4-H and Youth Development with Julia Cox

February 2, 2021

Like many things in 2020, 4-H had to find a new way to operate. In March, we learned how to continue with 4-H programming even though we could not host the in-person, face-to-face meetings that we were used to doing. To begin tackling this new way of operating, Midlands 4-H agents, which I was a part of, developed 4-H@Home program. 4-H@Home was a free program where registered participants received free daily lessons electronically. These lessons were created by myself and fellow 4-H agents. We also peer-reviewed them and ensured they would work for youth of all ages. These daily lessons covered many different topics and could be completed in or around the participants’ homes with minimal supplies. The daily lessons began on March 18th and ended on May 29th. Registered youth continued to receive one lesson a month until August. This program reached over 2,400 individuals worldwide, youth from every county in South Carolina, with over 50 participants in Edgefield County.

This was just the start of all the great things we developed to continue with 4-H through COVID-19. Instead of traditional summer camps, 4-H agents again got creative and developed summer camp kits. Edgefield County youth had the opportunity to register to receive several different subject-specific camp kits. Each kit contained materials needed for youth to complete the fun hands-on learning activities.

While this has been a crazy time for everyone, 4-H is continuing to offer a variety of programs to keep youth engaged and active. For more information on the Edgefield County 4-H program, contact Julia Cox, at julia7@clemson.edu to receive program updates.