When the COVID-19 erased the in person 4-H programs on our calendars, we knew we needed to “reinvent the wheel” for our 4-H members, parents, leaders and other youth. This Agent was ask by the schools to provide a weekly list of virtual activities for the 4,000 + students in the school systems. Each school sent the list to their students to supplement their plans.

A wide variety of activities were utilized on the Barren County Face Book page and the County website. Virtual learning included:  County 4-H Fair Projects, photography contest, cooking contest, 4-H Virtual Camp  (the week were scheduled to attend camp), Virtual 4-H Horse Judging Clinics and Contest, Virtual 4-H Hippology Contest, Virtual 4-H Communications contest, 4-H baking Challenge, 4-H Lego Challenges 4-H Camp in a Box, 4-H Country Ham, 4-H Livestock Update, 4-H Horse Update, 4-H Dairy Update, 4-H Middle School Issues Conference, 4-H High School Issues Conference, 1000 Cranes Project, Mammoth Cave Pen Pals, 4-H Performing Arts Troupe, 4-H Foundation Grant, National Baking Challenge Finalist, 4-H Dog Contest, 4-H Jam Challenge, 4-H Camp Songs Challenge, 4-H Forestry Challenge, 4-H Games for the Family, gardening, seed activities, sew on a button and healthy living activities

One parent said “My daughter has never shown any interest in cooking until the 4-H cooking Challenge and now she is very interested in cooking every meal.  Thank-you!”

This Agent encouraged a 10 year old 4-H Member to enter the National Baking Challenge. She did and after six interviews and baking challenges, she is scheduled to go to Hollywood in August

Two 4-H members attended KY 4-H Leadership Camp and have taken the lead on preparing for a variety of activities and videos.

The Barren County Brown Bag Program has provided new ways for the citizens to become familiar with Extension programs. Over 300 bags have been given away so far showing a major interest in youth programs. Some youth have signed up for the 4-H program through the Brown Bag and Virtual programs.  A KY 4-H Foundation grant was used to supplement the materials. With the pandemic continuing, we will need to think “out of the box” for more ways to make sure that clientele needs are met.