When COVID-19 hit the Commonwealth, 4-H agents in Kentucky were not used to such alternative programming.  The need to social distance impacted all 4-H programs.  For Pulaski County, 4-H agent Jennifer Cole switched programming to virtual learning via social media (Facebook and Instagram), Google Classroom and their county website and to weekly Grab N Go kits.  One 4-H core area that was offered during this time was Family and Consumer Sciences.

Grab n Go kits were offered for eight weeks in Pulaski County.  Of the eight weeks, three kits were Family and Consumer Sciences related, which included: how to sew on a button (50 kits, 1 per child), table setting (110, 1 per child), and sugar scrub kits (48 kits, 1 per family).  A Qualtrics survey was distributed with the kits and 26 were returned in regards to their experience with these three Family and Consumer Sciences kits.  100% of results (all parents completing for their child) stated their child learned a new skill, developed a new interest in 4-H or were already enrolled, and said the kits were helpful resources to keep their child busy with educational activities during this time of social distancing.  Many also requested to join our mailing via email or snail mail.

One virtual experience that was extremely successful was the Pulaski 4-H Bakes contest on Facebook.  Over the course of eight weeks, two KY 4-H State Fair recipes were posted each week with a total of 16 out of 18 recipes being posted.  There were a total of 54 submissions from 17 participants over the eight weeks.  Of the 17 participants, five were already members of 4-H, meaning 12 of these participants participated in the Pulaski County 4-H program for the first time thanks to this social media contest.

Week 1: 5 entries (5 participants)

Week 2: 13 entries (11 participants)

Week 3: 13 entries (9 participants)

Week 4: 6 entries (4 participants)

Week 5: 3 entries (3 participants)

Week 6: 9 entries (6 participants)

Week 7: 2 entries (2 participants)

Week 8: 3 entries (3 participants)

4-H programming during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for all across the Bluegrass and within Pulaski County. But it was not a waste of time! Because we were forced to heavily rely on virtual means of communication and programming, the Pulaski County Extension Service, especially 4-H, was able to reach and serve new clientele.