Extension Day Camp in a Box

On March 16, 2020, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service began a quick transition to remote working conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Hickman County Cooperative Extension Service quickly looked for ways to continue programming and reaching youth and families in our community.  One of these ways was to create two-day camp boxes; one titled “Extension Explorers” and the other “Extension Day Camp in a Box.”  

The Extension Explorers box was geared towards youth in preschool – 2^nd grade, while the Extension Day Canp in a box was for 3rd grade and up.  Camp activities covered each extension program area including 4-H youth development, agriculture/natural resources, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, and community arts engagement. Specific family communication was included from community partners on the Dinner Table Project from the regional prevention center including substance abuse and mental health resources. The program was designed for optimal family involvement and engagement.  A total of 40 boxes were delivered to each child’s home.  

Of the 40 participants, 70% of parents/caregivers responded to the program evaluation. Results of the Day Camp Experience are as follows 100% learned new tips/skills; 100% learned about flower/vegetable gardening; 95% is making healthier lifestyle choices; 95% of families engaged in more quality time together; 100% felt that their summer experience has been enhanced due to Extension programming like Day Camp in a Box and Extension Learning Kits to go.

In addition parents and caregivers shared several skills that their children learned including the importance of being able to grow your own vegetables, flowers and making better choices for snacks; learned how to make snacks creatively and improved painting skills; and how to choose healthy fruits and vegetables over sugary snacks. One mother stated, “The herbs were planted and tended to by the boys. They water them and check there progress daily”. Other benefits were more family time together, increased physical activity, and engaging imagination and responsibility by taking care of things.