Describe the Issue or Situation.

To participate in 4-H programming a child must be at least 9 years of age. However, there is a program for younger children called Cloverbuds. Here in Lee County, KY, our 4-H program has been focused on students 9 years of age and older for the last few ears. We would like to extend our reach to children in the Cloverbud age range of 5-9 years of age.

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

Our first effort was targeted at Kindergarten students at Lee County Elementary School. We obtained a butterfly kit for each of the three kindergarten classrooms at Lee County Elementary. A program was held to teach the students about the life cycle of a butterfly. Students were able to use play-dough to create a physical representation of each phase in the life cycle. The students all had a great time and the teachers praised the hands-on aspect of the lesson. The teachers said the activities really helped make each stage of the butterfly life cycle real for the students which would help them with retention of the information. The lesson was enhanced further by the butterfly kit that was placed in each classroom

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

The butterfly kit program was able to reach three classes of 85 kindergarten students.

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.

One exciting initial outcome was that 79 of the 85 students present or 92% could name all 5 stages of a butterfly's life cycle. Also, all 85 students or 100% stated that they wanted to learn more about 4-H.