Describe the Issue or Situation.

Parents of young children struggle at times finding fun, safe and educational activities through the summer.  There is also a need for kids to showcase their 4H projects and talents in a nurturing and productive way.  Both of these groups can benefit from 4H summer programs that focus on healthy competition and recognition of their hard work and ways that 4H and extension can provide fun, educational activities during the summer that will help them become more familiar with extension programs.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The Bath County agricultural fair is focused on traditional 4H and agricultural projects.  Young people have a number of opportunities to showcase their 4H projects that they have spent countless hours perfecting.  There are opportunities in livestock, including poultry, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats and cattle as well as over 75 different project categories that kids can showcase in the exhibit area.  Not only do they get the chance to show what they have accomplished, they get to participate in a friendly competition to earn their way to competing at the state fair.  Not long ago, the Bath County fair board and the extension office recognized a need for a program for kids who didn't participate with livestock and who may not have been involved with 4H during the year, but could benefit from extension program.  The Bath County fair board, along with extension, developed an ag fun day during Wednesday of the fair.  The fun day provides kids a Free program where they interact with extension and other kids while playing farm themed games and activities.  The fair board provides inflatables and lunch for everyone participating.  The event is well organized and provides a way to promote other summer 4H events such as day camp and Power of Produce.  It also reaches a different set of kids than we traditionally reach in 4H. The past three years we have offered this non-competitive day which has been overwhelmingly received by board members, kids and guardians.  We have had many parents come up and thank staff for providing the program and some have offered to help sponsor the program to make sure it is able to continue.  The fair board and extension are committed to this program and future programs that provide 4H activities during county fair week.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Participation in the county fair and the Wednesday kids day program has fluctuated over the years, but continue to stay strong.  In 2024, 94 kids participated in county fair events with 23 taking part in the Wednesday kids program.  The Wednesday event was down from the numbers in previous years where we have had more than 60 kids.  The weather was the major factor this year with storms present and heavy rain.  However, the event was still able to meet its goals of providing fun, educational activities and a means for kids to showcase their hard work.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

The 96 participants who took part in the county fair learned how to present their project.  They gained knowledge about livestock through their project participation including proper handling, feeding, nutrition, and health.  They learned to interact with other participants and the judge.  Exhibit hall participants learned a skill and where able to showcase that knowledge in a competition where they could receive feedback that can help them improve their skills.  The kids day participants learned skills through the farm games and activities and learned about 4H and some of the programs that are available to them, including upcoming summer events.  Many of the skills learned through all of these activities can have a life-long impact on these young people and may lead to a career path for some of them.  Hands on learning has always been a big part of the 4H program.