COVID-19 Programming: Virtual 4-H Summer Road Trip

Summary

The Rockdale County 4-H Agent and staff were faced with having to recreate their 4-H summer program due to the Coronavirus pandemic. During a normal year, 4-H members get on the bus and go on different trips around Georgia so we decided to take that concept virtually and toured different places in the United States.

Situation

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health Daily Status Report, Georgia has had over 123,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and over 3,000 deaths. Of those confirmed cases, Rockdale County has had 743 confirmed cases. Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, Rockdale County Government and UGA Extension were asked to close their doors to programming and quarantined based on the recommendations from the Center of Disease Control and Governor Kemp. Rockdale County 4-H had to be innovative and create virtual programs to engage our 4-H members at home.

Response

The Rockdale County 4-H Agent and staff were faced with having to recreate their 4-H summer program due to the Coronavirus pandemic. During a normal year, 4-H members get on the bus and go on different trips around Georgia so we decided to take that concept virtually and toured different places in the United States. The 4-H members were able to participate in eight different trips during the month of June. The trips were unique and different, with a variety of activities to go along with each location. The 4-H members visited Death Valley National Park, Channel Island National Park, Zion National Park, and Katmai National Park exploring different landmarks forms by different destructive forces and wildlife. They also visited Austin, Texas to learn about entrepreneurship and came up with their own business models. They toured The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. creating their own art pieces and museum piece to go in the Rockdale County 4-H History Museum. The last stop was to Orlando, FL to tour Disney World and Universal Studios while learning about roller coasters. They then completed their own STEM activity, by creating a roller coaster with items found in their house. The trips took place on Tuesday and Wednesdays at 2:00PM and they could attend the live version or watch a recording later. The participants were asked to complete a survey after each trip to earn a stamp on the 4-H Passport. If they received at least five stamps, they would earn a prize.

Impact

The 4-H Virtual Road Trip was a successful virtual program for Rockdale County 4-H! This program had 27 total participants complete at least one or more trips and 14 participants earn at least five or more passport stamps to earn the prize. The participants were engaged during each road trip and stated the following in their survey responses, “The trip was very interesting and educational,” “we want the trips to last longer,” and “I want to go there in person sometime!” One parent is quoted saying “Thank you for these great programs! These trips have been fun – such a good idea for a summer when we are largely stuck and home.” Another parent said “Thanks you for these programs and activities! My kids look forward to the activities and the trip event is amazing.” The 4-H staff asked knowledge-based questions during the survey, 100% of the students that participated in the Austin, Texas trip could correctly define entrepreneur. As well as 100% of students that participated in the trip to Death Valley National Park understood that lines on a topographical map showed elevations.

State Issue

Youth & Family Development

Details

• Year: 2020
• Geographic Scope: County
• County: Rockdale
• Location: College Station, Athens
• Program Areas:
  • 4-H Youth