The Knott County Extension council identified youth participating in community service projects and participating in anything positive was a need for our county. A collaborative effort between the US Army Core of Engineers at Carr Fork Lake, Knott Co Central FFA and Knott Co 4H provided a community service project opportunity for these youth.  Students have dedicated a total of 27 duck boxes over the past two years.  This year the duck boxes were entered in the Knott County Fair woodworking exhibits and the county champion went on to receive a blue ribbon at the 2017 KY State Fair.  The members of the 4H/FFA club took a day along with an Army Core ranger to dig, set posts, and hang the boxes along the Carr Fork lake in Knott county.

       The club also provided a free family oriented woodworking class at this year’s Knott County Fair.  We provided lumber and materials for the club to make 100 birdhouse kits for younger youth.They did an outstanding job building and organizing the kits.  There was a large interest in the class offered at the fair and he youth did an amazing job at helping the younger kids and leading the activity. 

We also have planned for November a dinner in honor of our veterans which will provide another volunteer opportunity for our youth.

       This particular success demonstrates that youth reached three intermediate goals set.  The first that youth be engaged in community based service projects. Secondly, the youth demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and utilized communication skills to complete the projects. During the county fair, they demonstrated their woodworking ability but also provided mentoring to the younger youth that participated that evening.  Watching youth take on voluntary leadership roles makes you realize our extension programs are really working.