A child’s behavior can suffer from an absence of the outdoors. This became an increasing issue during the coronavirus pandemic and the months following as quarantining, isolation, and virtual learning led individuals to stay indoors more often. Nature-Deficit Disorder, coined by Richard Louv in 2005, “is a nonmedical condition that attributes behavioral changes in children to less time spent outdoors”. (https://parentology.com/what-is-nature-deficit-disorder/)

To provide additional learning opportunities in an outdoor setting, 4-H worked with the Casey County public school system and 4^th and 5^th grade teachers to implement an environmental education day camp. 4-H Environmental Education Camps provides hands-on education focusing on natural resources held at Kentucky 4-H Camps. 

Through coordination with Casey County’s three public elementary schools, all 5^th grade students participated in a Lake Cumberland 4-H Environmental Education Day Camp in the fall of 2024 and the 4^th grade students participated in the day camp the spring of 2025. The program is traditionally presented to the 4^th grade only; however, the 5^th grade were not able to when they were in 4^th grade due to scheduling conflicts. This year’s 5^th grade teachers were supportive of offering the missed program to their students.

The agent worked closely with the teachers to receive payment and parental permission of the students to participate. Any student who was unable to pay the $10 had their cost covered by the Extension Office’s MOA with the BOE. School buses were arranged for the transportation to and from camp as well as a sack lunch (from the school’s cafeteria) for each student. Camp provided a lunch for each instructor, teacher, assistant, bus driver, and 4-H Teen Council Members. Casey County 4-H Teen Council Members were recruited to meet with the teachers at school the day of the field trip, ride the bus with the students teaching camp songs, and assist throughout the day navigating around camp for the classes. Each participant was provided a water bottle, drawstring bag, along with a bandana representing their team color. 

The 5^th grade students learned about Kentucky mammals, bird adaptations and participated in a nature walk and teambuilding. They also go to visit the 4-H Country Store and play Gaga Ball. The 4^th grade students learned about birds of prey from Liberty Nature Center, Kentucky mammals, and observations in the woods. Students also learned about teamwork on the Low Ropes Course and got to visit the 4-H Country Store and play Gaga Ball. At the conclusion of the event, all students, teachers, and teen council members participated in Sally Down the Alley. Upon returning the students expressed interest in wanting to see inside the cabins during their visit. This will be incorporated in the schedule for future EE Day Camps. A total of over 300 4^th and 5^th grade students participated in the fall spring program.