The pandemic of 2020 brought our entire nation to a screeching halt. Except for first responders, the United States and much of the world were on lock-down for much of the spring and summer. As summer turned into fall and the end of COVID-19 not in sight, a group of agents banded together to see how they could continue to meet the needs of their 4-H clientele.  These efforts were led and organized by Allen County 4-H Agent, Anna Meador and Warren County 4-H Agent, Janet Turley.   And thus, a new experiment of hosting district virtual 4-H clubs was born. This new concept extended the opportunity to learn high quality learning experiences across a 17 county district.

The “experimental” virtual district clubs worked successfully. A total of 14 district 4-H Clubs and club leaders were recruited. These clubs impacted 123 youth enrolled as 4-H members with 306 members enrolled in individual clubs. Most clubs met via Zoom with a varied meeting schedule. All clubs met for a minimum of 6 hours to ensure youth received adequate extended learning exposure to encourage developmental learning pertaining to the clubs core content.  The district virtual clubs enhanced county programs with active club enrollment and offered more project choices for club members. Clubs offered covered six of the following core content areas: Agriculture, Family and Consumer Science, Communication and Visual Arts, Health and Physical Activity, Natural Resources and SET.

Allen County 4-H Agent, Anna Meador, led the Outdoor Adventures Club which met monthly between October 2020 to May 2021.  During these monthly meetings, youth engaged in lessons focused at environmental education, physical activity and conservation, amongst many other subjects.  Each meeting included pre-recorded outdoor lesson paired with hands-on projects to keep kids engaged and active in activities focused on reducing indoor and technology dependence.  Finally in May, the Outdoor Adventures Club met in-person at Mammoth Cave Park in May for a Day Camp Event focused on a Tree/Wildlife ID Nature Walk, Individual Outdoor Cooking Meals as well as Compass and Pacing.  The Outdoor Adventure Club had 15 youth who participated throughout the year and a total of 16 participants in attendance of the In-Person Day Camp.   

The district wide virtual 4-H club format was well received by both eager youth and their parents.  These virtual clubs allowed youth to remain actively engaged in learning when many school and community activities were ceased.  For many of the participants, being able to participate in the district virtual 4-H clubs helped to maintain some resemblance of fun positive youth development and became a shining light when other youth events and activities were cancelled, closed or postponed. 

Comments from the member, parent and club leader perspective follow:

Comment from 4-H Member of the Advanced Horse Club - “I am really learning a lot. I’m learning about advanced terminology and concepts that I wouldn’t get in a normal horse club meeting. I am also able to ask questions about equine careers.”

Comment from Parent of the Lego Builders Club - “My son is really enjoying the Lego Club. He looks forward to it each month and can’t wait to see what the project assignment will be.  He has enjoyed problem solving and seeing the creations of the other club members.”  Note: this club was not available in this member’s home county. So without the district club format, this member would not have gotten the opportunity to participate in this project club.

Comment from Club Leader of the Outdoor Adventures Club – “I’ve truly enjoyed getting to teach and share my passion for natural resources and outdoor education through the Outdoor Adventures Club.  While the virtual format may have some limitations, I have been able to pre-record and expand on a variety of outdoor activities that might otherwise be difficult or even impossible for district wide members to get to participate in and enjoy.  Youth learn the details and steps for how to complete an outdoor activity and then are challenged to complete the activity before the next meeting.  This has led to a greater impact on their learning encouraging them to Hear It – See It – and Do It.”