Covid-19 has created new learning opportunities for 4-Hers across the county as well as the state of Kentucky.  With remote schooling and limited access to extension offices and personnel the extension staff had to become creative as to how to deliver programs and information in a new format.

The week after the schools started remotely the Henry County Extension staff started putting together educational grab bags weekly that could be picked up from a tote outside the front door of the office.  The kits were designed to have a hands on component, an educational piece was included, and each could be entered into the fair when completed.  The number of kits put together averaged 30 to 50 grab bags per week until the end of the school calendar.  After a few weeks we decided to add Clover bud Club grab bags as well to the regular 4-H aged activities.  In total there were over 600 kits distributed through the month of May.

For the schools Chop Chop magazines were delivered to drop off sites to be distributed to students by buses twice.  Educational materials on proper handwashing, table manners, and cooking as a family along with a selection of recipe cards were also delivered by bus to each family unit.   In total there were over 2000 pieces of nutritional education hand delivered to families.

Summer programs included grab bags for more indepth STEM projects that were completed at home with the aid of family members.  Virtual classes were recorded on natural resources for club members.  Weekly updates were sent by e-mail and Facebook of weekly challenges youth could participate in and win prizes.

The Covid pandemic has definitely changed the way programs are delivered, but it has not stopped the extension service from providing quality, educational based activity, just the formats they have been received