The 4-H Wildlife Gardener Virtual Camp was offered in July 2020 as a means to engage youth during COVID-19. 

The Wildlife Gardener curriculum used during the virtual camp is part of the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program, an international youth gardening program that provides opportunities for youth to learn about and develop an appreciation of gardening and the environment, and interact and connect with nature. Youth can earn certifications in various content in the JMG Program by completing set requirements of the program. For youth to earn a JMG Wildlife Gardener Certification, 12 activities, 1 life skill/career exploration activity, and 1 service-learning project must be completed. The Wildlife Gardener Virtual Camp provided an opportunity for youth to complete these requirements and earn a certification. 

A series of pre-recorded videos accompanied by hands-on activities to do at home were provided to youth participants and their families. Participants were able to watch videos and do activities at home at their leisure. In addition to completing videos and activities, participants had to complete a service-learning project as part of the certification requirement. Although 69 youth registered for the Wildlife Gardener Virtual Camp, only roughly 25 youth participated in some capacity, and 12 youth completed all requirements and earned a JMG Wildlife Gardener Certification.

In addition, a Wildlife Gardener In-Service was offered in Fall 2020. The training was offered virtually and 36 CES participated. 

Photo Below: Carroll County 4-H member and 4-H Agent. The 4-H member's service-learning project was developing a display about backyard birds commonly seen in Kentucky. For each bird, she developed a QR code so individuals looking at the display could use the code to listen to that bird's song/call. The display was exhibited at the Carroll County Extension Office.