4-H Extension Corner

Thinking Inside Out

If kids can’t come to you, go to the kids! That’s what some innovative 4-H leaders in Winston, Colbert, Limestone, Marion, Fayette and Lauderdale counties did. When Covid-19 prevented 4-H Summer Day-Camp activities, these leaders used ingenuity and teamwork to think “inside out!” They devised interesting and fun kits that kids could complete in their homes, and then share with one another through social media.

One of the activities was a multicounty, two-day virtual Day Camp, highlighting both cooking and painting. The 4-H leaders used their social media pages to display bright, colorful posters advertising both events. Students reserved a kit for each activity by placing their first and last names on the event photo. Then, parents and guardians picked up the free kits from their participating Extension office to take them “out” to the kids.

“We provided all the materials needed,” stated Rebecca Danley, 4-H Foundation Regional Extension Agent for Marion County. “After kids got the kits home, they watched a step-by-step video of how to complete the cooking or painting event at their own convenience.”

Eady Portet, Fayette County

Stacy Sexton, Marion County

The 4-H Kid Chef project featured Susan Hill, the Regional Food Safety Agent. She taught kids how to make tasty “Twisted Fruit Cocktail” treats while staying inside. The cooking kits contained everything they needed: vanilla wafers, banana cream pie pudding, marshmallows, fruit cocktail in 100% fruit juice, a souvenir cup and a YouTube link to a video, giving all the steps to make their own twisted fruit cocktail.

Charley Bozeman, who attends Hamilton Elementary School in Marion County, really enjoyed making this activity. “It was so easy and fun to make, and it tasted so yummy!”

Ana Kathrine Whisnant and Caroline Whisnant, Marion County

Artist Mandi Sexton, who demonstrated how to paint a brightly colored, under-the-sea turtle, conducted the 4-H Virtual Painting Camp. Inside the painting kits were an 8”x10” canvas, six colors of paint, one foam brush, two sizes of paintbrushes, a plate for mixing the colors and a link to a YouTube video featuring Sexton. Once students completed their projects, they posted pictures of their creations online for everyone to enjoy.

Even though 4-H’ers could not physically meet in one spot, these two virtual fun activities kept them involved in their local 4-H programs.

Ana Kathrine Whisnant made this observation: “I’m so thankful 4-H was able to provide students like myself with engaging activities during a time of feeling confined and limited. This gave me an opportunity to have fun while being inside, socially distanced!”

Alisa Byrd, Marion County