Out of school time is an opportunity to supplement learning from the school day and provide targeted assistance to students whose needs extend beyond what they can receive in the classroom. With an increasing focus on school accountability and student performance, out of school time can play a meaningful role in improving academic achievement and closing the gap between low- and high-performing students.  

     This past summer Sowing Seeds with Faith Summer camp reached new levels.  For nine weeks, Jefferson County 4-H opened up a plethora of experiences for over 90 inner-city youth.  Students learned and practiced coding, by utilizing Ozbots in weekly lessons.  When youth are introduced to coding, they gain a better appreciation of technology.  Technology is a major part of many kid's and adult's lives.  We are surrounded by smartphones, smart televisions, video games, websites, and robots.  The driving force of this technology is the software or computer programs that are created by coding.   Students were able to utilize their analyzation skills, by determining why the robot would not work and figure out how to correct it.  Students were also able to utilize their practical math skills in various exercises.  

     In addition to coding, the indoor summer camp traveled 2.5 hours to Lake Cumberland to experience "4-H Camp for a Day!"  The youth experienced archery, rifle, rock climbing, zip-lining, nature walks, and a dynamic pool extravaganza!  Da'Marrion Fleming (summer camp director) said that this trip allowed him to remove inner-city distractions from his youth and give them real-life situations and scenarios that require unique abilities & skills that 4-H equipped them with.  He feels that the more activities his youth are exposed to creates more expectations, and with more expectations comes more success.

     Based on the summer program evaluation, students felt they left the program with skills that enhanced their critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity skills.  As students learned how to read and write codes they developed cognitive skills and learned a methodical, problem-solving process that resembles a computer. The students of Sowing Seeds with Faith have learned the importance and an appreciation for out of school academic enrichment. They understand that they all have a gift on the innermost part of their body that will aid in their growth, development, and evolvement. Students have matured both academically and socially. The best part about sowing seeds with Faith is they come as temporary friends and leave as a lifelong family.

"The time my youth had was epic... memories... great times, with better people. These times will forever be around and forever hold a substantial amount of weight." Da'Marrion Fleming, Sowing Seeds with Faith Director.