Based on conversations with teachers in Franklin County, students are so consumed with their technology gadgets, majority of them are oblivious to what is around them outside.  Therefore, the Franklin County 4-H Program offered an overnight environmental program to the schools in Franklin County who wanted to supplement the 4th grade science curriculum outdoors, while providing the opportunity for students to experience hands on activities in an outdoor environment. 

The program reached nearly 150-4^th grade students in Franklin County.  The overnight program consisted of classes including water quality, soils, fishing, forestry, entomology, KY wildlife, archery, bees, and physical activity. The classes were offered through a collaboration of individuals from the Franklin County Extension Service, Franklin County Public School, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, US Department of Forestry, Kentucky Division of Water and many other qualified community adult volunteers. The overnight environmental program was held at the North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle, Kentucky.   

In the post evaluation given to the students after their experience and throughout other activities conducted by the teachers, the results showed majority of the students had the ability to build off the activities they had experienced at camp, in the classroom throughout the year. Over 90% percent of youth learned something new about nature and the environment, 64% agreed to teach others about what they learned, spend more time outdoors, and appreciate their environment more. 

Student Quotes:  

“I love being outdoors now!”  “This has been the best field trip ever!”  “This was fun learning!”  “I cant wait to share what these birds are to my little brother.”