Author: Meagan Diss
Planning Unit: Union County CES
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Plan of Work: 4-H Leadership
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Due to CDC and University of Kentucky recommendations, the Extension Service Offices looked much different during the COVID-19 initial outbreak as offices were closed to the public. In order to still serve the community, Union County Extension put together bags for the youth in order to maintain some level of programming. As of June 30th, over 650 bags have been distributed to the youth covering topics from health and wellness to agriculture and natural resources. Bags contained multiple activities for the youth to do at home and usually contained one or two UK branded items that went along with the activities. There were also bags available that would help the youth prepare a fair project to turn in to Rally Day on July 6th due to the Union County Fair being canceled for 2020. These bags were very well received by the community and provided not only something to keep youth busy but also to help them learn as they would in a typical program. A survey was also sent home in the bags to gauge feedback on how the youth and families viewed the bags. It also provided feedback as to if they would like to see the bags continue once programming resumes as normal. All in all, the program bags that Union County Extension Office distributed not only helped youth learn the core 4-H curriculum but also gave the opportunity to those not currently in 4-H to learn about what type of things it offers.