Three years ago, the Christian County Extension Homemakers launched the Jr. Homemakers program. One major goal of the program was to begin growing the Homemaker organization from the ground up by recruiting youth ages 9-18. The program has been very successful quickly growing to over 30 members in the second year. However, like all other in person programming, COVID-19 threatened to stop the program in its tracks.

The Christian County Extension Homemakers and Family & Consumer Sciences Agent came together and were able to adapt the program to a fully virtual format. Jr. Homemakers were able to login to a secure zoom meeting lead by Homemakers and Agents on a monthly basis. Many of the lessons also included a grab bag component which allowed students to complete projects in real time as instructors taught over zoom. Some projects included: cooking with cast iron; simple succulents; scrapbooking and sewing.

The virtual format was a huge a success and each month an average of 15 Jr. Homemakers and 3-6 Homemakers attended the lessons. Students and parents both expressed their gratitude that the program was able to be modified rather than cancelled like so many other activities. The goal for this coming program year is to return to in person while also allowing for hybrid lessons offering both in person and virtual when needed. The ability to pivot allowed this program to not only survive but thrive during COVID-19.