In 2023, we started an Entomology Club in Campbell County at the request of a volunteer who was a former entomology state champion and a current city council member. Ten students attended meetings, and four submitted first year insect collections. We met at various parks in our county to hike and look for different insects. This was great exercise and entertainment but didn’t result in many insects (playgrounds and hiking trails were more of a distraction).

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

In 2024, we had 17 students attend meetings, six submitted collections for the state fair (four second years and two first years) and eight submitted to the county fair (four second years and four first). We met at our office each month and focused on a single insect order. The Campbell County office is an insect haven due to a nearby pond and large garden, so by studying the orders as they generally became more visible throughout the year, it was easy to go out and find plenty of examples. We demonstrated different capturing techniques (sweep netting, container catching, pitfall trap, etc.) and identified each insect captured. The first hour of each meeting was educational, and all 4-H members were welcome to attend. An optional hour followed for those who were building collections. Students would bring insects and our volunteer and program assistant would help them with identification, labeling, and pinning as needed. This year was much more successful and students had a better understanding of how insects are classified.

 In addition to nearly doubling our attendance and fair submissions, we have celebrated many other achievements with this club. Several members were inspired to take on individual entomology projects of their own at home. One entrepreneurial student started a mealworm “farm,” with the long-term goal of selling them for profit. Several participated in a citizen scientist project offered through UK, setting traps and monitoring for the invasive spongy moth. Others raised and released luna moths and monarchs to observe their life cycles. Another established an “isopod biosphere” with the goal of creating an ideal environment for roly polies. Another grew a pollinator garden to attract more diverse species of insects to their yard. One of our second-year students has displayed her collection and given speeches at several school and community events. Local teachers at two elementary schools took notice and invited 4-H into six 4^th grade classrooms to teach an insect life cycle lesson and observe monarch chrysalises.

 For our last two meetings of the year, we have arranged for special guests to join us. A professor and entomologist from Northern Kentucky University will speak to our club in September and provide insight into his career. He plans to bring his own collection, advise students on their work, and share the journey that led him to his profession. We have also partnered with the Cincinnati Museum Center, who will bring their traveling “Incredible Insects” program to our October meeting.

These entomology students show a promising passion and awareness about our natural world. Their common interest quickly bonded them together and formed new friendships. They are a network of support and knowledge for each other, admiring an impressive catch or offering advice about pinning different orders. Our volunteer is delighted with the progress and we are excited to begin planning next year.