Over the years it has been a challenge to get youth outdoors and invested into the natural world; the barrier has been the overuse of technology and the lack of interest due to the disconnect.  The task was to create and find a way to create a positive and educational experience for youth. 

 Outdoor Activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, and much more are just a few of the more popular hobbies that many individuals enjoy as the temperatures begin to warm up throughout the spring and summer.

The Madison County 4-H Youth Development Agent collaborated with 4-H Youth Development Agents from Garrard, Owen, Scott and Casey Counties, and the Camp Director for Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp to plan, recruit and implement the first Kentucky 4-H Outdoor Adventure Camp March 24-25, 2023. This 2-day 1 night event was packed with information and classes so that youth almost 50 youth from across the five counties could learn skills that might help them throughout various situations in the outdoors.

This event had many expert guest instructors and partners to help make this a success, the instructors were from The Kentucky Reptile Zoo and The Nature Reliance School, one of the partners was Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The Kentucky Reptile Zoo did a presentation on native reptiles in our state, discussed their habitat, and their nutritional needs. The Reptile Zoo also had a Copperhead Snake to show the participants what they looked like and what to do if they encountered one on their own, seeing as they are one of the most common venomous snakes in our state.

The Nature Reliance School had two instructors attend, and instruct while there, their classes included: Fire Building, Shelter Building, Compass/Land Navigation, and Tracking. These classes were hands on, and the Youth were able to practice these new skills throughout the class with various activities.

The 4-H Youth Development Agents helped with instruction as well, the classes they led were: Mammals, Plant/ Tree ID, Sounds at Night, and Fishing/ Fish Processing. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife donated Catfish, Filleting Gloves and Knives so that youth would have the opportunity to learn by doing.

The Group was surveyed by a show of hands on what they liked most which was, Fire Building, Shelter Building, Fishing, Tracking, and The Reptile Zoo. The participants wanted to learn more about tracking, finding or making drinkable water, and knot tying to name a few.

After the positive feedback from guest instructors, and participants the group of 4-H Youth Development Agents, is excited and looking forward to many more Outdoor Adventure Camps and making this an opportunity for Kentucky 4-H Members statewide.