A local 4-H leader says they've found ways to get kids involved with activities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Oneida County 4-H program coordinator Anne Williams says summer is a time when 4-H youth are normally busy with things like camp. That isn't happening this year, but she says they've found other ways to do things including a recent effort...
"Part of a multi-county initiative where we packed 400, 4-H 'Camp- In- A- Bag'. We're expecting more than 700 youth to participate in this. That really exceeded our expectations. That tells us that families are looking for enrichment opportunities for kids right now...."
She says that's a higher number than the youth going to camp in non-COVID times. They've scheduled July 13-16 as days when kids can participate in 4-H "Camp- In- A- Bag". Participants will have tools to create their own camp at home, including activities ranging from making a bird feeder, skygazing, water game activities and a simulated evening campfire.
Williams says the idea is fun, but also has a broader effort...
"It's going to provide kids with life skill building like responsibility, resiliency, cooperation, confidence. So our goal with creating a new delivery of a program...you can't be there in person but we can give you this bag. Inside it we can help guide you so you can have fun, make memories with the family and learn along the way..."
Williams points out 4-H'ers are nearly four times more likely to make contributions to their communities, two times more likely to be civically active, and nearly 2 times more likely to make healthier choices.
Oneida County 4-H is free to join and is open to youth ages 5-19. Parents can enroll their child online at 4Honline. com They can also call the Oneida County Extension Office.(715-365-2750)
