When the Pandemic hit in March of 2020 Extension Offices were closed to the public with little time to prepare. In person programs were abruptly halted and the concepts of virtual school and working remotely became household terms. Extension Agents had to be proactive and innovative to continue to reach clientele and provide programs to youth & families. Within the first two weeks of the pandemic 4-H agents started assembling "at home kits" with "contactless" pickup so youth could continue to receive 4-H programming.  In Simpson County the 4-H agent recorded demonstration videos to accompany some of the projects so youth could follow along from home.  Staff quickly discovered we didn’t have optimal facilities to record high quality videos, having to record in the office kitchen not large enough to fit a table, or outside where traffic from the highway and the weather would interfere.

As a result Extension staff transitioned an unused office into a Media Room in June of last year, adding a UK CES backdrop, multiple cameras, new lighting, and wireless microphones. In July 2020 the newly transformed media room allowed staff, volunteers, and clientele the capability to record high quality videos for television, social media, and Extension programs. Volunteers recorded a series of virtual 4-H programs for members last fall. 4-H teens recorded Teen Cuisine cooking demonstrations for the state NEP department in early January.  4-H members recorded their talk meet & demonstration contest submissions in April.  Extension agents have recorded television segments for WBKO & WNKY morning and midday programs, along with multiple educational videos.  The Simpson County Extension Office also added a YouTube channel where our educational videos can be easily accessed by all clientele.

In March the 4-H agent kicked off a series of “Cooking with Catherine” Zooms from the media room.  4-H members were provided a list of ingredients they needed then we zoomed, each from their own kitchen.  These youth learned how to cook country ham slices, homemade biscuits, Brussel sprouts, beef stroganoff, sausage balls, Smore’s bars, egg rolls, chicken fried rice, and charcuterie boards.  At the end of each one hour zoom the youth had prepared supper for their family by following along from home.  One youth stated, “I really liked trying new foods & learning how to make them myself. I loved the charcuterie board and that I could personalize it to what my family likes.  I have made several since our class and am looking forward to more of these classes.”

In addition, the pandemic cancelled many of the 4-H school enrichment programs 4-H conducts.  From the media room the 4-H Agent was able to record a measuring lab for Lincoln Elementary.  The Extension Office assembled kits of measuring cups, spoons, etc. for each student.  Approximately 430 4^th & 5^th graders watched the measuring lab from their classroom then practiced measuring. This was done at the request of the school, prior to the state testing which included a unit over measuring. The Simpson County Extension Office media room has been used to record 30 programs that have collectively reached more than 26,000 viewers.