Last March, our world was turned upside down. Our schools closed their doors to embrace virtual learning, after school clubs were shut down, sports suspended, 4-H Teen Summit was called off, days camps cancelled, and even 4-H Camp for the first time in the history of camp was cancelled.

But that did not mean Gallatin County 4-H stopped. We just figured out new ways to not only have fun but provide some educational lessons as well. Since we could not hold 4-H day camps, we provided “grab and go” bags. Over 100 bags were put together each week that included science, games, nutrition, and natural resources.  One child said it was like having Christmas every week because they never knew what was going to be in the bag.  We also offered 4-H Cooking Camp in a Box and 4-H Art Camp in a Box.

This school year, Gallatin County 4-H is offering a Badge program since there are no after school programs right now. This program is geared for youth in Kindergarten through 12 grade.  To get started, every child had to have the 4-H enrollment form filled out. After filling out the enrollment form, they received a packet which had links to earn other badges. Some of the badges include:  cooking, art, baking, recycling, exercise, communications, leadership, science, sewing/needlework, and photography. This program allows children to explore new educational adventures from the comfort of their house. Forty children participated in this program with 10 new 4-H members.