As our world grapples with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic it is imperative that non-formal youth development professionals redefine programming to continue to intentionally meet the developmental needs of youth through new platforms that adhere to national and state guidelines. Prior to the start of the global pandemic research showed that ninety-five percent of a person’s learning related to science occurs outside of the classroom (Falk and Lynn, 2010). With this staggering statistic finding ways to continue to connect youth to science programming through the COVID-19 pandemic is amplified. According to Norton’s Children there are seven skills and habits children can learn through cooking: exploring their senses, expanding their palate, confidence, making healthy choices, responsibility, communication skills, and basic math and science skills (Norton’s Children, 2019). The goals of the Kentucky 4-H Bake-A-Long was to connect virtually with young people as they developed critical life-skills. The Bake-A-Long provided skilled instruction by a caring adult, fostered the development of a virtual community, provided opportunity for critical-thinking and mastery, and promoted an opportunity to focus on positive experiences through a time of turmoil.

The Kentucky 4-H Bake-A-Long began in March 2020 at the closure of schools in Kentucky. The live bakes happened each Thursday during the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experience on the Kentucky 4-H Facebook page. The initial experience was set to run the months of March, April, and May. But, due to overwhelming interest and participation the experience has continued through June and July with plans to continue in the new program year starting in September.

One goal of the bake is to challenge youth to critically think. A photo with ingredients needed is posted at least a day prior to the experience. During the live event, the viewer receives instruction verbally. For those needing assistance dialogue occurs in the chat box, the script is also provided in real time in the chat box. After the event, videos and recipes are saved on the Kentucky 4-H Facebook page for later viewing.

Each bake starts with washing hands and promotion of healthy kitchen habits. Through the experience youth practice measuring ingredients, listening skills, and are encouraged to think creatively. Most of the bakes include an option for youth to “get creative” and add their choice of ingredients to make the bake their own. Through the completion of each project youth master life skills and develop a sense of pride in their work. Youth are encouraged to share their work virtually and tag Kentucky 4-H while using #ky4hbakealong.

While gauging the success of this virtual experience, parents, guardians, and participants were asked to share thoughts on the Kentucky 4-H Bake-A-Long. One participant’s mother reported that, “These bake-a-longs have built up her confidence, pride, motivation, flexibility, independence, and has given her something to look forward to during quarantine.” 

Another Dad stated on Facebook, “I'm really impressed. Our daughter, with some help from mom, made delicious homemade Pop Tarts: strawberry and cinnamon sugar. Learning new things during the COVID 19 lockdown from #KY4Hbakealong.”

“My daughter gained a better understanding of how to measure for cooking/baking, the concept of dry and wet ingredients and how/when to combine them, and how to creatively combine ingredients and flavors.  It was fun to see how proud she was of the finished product!” says the mom of a 4^th grade participant.   

Sources:

Falk, John & Dierking, Lynn. (2010). The 95 percent solution: School is not where most Americans learn most of their science. American Scientist. 98. 486-493. 10.1511/2010.87.486.

Norton Children’s. (2019). Seven skills kids learn by cooking. Retrieved 07-07-2020: https://nortonchildrens.com/news/seven-skills-kids-learn-cooking/