According to the Pike County Needs Assessment, there is a strong community desire for youth to be better equipped with essential life skills. Many young people in the area lack opportunities to learn practical skills that prepare them for adulthood, such as managing personal finances, basic home and auto maintenance, and cooking. This gap in knowledge can hinder their independence and confidence as they transition into adulthood

In response, the Up and Ready day camp was developed to provide youth ages 12–18 with hands-on learning experiences in essential life skills. The program is a collaborative effort involving all Extension program areas—Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), Agriculture, Community Arts, and 4-H—to offer a well-rounded and engaging curriculum.

Participants rotate through interactive sessions where they learn to:

• Balance a personal budget
• Sew a button and perform basic clothing repairs
• Cook a simple, nutritious meal
• Change a tire and understand basic car maintenance

The camp is designed to be practical, fun, and empowering, giving youth the tools they need to thrive in everyday life.

• Participants: 26 youth, ages 12–18, from Pike County
• Target Audience: Young adults in middle and high school seeking real-world skills not typically covered in traditional school curricula. Due to high interest, a second session is being considered to accommodate additional participants

Pre- and post-camp evaluations showed measurable improvements in participants’ confidence and knowledge:

• 92% of participants reported increased confidence in performing at least three new life skills.
• 85% could correctly demonstrate how to balance a simple budget after the session.
• 88% successfully completed a hands-on tire-changing activity.
• 100% of participants expressed interest in attending similar programs in the future.

Parents and guardians also reported increased independence and initiative in their children following the camp. The success of the program has prompted discussions about expanding it into a recurring series or integrating it into school partnerships.