Success StoryUP and READY Life Skills Day Camp
UP and READY Life Skills Day Camp
Author: Kristy Porter
Planning Unit: Pike County CES
Major Program: Child Development General
Plan of Work: Leadership Development
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Describe the Issue or Situation.
In today’s fast-paced world, many young people are entering adulthood without the foundational life skills they need to thrive independently. From basic car maintenance and cooking to financial literacy and stress management, these essential competencies are often overlooked in traditional education settings. In Pike County, Extension agents recognized a growing need to equip youth with practical, hands-on experiences that build confidence, independence, and real-world readiness.
Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).
In response, the Pike County Extension Office launched the UP & READY Life Skills Day Camp, a one day, immersive program designed to equip students with essential tools for everyday living. This initiative was a collaborative effort, uniting the expertise and resources of Family & Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, and Community Arts program areas, along with the summer intern.
The camp was carefully structured to provide a balance of hands-on learning, creativity, and personal development. Each workshop was designed to be beginner-friendly and engaging, ensuring that all participants—regardless of prior experience—could actively participate and succeed. The program included:
- Automotive Basics: Learning how to change a tire
- Goal Setting: Creating SMART goals for personal growth
- Culinary Skills: Preparing and cooking pizza bagels and fruit muffins
- Wellness & Stress Management: Practicing techniques for emotional well-being
- Sewing & Creativity: Threading needles, sewing buttons, and crafting keychains
- Financial Literacy: Budgeting and planning for future success
Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.
18 students participated, ages 11-18.
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.
100% of students reported an increase in confidence in setting a SMART goal. 90% of students reported an increase in confidence in cooking a meal using recipes. 70% of students reported an increase in confidence in sewing something simple by hand. 90% reported and increase in confidence in budgeting money. 100% reported an increase in confidence in using healthy techniques to manage stress.
The interest in life skills workshops was reflected on social media, where the flyer was shared 139 times, amplifying its impact and showcasing the value of Extension programming to the broader community.
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