During this uncertain time pertaining to COVID-19, reaching the community in new ways has been challenging but not impossible. Whitley County 4-H has been focused on providing activities and projects to youth as well as adults.

4-H in Whitley County has partnered with other local businesses and schools to promote the programs that we offer. We made the library one of our pick-up spots where no contact pick-ups were available and following CDC guidelines for the safety of our community. Whitley County pairing with the Corbin Public Library has enabled us to reach parts of the community that we do not usually work with. We have done collaborations with other program areas in the Extension Office. Since July 1, 2020 we have produced over 850 project packs ranging in education from expressive arts, natural resources, wildlife, nutritional education to personal hygiene. 16 youth participated in a Fair Project Pack where they received materials to make a birdhouse from a kit, acrylic canvas painting, hand-drawing, clay sculpting and photography. They were then submitted into out County Show for judging and ribbons were awarded.

Through social media, we have been able to gain subscribers to our newsletters and projects. Our page views and growth since July 1, 2020 is up by 20% on Facebook. Our 4-H Project Packs are generally targeted to youth but we have adults participate as well. Currently there are 28 classes including 26 teachers and 700+ students that have access to the online education provided by Whitley County 4-H. The curriculum includes information on Kids Gardening: Lessons to Grow By, Project WET and the Bee Ambassador Program.

During this time, families haven’t been able to return to school and work. Providing the community with programs available for pick-up has helped them work together as a family.

Many families participate each week and look forward to the new ideas and projects that we have available for them. Having the materials they need in the kits we provide give them the opportunity to participate in an activity they might not have had been able to otherwise. The impact the 4-H Project Packs in Whitley County have definitely benefited the people in our community and we continue to keep up the programming that so many people look forward to each week.