On March 16, 2020 the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service began a quick transition to remote working conditions due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.  The Hickman County Cooperative Extension Service quickly looked for ways to continue programming and reaching youth in our community.  One of these ways was to create two day camp boxes; one titled “Extension Explorers” and the other “Extension Day Camp in a Box.”  

The Extension Explorers box is unique in that it was geared towards youth in preschool – 2^nd grade.  Activities included making birdseed ornaments, chalk spray paint, a day camp bucket list, flowers to plant for bees, and spider bites, a healthy snack.     Each activity also requires adult supervision and assistance.

The Extension Day Camp in a box included activities such as “Salsa in a Pot”, a day camp bucket list, photography project, weaving with nature activity and a DIY popcorn bar.  

Within each box, we included a parent packet which includes an activity sheet list, parent survey, and evaluation.  

A total of 40 boxes were packaged and delivered.

A total of 23 (57%) of the 40 youth who signed up to receive a box completed the evaluation.

Of the 23 who responded:

100% said that their child learned a new tip or skills

91% said their child learned about flower/vegetable gardening

100% said their child is making healthier lifestyle choices

100% said their family is now engaging in more quality time together

81% said that their summer experience has been enhanced due to Extension programming

A few statements from parents included that new skills learned were such things as:

Taking care of living things

Importance of being able to grow your own vegetables, flowers, and making better choices for snacks

Following directions, learning new ideas, and coordination

Responsibility

How to weave

How to plan and prepare

Other benefits gained from resources provided in the Extension Day Camp boxes were mostly that it gave the family more reason to spend time together doing fun and creative activities.  It was also stated that they youth loved the Frisbees for exercise and that their children had fun doing DIY projects.