Shelby County 4-H provides programming in multiple programming modes, most with hands-on, experiential learning methods.  When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, it forced schools to close, offices to shut down and 4-H families to quarantine at home.  As a result, a new approach to providing 4-H opportunities had to be developed.  The 4-H Agent, program assistants, SNAP-Ed Assistant and other Extension Agents planned and assembled a series a pick up projects to distribute from the porch of the Extension Office.  Videos and virtual contests were also created to distribute over social media and broadcast emails.  4-H meetings were held over the Zoom platform to maintain contact when possible.

The kits included projects in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Science, Engineering & Technology (SET), Family and Consumer Sciences, Health, and Communications and Expressive Arts.   Families could pick up the projects and complete them in their homes with the provided supplies and instructions.   Feedback from the families was very positive and they submitted many emails and pictures of the completed projects and activities.  Social media contacts have doubled and the Extension staff has learned to communicate in non-traditional ways.  The pandemic was unexpected and forced Shelby County 4-H to develop new ways to reach the youth in our program.  The 4-H families were extremely appreciative and new modes of programming and reaching youth have been created that can be used once the crisis has passed.