On March 19 the Hopkins County Cooperate Extension office transitioned to a modified office schedule that had limited access to the public. This was an unfortunate outcome due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the Hopkins County Extension Office being on a modified schedule and several of our 4-H programs postponing or being canceled, this made for a real challenge in reaching the youth in Hopkins County. After brainstorming and communicating with other 4-H Agents across Kentucky, the Grab-N-Go Bags were created.

The Grab-N-Go Bags contain curriculum-based educational resources the fit into one of the seven core content areas for any youth in Hopkins County.  Some of the activities were hand soap scrub, woodworking kits, learning to sew on a button, air dry clay art, chalk outdoor activity, gardening, straw rockets, and health bags. There have been over 580 Grab-N-Go Bags to youth all over the county.  The Hopkins County Extension office has promoted the Grab-N-Go Bags through the 4-H Facebook page, The Messenger Newspaper, and word-of-mouth.  After speaking to several that have participated in the bags, the response has been outstanding!  We heard, “I didn’t know this was available for my child or what 4-H was. This is wonderful!”  Through the 4-H page, there have been several photos shared of the youth participating in the activities.  This project has shown that 4-H is there for the youth in our county and shows what 4-H has to offer.  Some of the projects can be later entered into the Hopkins County Fair.