COVID-19 hit and brought the traditional 4-H and extension programming to a halt in March of 2020. With 4-H clubs, school programs, and spring and summer activities being unable to finish out their program year face-to-face, Pendleton County 4-H hastily worked to bring about virtual opportunities that would allow the youth of Pendleton County to continue to learn and develop educational skills from the comfort and safety of their homes.

Some of the early efforts to carry on youth programming in a different context was developed and implemented through the Pendleton County 4-H Virtual Experience. Beginning in March and continuing through the first week of May for 2020, each week was dedicated to one of the seven core content areas of 4-H.  Those seven areas are:

1. Healthy Living
2. FCS (Family & Consumer Sciences)
3. SET (Science, Engineering, & Technology)
4. Natural Resources
5. Leadership
6. Communication & Expressive Arts
7. Agriculture

Each week of the series included a Facebook live feed from the 4-H agent explaining the current week’s core content area of focus.  Additionally, posts were made throughout the week pertaining to that particular core content area. Discussion of county fair categories that fit under that specific content area were highlighted each week.  Moreover, Pendleton County 4-H Clubs pertaining to the corresponding week were advertised and shout outs were given to each 4-H leader(s) of those clubs. Each week was also given a challenge for 4-Hers to complete at home along with submission guidelines. Winners were selected each week, announced on Facebook, and received a gift certificate to a local restaurant in the mail.  

Interaction with the Pendleton County 4-H Facebook Page increased substantially as a result of the Pendleton County 4-H Virtual Experience.  Weekly live feeds received an average of over 1,000 views and flyers and posts received numerous shares (4-6 on average). Page likes increased weekly with an average of 12 each week. Parents and leaders commented appreciative thoughts about the opportunities being provided for their children and club members throughout the quarantine scenario. School teachers shared videos and posts with their virtual classrooms further generating interest and involvement from non-4-H members.