When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced Kentuckians into quarantine, youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. Due to this situation the Kentucky 4-H Program began the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences on social media platforms. The goal of the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences was to maintain ways for youth and families to engage with 4-H projects, events and activities while learning new life skills through a trusted source with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment Cooperative Extension Service.

Kentucky 4-H has featured all seven 4-H program areas through this virtual platform. Youth, families, professionals, and volunteers from across the Commonwealth have been featured. The audience of the Kentucky 4-H social media platforms has increased, along with the engagement rate of followers. This in turn has increased the presence and participation of new audiences as well as awareness of the benefits of participation in 4-H activities. Youth and families have had the opportunity through the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experience to connect with people from across the Commonwealth, the United States, and our world.

Lincoln County has had more than 25 individuals participate in the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences. They were able to learn new skills through this experience and by sharing their skills with others while gaining confidence in public speaking.  Many of the families participated in the 4-H 1,000 Paper Cranes project, learning origami and participating in a virtual, yet global community. One of the 4-Hers members who participated shared this about their experience: “I really loved learning how to fold cranes and reading the story about Sadako. I couldn’t believe her friends folded that many cranes.”