Boone County has a large population of home schooled youth, with estimates of 300 plus in five main campuses. These groups have in the past had fairly little interaction with the Extension service due to our focus on school programming and their organizational structure. The Boone County Extension Service natural resources programs have been working over the last 6 months to make a lasting relationship with these groups to great success. We have provided educational support for 4 of the 5 campuses including focused lessons on vertebrates and invertebrates, creating insect collections, water quality, and by incorporating these groups into our spring day camps, and the overnight environmental camp program. The leader of one group was quoted "Our group has done several nature programs this school year. We always look forward to each one and count down the days until the next one. The students have gained so much knowledge and confidence about the outdoors. The chaperones learn right along with the kids because the instructors love of the content is contagious. Students that used to complain about nature walks and pond studies and hikes are now begging to have more. These same kids are constantly pointing out different birds, insects and plants while we are out. The knowledge that they have gained during our time with these programs is invaluable and will stay with them for a lifetime".