Describe the Issue or Situation

Leslie County faced a need for engaging youth during the summer months when they are out of school. Many young people in our community were at risk of losing connection to educational programming and opportunities to develop essential life skills. The pandemic in 2020 had also disrupted traditional participation in events like the Kentucky State Fair, leaving a gap in youth engagement and recognition.

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

In response to this situation, Leslie County 4-H implemented a series of day camps throughout the summer. These camps included a variety of activities such as cooking, basket weaving, photography, sewing, needlework, and expressive arts. Our partnership with local schools allowed us to promote these camps effectively, ensuring that we reached a broad audience of youth. The aim was to keep young people engaged, foster skill development, and encourage participation in state-level events like The Kentucky State Fair.

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

This year, Leslie County 4-H had 72 entries at Cloverville during the Kentucky State Fair, contributing to a total of 9,572 entries from across the state. Participants included 4-H members of all ages who showcased their projects in categories such as Photography, Sewing, Arts and Crafts, Electricity, Home Environment, and Needlework. Notably, our youth achieved several awards, including Blue/Purple Class Champion titles in multiple categories.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact

The impact of our day camps and ongoing programming was significant. Through participation in Cloverville and the Kentucky State Fair, Leslie County 4-H members not only learned new skills but also gained recognition for their hard work, with 72 entries displayed at the fair. The excitement of receiving awards and ribbons motivated youth to engage more deeply in 4-H programming. Our evaluation data shows that 85% of participants reported an increase in their confidence to showcase their work and 70% expressed a greater interest in continuing their involvement in 4-H activities. These outcomes demonstrate the program's success in enriching the lives of our youth and strengthening community connections through 4-H.