Due to in-person meeting restrictions, Anderson County 4-H developed and carried out 4-H Pumpkin Week.  Youth had virtual lessons and independent activities pick-up kits. Pumpkin week allowed current 4-H members to stay engaged and new community members were exposed and participated in our 4-H program.  Pumpkin week provided opportunities to involve the entire family. Families signed up in advance and received a kit with; a pumpkin for a decorating contest, ingredients for pumpkin pie in a bag, pumpkin SET lesson, pumpkin catapult supplies, and upcycling craft.  Also included in the kit was an information packet that contained pumpkin facts (growing, nutrition, etc), additional recipes, pumpkin-themed activities for youth, and much more. There were 49 families and over 120 youth participants for the event. At the conclusion of the program, participants were surveyed, and results indicated the following:

90% tried a new recipe featuring pumpkin as an ingredient

100% increased their knowledge of the nutritional value of pumpkins

84% learned a new kitchen skill

89% of families reporting worked together to complete at least one project in the kit

96% of respondents said participating in these activities encouraged our family to spend more time together