FCS Big Blue Big Club Takes a Road Trip 

Book clubs are a recognized, innovative educational opportunity that engages clientele. Since 2021 FCS Extension has been connecting researched literature to program content for application-based learning. To date, 10 books have helped support the health and well-being of individuals and families across Kentucky.

Inspired by Blair Thomas Hess, author and ESP keynote at the Spring 2024 meeting in Frankfort, and agent recommendation, the 10^th installment of the Big Blue Book Club took a sharp turn in Spring 2025 and Extension faculty, specialists and clientele went on a road trip. Mindy McCulley and Amy Kostelic facilitated the first in-person book club with “My Old Kentucky Road Trip”. The 6-session book club directly engaged 306 community participants. For those who could not or chose not to travel, we offered recorded sessions online. The recorded sessions reached over 480 people.   

Travel-themed book clubs offer several benefits for overall well-being. Combining reading, social interaction and exploration enhances empathy and emotional well-being, stimulates cognition, and contributes to personal growth and self-reflection. Travel can also inspire creativity, encourage mindfulness and enhance confidence and self-esteem. As a result, the planning stages not only included promotion and recruitment like with previous books, but we implemented major changes in program design. For example, we researched Kentucky’s destinations that were not only off the beaten path, but we identified places and experiences that connected clientele, agents, and specialists to FCS content. This was the first book club that encouraged active participation from every FCS agent and multiple FSC Specialists across content area.  

1. Session 1: Introduction. Meet the Authors. Getting involved/Historical Marker Talk. Priority Indicator: Engaged and Empowered Communities
2. Session 2: Traveling on a Budget .Host Agent: Anna Morgan—Fulton County. Content Specialist: Kelly May/Dr. Nichole Huff. Priority Indicator: Financial Education
3. Session 3: Traveling with Children. Host Agent: Sonya Carter—Hart County. Content Specialist: Dr. David Weisenhorn. Priority Indicator: Family Development 
4. Session 4: Eating Locally and Safely while Traveling. Host Agent: Hannah Thornsberry—Woodford County. Content Specialist: LaToya Drake. Priority Indicator: Nutrition and Food Systems
5. Session 5: Traving for Mental Health and Social Connections. Host Agent: Krista Perry—Henry County. Content Specialist: Dr. Natese Dockery. Priority Indicator: Mental Health and Wellbeing
6. Session 6: Travel Safety. Host Agents: Chaisty Heck and Jeremy Williams (Ag)—Harlan County. Content Specialist: Dr. Monica Mundy. Priority Indicator: 2027 Active Living and Health Promotion

 The success of the in-person sessions relied heavily on the FCS agent who served as host. The host agent helped identify local speakers and authorities in their community. They helped secure space and arranged unique hands-on experiences. FCS agents within each region provided their host agent with slide decks and scripts to talk about their specific county attractions. Specialists worked within their content area to help empower individuals and families to make informed decisions, improve well-being, or contribute positively to their community.

As a result of the book club, participants reported that they:

1. Feel more confident with their ability to travel within budget
2. Better understand the special considerations needed when traveling with children
3. Feel more confident to make nutritious food choices while traveling
4. Can identify ways that traveling can improve mental health
5. Feel more confident in considering health and safety when traveling