In an on-line piece developed by Pacific Oaks College (PCO), PCO created a list of the benefits of young people being outside. This list has all of the traditional outcomes expected from time spent away from traditional classrooms and in the grasp of the environment. Expected benefits include higher achieving academic performance, child development (which includes imaginative play and relationship development with playmates), health benefits, and brain development. The final expected outcome was the primary effort and expectation for the collaborative, multi-county and area Outdoor Adventure Camp.

Garrard County 4-H, along with four other Kentucky county 4-H programs, planned and executed a two day, single night program with the directive of developing practical and practicable skills for the outdoors. Beyond the appreciation phase of being outside, a group of 4-H Agents worked with on-site staff at Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp and a local wilderness safety and survival school, Nature Reliance School, to provide impactful, engaging hands-on classes, including Tree Identification, Land Navigation, Fire Building, Shelter Building, Wildlife, and Fishing. Each class focused on the importance of skill development and practice beyond the confines of the schedule for the Outdoor Adventure Camp. 

In addition to available 4-H Camping facilities and the expert-level instructors from the Nature Reliance School, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources donated catfish and gloves to learn how to filet fish. While it is important to be able to catch the fish, the lesson must also include the preparation for consumption. An additional evening program led by the Kentucky Reptile Zoo focused on native Kentucky reptiles and the importance of legally and personally protecting these animals for the sake of our fragile ecosystems. 

Following the last class, the group of nearly 50 participants were asked about future opportunities and what they had enjoyed and learned the most from through the time at the Outdoor Adventure Camp. Fire Building and Shelter Building had a nearly 100% show of success. They would like more time to work in Tracking and Land Navigation. 

As a result of the feedback, plans are being made to create a broader scope program to include more counties.