The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered how the 4-H Youth Development program has traditionally delivered youth learning experiences, young people are still learning by doing through a variety of activities and programs that emphasize 4-H’s philosophy of youth development.  At-home learning activities are taking place across the state and educational programs are delivered by virtual methods.  4-H is perceived as the foundation of positive youth development and during times like these, Extension’s role in helping youth succeed is more important than ever.  With statewide school closures, many traditional 4-H programs were canceled, but Kentucky Cooperative Extension agents still found ways to continue education at home. The Cooperative Extension Service has implemented new and engaging ways to educate youth through online activities, video conferencing, and 4-H Project To Go Bags.  The 4-H Project To Go Bags, provided free to youth, feature a wide range of activities designed to both learn, have fun virtually, and learn from the safety and comfort of home.   The Henderson County 4-H Facebook page provided information on Hand-Washing, being safe in the Covid-19 Pandemic, local and state 4-H programming and online activities that youth could participate in virtually.  Over 1700 4-H Project To Go Bags were distributed to youth in Henderson County over a 14-week period.   

The 4-H Project To Go Bags were based on the Kentucky 4-H Curriculum and the focus on deciding which activities to offer was based on the ability to provide all of the materials needed so that families would not need anything additional to complete their activity. Project kits curriculum, included information on Gardening, Nutrition, Visual Arts, Health, SET, Communications, Crafts, and Leadership activities.  Pictures of completed projects were posted on the 4-H Facebook page for the community to see. During this 14 week period Henderson County 4-H was able to reach new audiences and was even able to partner with the Family Consumer Sciences program area and donate to go family bags to the local Boys and Girls Club. Many parents youth tried new myplate recipes and shared their experiences with us via email and social media showing off their new skills or craft and thanking the Henderson County 4-H program for providing hands on educational activities for their youth