Author: Madalyn Hale
Planning Unit: Clark County CES
Major Program: Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
Plan of Work: Community and Economic Development
Outcome: Initial Outcome
On June 4th, 2019 we held a gardening day camp at the Fayette County Extension Office. This day camp was in partnership with one of our local elementary schools, James Lane Allen Elementary. Working with the 21st Century Coordinator, this trip was planned back in the winter. In preparation for this day camp, we sought partners to work with the make this a success. The Fayette County Master Gardener's had helped us the year before and we touched base with them again to help again this year. After several planning meetings with the Master Gardeners, we formulated a plan, schedule, and classes, gathered materials, and prepared for the event. On the day of the event we had 12 Master Gardeners helping facilitate 2 classes, our 4-H summer intern leading another class, and we collaborated with the Family and Consumer Science summer intern to teach the 4th class. In the morning 40 students and 4 teachers from James Lane Allen Elementary School arrived at the office and we had introductions and ice breaker games for them to play while the final set up was taking place. We then divided the large group into 4 smaller ones and let them begin on their class rotations. Each group was able to experience all of the classes which included: a composting lesson and edible compost snack, a lesson on entomology and painting rocks to look like bugs, lessons on herbs, including choosing their own to plant and a tour of the garden, and a fun class that encouraged physical activity outdoors and a scavenger hunt to find items in nature. The youth also enjoyed a lunch at the office and got to leave with everything they made and planted, as well as a 4-H goody bag.
The students had a great time and it was heard by several people that one student said multiple times that it was "the best day!"
We also received an email at a later date from the 21st Century Coordinator saying "I would like to take the time to let you know how wonderful the 4-H field trip was for my 40 21st Century students from James Lane Allen-21st Century program. Kevin and Madelyn were absolutely amazing and my staff informed me as well."
A great day was had by all and a lot of partnerships were strengthened by the collaborations.
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