Children today have fewer opportunities to connect with the natural environment. The book entitled The Last Child in the Woods, written by Richard Louv outlines the ‘nature-deficit disorder’ in America. There are many benefits that have been well documented in recent scientific research studies. The studies have shown that by spending time in nature youth develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically. The Henry County Cooperative Extension Service has provided more opportunities for youth to commune with nature through several 4-H activities.

The 4-H Natural Resource Club meets monthly and involves components that allows youth to be outside. The club has taken field trips to several nature preserves in the county with guided walks. They have learned about trees and leaf identification. Club volunteers helped plant over 150 trees as a community service project in a county park. They have taken a field trip to the Falls of the Ohio and spent the day learning about fossils and trees.

This past year club members formed teams for the first time to attend the State Forestry competition. Henry County had 14 youth that attended the regional event held at the National Mammoth Cave Park. Participants were given instruction during the morning in four categories, which were: tree identification, leaf identification, compass/ pacing, and calculating board feet. Following the competition Henry County had the Overall Junior Champion of the event. A Senior Forestry Team was formed to compete at the state level for the first time and Henry County had on participant that placed 1^st in tree disease and another that placed 2^nd on compass and pacing.

Due to the interest of the Natural Resource Club another has formed which is called the High Adventure Club. This club includes several neighboring counties in which 4-H’ers take to day long hiking trails. They have meetings to learn how to put up a tent successfully, pack a backpack correctly, and basic first-aid. The group has had one overnight trip and a kayaking trip is in the works.

Albert Einstein once said “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Henry County 4-H’ers are looking deeper into our environment and learning more about the world we share with all living things.