According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids)   Many times youth do not have or take advantage of education opportunities in their own communities, let alone get to experience a diverse opportunity of ecosystems and environmental education that is different than their own. 42 youth from 9 Western Kentucky counties were able to experience many facets of environmental education learning by attending Camp Jekyll 4-H Environmental Camp April 2-6, 2023. Camp Jekyll is a 4-H Environmental Camp that is situated on the Georgia coastline.   This camp focuses on educating youth about marine ecosystems, marine conservation, and environment. Classes youth took part in are: Beach Ecology, Maritime Forest Ecology, Salt Marsh Ecology, Shark and Fish Dissection, Environmental Issues, Sloughing, and Comparing the North and South end Beaches.

Results of the Environmental Camp survey find our youth: 

88.57%  have a better understanding of ecosystems. 

97.14% have a deeper understanding in how to conserve natural resources.

88.57%  will participate in more 4-H activities because of this trip.

65.71% will use the skills or knowledge they learned to conserve natural resources.

100% met new people from a different county or state.

31.43% is the first 4-H overnight trip that I have attended.  

86.11% feel that they gained more independence as a result of this trip.

85.71% feel 4-H a place where you have a chance to be a leader.

65.71% feel 4-H A place where you get to figure out things for yourself.

As you can see, this trip made a huge impact on our youth and even some life changing experiences. They are already asking when they can come back again. This trip was a huge success, and we plan to continue it into the future to provide more 4-H youth with diverse opportunities to learn.