Success StoryNature's Classroom: GATE Goes Outside



Nature's Classroom: GATE Goes Outside

Author: Alyssa Cox

Planning Unit: Rockcastle County CES

Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources

Plan of Work: Environmental Education, 4H Land Judging

Outcome: Initial Outcome

IMG_7768.JPGThe problem

By teaching young people about the natural world in which we live, we can encourage sustainable practices and informed decision-making. The 4-H Environmental Education Camp is an opportunity for young people to learn about natural resources in a safe outdoor setting. Rockcastle County Gifted and Talented students were eager to learn more about the world around them. These students typically perform at higher levels in academic settings compared to their age peers, often excelling in one or more subjects. Attending 4-H Environmental Education Camp will allow them to analyze environmental problems and develop innovative solutions.

The educational program response

4-H Agent, Alyssa Cox, partnered with Rockcastle County Schools to provide the Environmental Camp opportunity to their students. Alyssa partnered with other agencies to provide the students with unique and engaging workshops. These partnerships included Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, and the Kentucky Hunter's Education Association. The camp provided opportunities that were tailored to the unique abilities of gifted learners and offered a blend of hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and in-depth discussions on environmental science and sustainability.

The participants/target audience

Rockcastle County 4-H partnered with Rockcastle County Schools and Rockcastle County Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) to take 33 students to an overnight 4-H Environmental Education Camp experience. Rockcastle County fifth graders who have been placed in the Gifted and Talented program stayed at J.M. Feltner 4-H Camp and participated in 6 workshops focused on natural resources and sustainability. 

Other partners (if applicable)


Program impact or participant response.

The 4-H Environmental Education Camp not only nurtured their intellectual and personal growth but also planted the seeds for a greener, more sustainable world. 






Stories by Alyssa Cox


Programs to Go

about 4 years ago by Alyssa Cox

On March 6, 2020, it was reported that the first case of the novel coronavirus had been confirmed in... Read More


5K in May

about 4 years ago by Alyssa Cox

According to Kentucky by the Numbers: COVID-19 At Risk report, 41.4% of adults in Wolfe County strug... Read More


Stories by Rockcastle County CES


Extension Homemakers use Sewing Skills to Help Others During Pandemic

about 4 years ago by Hazel Jackson

During the Covid 19 pandemic 22 Extension Homemaker members in Rockcastle County report that they h... Read More


Rockcastle FCS reaches families with Pick Up and Go Program Bags during Covid Pandemic

about 4 years ago by Hazel Jackson

Social distancing measures during the Covid 19 pandemic has caused Extension Agents to need new ways... Read More