Success StoryAgriculture & Natural Resources Day Camp



Agriculture & Natural Resources Day Camp

Author: April Wilhoit

Planning Unit: Fleming County CES

Major Program: Agriculture

Plan of Work: Adapting to Changing Agricultural Markets

Outcome: Initial Outcome

In July 2024, the Fleming County 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources program hosted an intensive three-day day camp focused on Agriculture and Natural Resources. This comprehensive program engaged 21 youth participants, aged 9-12, in a diverse array of topics including Sheep, Beef, Dairy, Kentucky Reptiles, Buffalo and agriculture by-products.

Day One: The group visited a local sheep producer, where participants observed the intricate process of sheep shearing as well as learning tips on raising and caring for sheep.  The youth then engaged in hands-on activities such as making homemade mozzarella, butter, and ice cream, and spinning wool. Notably, 55% of the participants tried fresh mozzarella and 85% spun wool for the first time.  Education was provided on how each activity related to agriculture.  

Day Two: The group visited a major Beef Cattle Operation, where they learned about various equipment used in cattle management, including Artificial Insemination tools. The day continued with a visit to Blackfish Bison Ranch, where participants explored buffalo pelts, skeletons, and other related artifacts. Impressively, 95% of the youth reported learning new information about buffalo.

Day Three: The final day included visits to prominent Kentucky tourism locations in Eastern Kentucky. Participants toured the KY Reptile Zoo, gaining insights into the state’s reptile resources and the zoo’s role in venom extraction for research and medicinal purposes. A late morning snack of "ants on a log" (peanut butter, celery and raisins)  received mixed reviews with 100% of the youth trying the healthy snack. Lunchtime was spent at Miguel’s, a local favorite, with 45% of the youth visiting the restaurant for the first time. Kate’s Petting Zoo was a fun way to wrap up the trip with youth having the opportunity to visit with goats, pigs, chickens and a variety of other animals.

Outcomes: As a result of the program, 90% of the youth tried new activities such as spinning wool and making fresh mozzarella. Additionally, 30% gained new knowledge about native Kentucky reptiles, and 100% visited a buffalo farm for the first time. This program was a collaborative effort with Robertson County 4-H and supported by the Kentucky 4-H Foundation Agriculture Mini-Grant program








Stories by April Wilhoit


Agriculture & Natural Resources Day Camp

Agriculture & Natural Resources Day Camp

about 1 months ago by April Wilhoit

In July 2024, the Fleming County 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources program hosted an intensi... Read More


Stories by Fleming County CES


Agriculture & Natural Resources Day Camp

Agriculture & Natural Resources Day Camp

about 1 months ago by April Wilhoit

In July 2024, the Fleming County 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources program hosted an intensi... Read More


Promoting Health and Fitness through the Smoothie Bike in Fleming County

about 29 days ago by Kaitlyn Fryman

Situation: In Kentucky, only 25% of children meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activ... Read More


Stories by Agriculture


Livestock Safety at Youth Safety Day

Livestock Safety at Youth Safety Day

about 10 days ago by Nicole Rhein

There are approximately 13, 600 head of cattle in Marshall County (USDA National Agriculture Statist... Read More


Promoting Local Farms & 4-H through the Allen County Farm to Fork Program

Promoting Local Farms & 4-H through the Allen County Farm to Fork Program

about 25 days ago by Anna Meador

Eating local isnt just a fashionable trend. By eating local farm produce and animal products, consum... Read More