Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen families.  The Edmonson County FCS Agent wished to offer a unique opportunity for Edmonson County Extension Homemakers and 4-H Volunteers to develop and practice communication, listening, and teamwork.  The FCS Agent planned and implemented an Escape Room at the Edmonson County Extension Office. Ten Extension Homemaker Council Members and five 4-H volunteers participated in the escape room. Post surveys showed that all participants agreed that the escape room offered them a hands on experience in working together and was more beneficial than a lecture.  

As a result the Edmonson County Extension Homemakers decided to offer a community escape room as a promotion for Extension Homemakers Week in October of 2019 and as an opportunity for community leadership development. Seventy (70) community members participated in the escape room over the course of two nights. Post surveys showed that 91% of the participants had never attended an extension sponsored event, 77% had never heard of the Cooperative Extension or Extension Homemakers, and 100% agreed that the escape room was a great tool to build team work, leadership & communications skills. 

Participant comments included:

• I thought extension offered only farm services. Excited to see they offer much more. Julia was great at explaining all the programming offered. She signed us up for some future classes.        
• I was excited that my kids didn't want to look at their phones or iPads the entire time. Really kept them engaged!         
• Great way to teach my kids to communicated with each other! Great team building activity!         
• Didn't realize what extension was. Signed up for a cooking class!         
• Awesome event! Excited to check out future Homemaker & Extension Events!
• We had an amazing time. Just what I needed after a stressful day. This was the first escape room I had done and same for my little nephew. I can’t wait to spend time with my family during the next escape room.        
• Thank you for making this an affordable event for families. Our kids had been begging to do one but we couldn't bear the thought of paying $180 in Bowling Green. It cost our family only $30. We will be back for the next one.      
• A great event for families! The three year old in our group found clues we kept overlooking. 
• Can't wait to bring my office staff back for a team building activity!     
• Our group really enjoyed the escape room, it was set up great. We can’t wait to do it again.

*This project will be presented at the KEHA State Meeting in May 2020 as an agent and homemaker training.