The Boone County Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional teamed up with the Ag and Natural Resources Agent to provide a nutritional component to the agent’s annual summer youth nature camp.  This partnership allowed the camp participants the opportunity to connect nature and nutrition.

During each session, the 10 participants took part in a discussion and activity regarding some aspect of nutrition, followed by a tasting of a simple, healthy snack. After participating in this program, campers were able to name good sources of fruit, vegetables, protein, dairy, and grains.Participants were also able to recognize healthy snacks.  

Each participant took a pre- and post-test to evaluate their knowledge of nutrition and food safety practices.  After completing the camp, 100% of participants improved their diet quality, and the majority of participants were eating more fruit.  One participant’s parent reached out to the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service to thank the agent and program assistant for teaching their son how to prepare his own healthy snacks.