vet Camp. First, we discussed animal and human safety. We used horses and goats to practice taking vitals. Next, we dissected and learned the different parts of a cow's eye. We then did an activity to show the importance of biosecurity and how quickly diseases and parasites can spread in a herd. We also completed an art project focused on the skeletal and muscular system. 95% of the participants indicated that they learned how to identify and measure vital signs on an animal, and would like a career in animal science when they took the 4-H Common Measures Animal Science Survey.

Registration for this event quickly filled up with 20 participants. We added a waitlist for families to be notified for a second Vet Camp in the Fall. There to share her expertise was Dr. Sherrie Taul of the Hardinsburg Animal Clinic. 4-H teenagers also joined us to help volunteer and gain livestock educational hours. Purdue Extension Harrison County's 4-H Extension Agent, Rebecca Wilkins, provided horses and goats, as well as her assistance throughout the day.