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Clay County 4-H Innovative Environmental Experiences: Nature Retreat Day Camp

Extension Education

Cassidy Dossin
Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent
UF/IFAS Extension
Green Cove Springs

Abstract

Youth today spend more time indoors and have decreased knowledge of natural environments; combined with quarantine, youth were left at home disheartened in summer 2020. UF/IFAS Extension Clay County partnered with Clay County Parks and Recreation to develop a virtual day camp that took youth to nearby natural locations to connect with nature and learn about local ecosystems. Objectives: 1. Collaboration with local government, 2. Collaboration across program areas within the office, and 3. Increase knowledge of local ecosystems and environmental literacy in youth. Methods: A self-paced summer day camp composed of 6 different days was developed, each highlighting a different Clay County Park and the surrounding natural environment. Google Sites was used as the platform to provide educational content to guide participants through each of the 6 days. Extension and Parks and Recreation staff collaborated to develop videos, activities, and fact sheets to compose each lesson. Participants completed the online portion of each lesson before heading to a Clay County Park to put their new knowledge into action through an activity. Impacts: Youth: Participants spent an average of 37 minutes being physically active at each park, totaling 3.7 hours of physical activity over the course of the program. Participants were able to identify different types of wildlife, including insects, frogs, fish, and birds. Youth were able to identify and use natural resources around them. Youth who participated are more engaged in activities that promote wildlife and habitat care. Adults: Partnerships with local governments was secured and continues to grow. Collaboration among our office staff flourished. As a result of these partnerships, we have been able to extend our stakeholder reach as well as engage in new projects. Conclusion: The Nature Retreat was successful in getting participating families outside to gain knowledge of local environments and ecosystems and build environmental literacy of youth.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Cassidy Dossin, Stephanie Conner, Annie Wallau
  1. Dossin, C. Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Clay County, Florida, 32043
  2. Conner, S. 4-H Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Clay County, Florida, 32043
  3. Wallau, A. County Extension Director, UF/IFAS Extension Clay County, Florida, 32043