Week 1-2: 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hardin County, Loren Gross

     Extension Agent Intern. What does that job title even really mean? What does that even really mean in a job description. That was my goal coming into this experience. Now granted my load is a little more varied due to being specifically assigned to two program areas, but I feel in two weeks I completely understand the job description of an agent but we will get to that later.

    Now before I begin to break down the first stint of this experience I will point out the lack of photos at this point just due to not thinking about it and the amount of meetings, but photos are to come in future posts both here and on the Facebook group.

    Day 1. First impressions are said to have the most lasting effects. Well I contacted my supervising agent ahead of time, showed up punctually and began the wonderful experience of meeting all the staff and trying to remember as many names as possible (which can be difficult in 10 minutes with the size of our office). Next I got settled into my office ( A FULL SIZE OFFICE) and got my LinkBlue set up and the office went out to lunch together to welcome me. Typical. Well that's were any "idea" or preconceived notion of a first day go out the window. The rest of the day was filled with participating in a radio interview about extension , fixing a washing machine (saved the office a ton of money for a two second fix) , gathered supplies, helped with a jelly/jam lesson, and did some other random tasks.

    The rest of that week included going to Adair county to do some work on the 4-H country hams, going to make some farm visits and diagnose some farmer crop issues, 3 different meetings with 4-H parents over various things, and the most exciting aspect: working the secretary/receptionist desk for a morning. Now this was my real indoctrination into the office staff. While the staff participated in a training morning my task was to take soil samples, direct phone calls, and answer simple questions if possible but be sure not to make recommendations just because I am not an agent and we would not want backfire for a negative turn around. Fair enough my task was clear and I was up to my task with great zeal. For the first hour or so no problems. Well then I received the phone call for grain-fed beef. A nice lady called and asked where she could possibly obtain some quality grain-fed beef; to which I informed her most any farmer or even conventional supermarket or meat processors. Well she implied I had mistook my own words, so I ask if she meant "grass-fed"; well since this is a public forum all I will say is the response I received to uttering those words was on the rated R side of things. Ok no big deal, I'll let it role. Well then came in a fine gentleman who had wanted to have some questions answered on herbicides to control a pond grass problem. Went and grabbed an agent and well the conversation went from herbicides, to how soil tests and water tests were the government trying to take the gentleman's land and he wanted nothing to do with us. The agent smiled at me and said " another day at the office". Week 1 down.

   Week 2 was less "exciting" necessarily but none the less packed and great. Starting with a meeting involving Operation Military Kids, 4-H camp orientation, District Staff meeting, District Board meeting, paperwork and various prep work. Well the highlight of the week was actually on Friday. The first half of the day was spent doing woodworking with 5th graders at an elementary school in the form of making foot stools, while the later half of the day was going to a cattleman related function at the local Caterpillar dealer and going to scope a farm out for the Ag Field day we are putting on next week.
 
    Earlier in the post I stated I figured out the job description for not only an extension intern but any extension agent in general. The answer is: an individual who is flexible and does their best to provide agriculture/horticultural/family consumer science/4-H related knowledge, services, and learning opportunities which fit the needs of that environment. How does this translate to my random description of the past two weeks events? Well as I have experienced with both programs, there is no set schedule or "normal" day or pattern of work. This personally reflects in me loving the job, the opportunities, the networking, the random events, and am truly looking forward to the next 10 weeks.

Loren Gross - Hardin County Cooperative Extension Agent Intern in 4-H and Agriculture/Natural Resources

First Two Weeks - Homemakers, Community Service, and Nutrition Classes

I began my internship with Extension in McCracken County on May 19th. I was pretty nervous walking into the office for the first. I fretted over what to where and showed up about fifteen minutes before anyone else, but everyone was extremely welcoming and friendly! I have quickly formed wonderful relationships with everyone in the office. The desk I use is pretty removed from everyone else, but they come and visit me and make sure I have people to talk to if I am here for a long period of time.

The very first day I jumped right in and went to the annual area Homemakers meeting with my supervisor, Denise, in Marshall County. It was very interesting as I had not previously known all that the homemakers do throughout the region and what they are involved in. They work closely with Extension on a lot of different projects. I am originally from Western Kentucky and also got to see a lot of familiar faces that I didn't know were a part of Homemakers Association. After that, I helped the Nutrition Assistant here with teaching a lesson about healthy eating and good dental hygiene to a local elementary school.  This was very helpful for me because I will be spending a lot of time this summer teaching from the same curriculum at the elementary school summer programs offered in McCracken County.

The next day, I attended the Community Service Coalition with Denise.  This meeting consisted of the directors multiple outreach programs in the Paducah/McCracken County area that frequently come together to figure out how they can work together to better serve the low income and struggling populations in McCracken County. Examples of attendees include the RedCross, Hope Unlimitied, the Senior Citizen Center, and Paducah Cooperative Ministries. I had no idea how many services were available in the city of Paducah and the wider region of the county. It definitely made me proud that so many people were willing and trying to help the under-served in my little town!  Denise is also on a board for a newly-developing team of people that are coming together to figure out how to better serve the Paducah area. It is interesting because they are basing their mission on the mission of FCS and extension services. Through this, Denise was tasked with documenting the access to nutritious foods in McCracken County, a project I was able to work extensively on later in the week. I have definitely already gotten to know McCracken County and Paducah much more than I had before and am excited to see what else I discover through extension this summer. 

I am lucky that I get to spend time with more than one supervisor on occasion. McCracken County has a nutrition assistant to the FCS agent that I have gotten to work closely with over the last two weeks. We went to the Merryman House, a local domestic abuse center, and taught a cooking class. Stephanie also taught about buying fruits and vegetables on a low income because this is really the scope of her job. I was glad to be able to observe her in a teaching role so that I can better prepare for when I have to do it on my own. 

This second week has flown by! I have been busy preparing my lessons to start next week in the school summer programs. I will be teaching from the LEAP curriculum and the Yummy Curriculum at three elementary schools and at another agency called the Scholar House. I am excited and nervous about these opportunities and can't wait to see what I will learn and how I will grow through them the rest of the summer! 

Devin Edwards

First Weeks as an Intern!

I am finishing up my second week at the Pike County Extension office. It has been a blast so far! My first day on the job I was nervous about how everything would work. Once I stepped foot into the office all nervousness was gone. Everyone in the office was very welcoming. I already feel like one of them and I have only been here for two weeks. My first day was all about getting to know everyone in the office and how things worked around here. After the first day we hit the ground running. Our county's homemaker annual meeting was the Thursday of my first week. Our FCS Agent decided to do a tea party this year as the theme. No one in the Pike County area caters food appropriate for a tea party. Therefore, we spent two days preparing and cooking for the tea party. I had a blast working with our FCS agent, FCS assistant and two of the homemakers. This was a great opportunity for me to get to know my coworkers. The tea party was a huge success! All of the ladies loved the food and decorations.

Pike County Homemakers at their annual meeting

 

Food we prepared for the tea party

 

I have also had my first taste of office staff meetings and district staff meeting. I love the family feel that the office staff meetings have. Everyone seems to get along and are willing to help each other on whatever they need. Pike County may be large but the towns in it are small. This helps create the family feel that is in our office. 

I worked with 4-H during my first two weeks as well. I am very excited to work more with 4-H because I love working with children. 4-H camp is at the forefront of our work right now. I have never been to 4-H camp but I look forward to going and seeing what it is all about. I traveled around the county with one of our 4-H assistants to check on the newly hatched chickens. The children loved watching the chickens hatch and seeing them as babies. 

I had a very humbling experience at the Thankful Hearts Food Pantry. It is an eye opening experience to see all these people who need food but cannot afford it. We gave out nutrition information and a few freebies from the office. People loved getting the recipes and the vegetable scrubbers. 

Overall I have had an awesome first two weeks! I am looking forward to the rest of the summer!

-Chelsea Hunt

Diving into 4-H Fun!

 My first two weeks as an intern have been everything but boring and wasteful.  During my first day I was warned to bring a change of clothes. The reason to me was unclear but I soon found out. We went ham shucking and that was an experience all into itself. Something I had never done before, but I vital part of the ham curing process! I had a blast doing that with the two other interns.  The next day I was able to be included in the district staff meeting, where I was introduced to many of the other agents in the district. I got to meet the best intern they have had, Ben Mefford. He is pretty awesome and my office buddy/photographer!
       In that meeting I was able to absorb so much and also see how the extension branch I ran. During the first week I was able to go to Madison County and help another agent out on a 4-H project, the project was building wind turbines with the kids. One of the other interns and I taught the class on building wind turbines and what they are used for. Then we broke the kids up and let them compete to see who could build the best wind turbine that could create the most wind. The kids loved it! In return I loved seeing the kids in love with something new! All this was in one week, total fun!
      During my second week it was even more eventful! As a intern I get to partake in staff meetings and observe the way the office communicates their upcoming week. On Tuesday I partook in the staff meeting, then I was taken on a tour of a bourbon distillery. That was exciting and fun. Wednesday I was able to sit in on a Frankforts Own meeting in the evening. Frankforts Own is a program that uplifts and encourages minority males to be the best that they can be in all that they do. The boys were so smart and blessed to be exposed to this opportunity. Thursday was fun day for sure! We took the 4-H teens to Champs.(Which is a center the houses laser tag, skating, mini golf, and new found Casino !) The kids had a blast and so did I.

All in all I can say I have been enjoying myself and learning a lot about 4-H!

My First Week in Woodford County!

My first day of extension was a whirlwind. I arrived at 8:00am (a few Mondays ago), to Woodford County and began a discussion with my agent, Elizabeth Creed, and a tour around the office. I was handed a copy of my calendar and shown to my desk/office.  My day consisted of laminating bookmarks, using a paper cutter, baking my first cake from scratch, and going to a program and helping the attendees weigh in.

I baked a Lemon Blackberry Upside down cake. The cake was baked for a celebration of the Weight Loss Series: Be A Loser. There were six attendees who stuck to the program and combined had a weight loss of almost 90 pounds! Although I had not been with the program the entire time, I was very proud of them for sticking to it and losing the weight. The cake is a low fat, semi sweet, yummy treat that they were able to eat after the announcements. Luckily, the attendees loved the cake and there wasn't a piece left! 

The rest of my first week consisted of a lot of coffee drinking, learning about the new phone updates, Chamber of Commerce Open House, Healthy Community Coalition meeting, and some 4-H work. I went to the Chamber of Commerce with the Horticulture agent, Faye, for the ribbon cutting for the opening of their new building. It was great to see so many members of the community come together and fellowship over a great accomplishment for the county. I discussed Teen Conference with the 4-H agent, Jenny. I also made a lesson plan for two classes that I will be teaching during 4-H Camp (EXCITING!). The Healthy Community Coalition was a group of people who meet bi-monthly to discuss health initiatives in Woodford County. The meeting had a variety of members of the community: a Judge, parks and recreation employee, non-profit worker, WCPS board employee, two health department employees, and of course my Family and Consumer Sciences supervisor. The meeting was very beneficial and I had a chance to give input. The meeting ended and the Health Department showed us their 12 foot garden filled with herbs, lettuce, and other veggies. (pictured above).

Ebony Davis

Getting in the groove of being an intern

I started my internship Monday May 19th. I got to the office and everyone was friendly and interested in meeting me. I took a tour around the building learning where all the rooms were and meeting all of the other people in the office. We had a staff meeting first thing that morning so I got to see how they keep their schedules organized between each other. They all seemed like they truly enjoyed their jobs and it created a great atmosphere in the office.
The first two days I was recruited by the 4-h agent to help her and the other intern with shucking hams for the 4-h country ham contest. I had never been involved in the process of curing a country ham so it was very interesting to see, and also work with the 4-h kids. We did this at the Woodford County extension office. I was able to meet their agents and tour their office while I was there. It was beneficial to see how they ran their office and I could compare it to our office.

The rest of the week was filled with various tasks. I was pleased when they set up my computer account and got my first desk! I didn't spend much time in the office because the week was filled with field activities. That Wednesday, we had a district staff meeting which I found interesting. It helped me learn how the extension program is ran and all of the behind the scenes stuff. Meeting other county agents and their interns was definitely beneficial. We we able to take a couple farm visits on Thursday and Friday. That was the part of the job I was looking forward to. On one farm, we caught sheep, gave them shots and castrated them. That was the first time I had hands on experience with sheep so it was a learning experience for me. The other farm visit consisted of going through a mans wheat and corn fields investigating discoloring of some of the leaves. We took a few samples and researched them at the office to find out the problem and the solution.

The next Tuesday I was excited to get into the office to see what we would be getting into. We didn't have much planned so I did some paper work and organizing around the office.We received a call from a farmer about his square bales being too moist that he just baled. So we took a trip to visit him and I learned how to use the device that tests the moisture in hay. Afterwards I used my time to help the 4-h agents to help them get some of their stuff done. Thursday was a very busy day. We traveled to Anderson County to meet with the ag agent there and plan the Cattleman's trip to Oregon. That was very difficult to organize but it was a good learning experience. After that, we had another meeting with 2 men for our Farm City Field Day. For my project I will be having my own station where people will come up and watch me present my material. Then, I helped organize and run the Cattleman's dinner and meeting. I enjoy having leadership roles and having these responsibilities.

Homemakers, Schools, and Diabetes Class

I am wrapping up my first two weeks in the Marshall County Extension office. I am from Marshall County and participated in 4H all through elementary, middle, and high school. I was familiar with some of the people here already, and the others have been extremely nice and fun to work with. This place is always buzzing with activity, and along with my own work I have learned a lot about the extension program in general. I had no idea how much this office did in and around our county.

I started my two weeks by attending the Purchase Area Homemakers meeting. I had never heard of the Homemakers, so this was a very interesting experience. They had just returned from their state meeting, so they were all excited to share their stories and what they had learned.

The end of last week I was able to participate in a program called STAND with the Health Department. The program's main focus is keeping kids away from tobacco products. A woman from the health department would do a talk about the harmful effects of tobacco, and in between me and 3 interns from the health department would add a nutrition lesson in. Since it was the end of school, the kids were wild, but it turned out to be a lot of fun.

We were suppose to do another program with the health department called HANDS which is a program for first time parents. However, the health department is in the middle of moving and had limited time to prepare, so no one was able to come for that one.

This week, I again worked with the health department interns to do a two day diabetes class. These interns are actually from the UK hospital and will complete their dietetic internship tomorrow. I loved getting to work with them, and they were able to fill me in on a lot of questions I had about the dietetic internship. Our class had 12 attendees, and went really great. We took turns talking about different aspects of diabetes such as carb counting, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, doctor visits and other things. Each day we also prepared lunch for the class, so it was fun to experiment with new and healthy recipes.

As I finish up this week and go into next week I am working on a presentation for the Homemakers annual picnic, and a class for 4H camp. I am talking to the Homemakers about the Plate It Up program. Since I just finished a class that worked a lot with that program, I am excited to talk about what I learned. For 4H I am teaching a cooking class at camp. I am looking forward to the rest of this summer and what I will learn here at the extension office.

Emily Northcutt

Another Successful Week

The past three weeks here at the Fayette County Extension office has been amazing. Words can not express how grateful I am for this experience. Since day one I have hit the ground running from finishing up after school programs to planning for summer events this summer.

Last week brought many adventures. Monday we had our monthly 4-H staff meeting to ketch up with all the events from the 4-H agents. Tuesday rounded out babysitting clinics for the school year.

Wednesday was our district staff meeting where I got to meet all the staff in the district. Also Roger gave a touching retirement recognition at the end of the meeting which brought many people to tears. Right after the meeting we taught Skills to Pay the Bills to a group of young individuals who are seeking summer employment. Right after that program end we hit the road and drove to North Central for an Environmental Camp. That night and the next day was amazing. I got to know a bunch of the campers during my team building exercises where we did pass the egg on the spoon and a blindfolded obstacle course. It was interesting how each team developed a plan and communicated together. Also at  camp we got to dissected owl pellets and piece together the bones of the specimens. After piecing everything together they got to identify what the owl ate. Lastly they glued the bones on a piece of paper and got to take them home.


Still in camp cloths that afternoon we finished the day making biscuits and homemade butter at Leestown Middle with the cooking club. Another successful week as an intern, can't wait for what is to come for the rest of the summer!

Volunteering, Teambuilding, and Bicycle Rodeo!

May 12- May 23

The past two weeks as an Extension Intern for Mercer County Extension Services has been absolutely wonderful!  Throughout these two weeks I have had the opportunity to do many new and exciting things.  I plan to utilize this blog to keep you updated on the things I have been doing, how I feel, and what events and activities are coming up on my calendar!

Week 1:
During this week, I was constantly introducing myself to the other extension staff and "learning the ropes."  I even got a tour of downtown Harrodsburg since I had not previously visited the area.  It is a beautiful community and the staff at the office were very welcoming and helpful to me during this first week.

I was able to hit the ground running on the very first day with a checklist of things to do.  This list included creating online surveys which utilize a QR code.  This QR code allows users to utilize their smartphones to scan the code which will then take them to an online survey link where they can then fill out the survey for that particular event.  In this case, I created surveys for the state country ham competition and the state communications day competition.  Mrs. Anderson's future goal is to offer more of these surveys online to reduce paper waste, eliminate the possibility of losing the surveys, and make the process easier for those completing the survey.

Also during this week, I was able to assist in preparing materials for the Fort Harrod Beef Festival, process 4-H camp applications, volunteer with a group of our teen 4-Hers at God's Pantry in Lexington, and plan a lesson which I then presented to those individuals at the local Mercer County senior citizens center.  During this lesson, I did a seated exercise routine to help build strength and increase flexibility.  This was a wonderful experience and I got to talk to many of the participants after the lesson.  Many of them even asked for a copy of the workout so they could continue to do it. (I based the workout off of one I found online at http://youtu.be/4Uzk6f2GnO8 and slightly modified the end to do arm circles in place of the arm dips).

To end the week, I was able to attend a JC camp training lock-in with Jessamine County at Jessamine County Extension Office.  I had to pack for this event and coordinate all of the food and drink.  In addition, I planned and facilitated a teambuilding activity for the kids to do during this event.  While it was a busy week and I was extremely tired by the end, it was certainly a fun learning experience for me as an intern.

Volunteering at God's Pantry

 Balloon Towers at the JC Camp Training Lock-In

Week 2:
During my second week, I was also quite busy with many long days starting off with a County 4-H Council meeting on Monday evening.  The next day, I was up early making and serving pancakes at 6:00am as a fundraiser for Mercer County 4-H during the primary elections.  During this Tuesday, I also got attend a staff outing and training day to Rising Sons Winery and Vineyard in Lawrenceburg, KY.  At this outing we were able to learn about different wine and food pairings, sample products, and complete a diversity training session.  It was a very enjoyable day, however it was not over yet.  That evening I was also able to attend the County Extension Council meeting, making my second late night of the week.

During my second week, I also had the opportunity to attend a District 4 Staff Meeting Wednesday morning/ afternoon and then come back to Mercer County to help put on a Cloverbud Bike Rodeo to teach bike safety and road rules.  Each child watched a safety video, answered questions, and completed a series of obstacles successfully to earn their certificate of completion and prizes to make for a fun day in the sun!

Thursday, I ended my week with a bang and added a new item to my resume.  I was able to try my luck at live news interviews after receiving a frantic phone call from Mrs. Anderson explaining that the couple who were supposed to be promoting the Fort Harrod Beef Festival on the WLEX 18 noon broadcast had cancelled at the last minute.  I hesitantly agreed, seeing as I had never done a live news interview before, but the experience was great! (I will try to find the link to the video soon)  Upon completion of the interview, I traveled back to Mercer County to present a PowerPoint presentation about Mercer County 4-H, its opportunities, and its objectives to second and third graders at Mercer County Elementary School.  Needless to say, they are all very excited about different things they can be involved in through Mercer county 4-H clubs.  To end my day, I assisted with the project club meeting where we designed candleholders and placed designs into a candle using tissue paper, markers, candles, wax paper and a blow dryer- a very fun and functional project!

 Cloverbud Bike Rodeo

 Project Club Tissue Paper Transfer Candles

Overall, I have greatly enjoyed my time as an Extension Intern very much and cannot wait to see what it has for me in the coming weeks!

-Courtney Crume

P.S. Here is the link to more information about the 2014 KY Fort Harrod Beef Festival- Check it out! 

http://www.fortharrodbeeffestival.org/

Getting Aquinted with the Office and Community

          The past week and a half have been great here in Boyle County.  It did not take long at all for me to feel comfortable in the office and with all the people working with me.  I have been exposed to many opportunities and many people who make extension work; whether that is the agents, volunteers, district staff, or office staff.  I cannot wait for the next 11 weeks and what else I will experience in my internship this summer.

            I rolled up to the office around 8:30 on Wednesday the 14^th to start my internship.  I had a tour of the building and then not long of that I got to tour the local Walmart.  I was sent on a mission to get all the food and supplies we needed for the first ever “Run through the Clover” motorcycle rally fundraiser.  I then was assigned with dropping off fliers at the middle schools and high schools for our babysitting clinic in the summer.  This allowed me to get familiar with the different schools in the area.  I learned that agents traveled a lot and it is important to keep up with mileage, so not long into the day I got a notebook to book the miles I was traveling.

            Throughout the week I did a lot with organizing KUIP paperwork, getting ready for the motorcycle rally, and getting to know the office.  Then Saturday came and it was time for the motorcycle rally.  I found out that safety is just as important as success when it comes to events put on by 4-H.  With so many situations that could arise an agent has to make sure that things are safe and if there is a chance of injury we have insurance or medical help nearby.  My agent was very worried throughout the day because she did not want anyone to wreck and get hurt during the rally.  The event went on without a hitch though and we got great reviews.  There were not as many people as we had hoped for, but the bikers said that is normal for a first time event.  Not to mention it was FREEZING COLD in the morning!

            Monday started my first full week of the internship.  My first job for the day was to return all the keys that we used for the motorcycle rally to the different extension offices.  That meant a road trip to Lincoln, Garrad, and Mercer counties.  When I got back to the office I headed to Richmond with my agent to have a 4-H camp planning meeting.  It was pretty cool to see all the work that goes into planning camp.  That night we had a marketing livestock class for kids to learn how to speak with others and learn to market their animal.  I got to help teach that class and meet a few of the young 4-H’ers.  On Wednesday I attended the District 4 staff meeting.  This was a good way for me to get to see how agents work with each other throughout the district.  It is a great opportunity to network and bounce ideas off each other.  On Thursday night I attended the CEC meeting and saw how the agents used that group of people as a way to advise them and help in getting feedback for what they are doing in the county.

Throughout the week I got to get a taste of professor popcorn in the 1^st grade class at Jenny Rogers Elementary.  I figured out that when kids only have 2 weeks of school left they get wild.  I taught the lesson on Thursday about milk and had fun teaching the kids.  I even got a little sweaty when I did the physical activity part with them.  Also throughout the week I helped with our community service project at the different schools.  We had students write letters to soldiers on active duty for an organization called “Operation Gratitude.”  It was very neat to read some of the letters the students wrote.  It means so much to those soldiers to know that people are still thinking of them while they are away from home.  Definitely a special moment in the classroom for those students. Until next time... GO CATS!

And They're Off!

Wow! I feel like I am running in the derby with how fast the first two weeks of my internship has gone. The past two weeks have been amazing living in the shadow of the Fleming County 4-H Agent. I started my internship on Monday May 12, 2014 and my cooperative agent this summer is Mrs. Staci Thrasher. On the first day she gave me a tour of the office, gave me the low down about her job and most importantly we discussed our calendar of events  for the summer. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed with everything that was thrown at me. After we talked about each event I can say that I am extremely excited for the summer that we have planned!

The first event we had on our schedule was teaching a hydrogel lesson from dissecting diapers. We taught this lesson to a class of 6th graders at Flemingsburg Elementary School. This is a very fun and interesting lesson to have observed and help teach to this group of students. To watch how interested and shocked the students were, to observe how much the hydrogels that you can find in baby diapers absorbed when poured into water. Their favorite part of the activity was getting to touch the hydrogels before throwing them away in the trash.

That afternoon we took off to Menifee County High School for the District 1 speech and demonstration contest. We took one individual who competed in the 16 year old speech contest as well as the senior interview contest. My cooperative agent and I judged the 9, 10 and 11 year old speech contestants, which was an awesome experience itself. I have competed in these contests and have judged plenty of speaking contests during my high school and college career. However this event differed from any other contest that I have judged. I had the opportunity to listen to a little 10 year old boy who gave his speech on Autism. At the end of his speech he concluded by saying that he suffered from severe autism. Other than stuttering once or twice, I would have never guessed he would have had Autism. He gave an outstanding speech and ended up winning his age division. The contestant that we took placed 2nd in her speech and 1st in her interview area and will be preparing for the state communications contest.

The next event was an impromptu event and was not really planned out in my calendar on the first day.  My cooperative agent got the call from her co-worker that they were running short on help at God's Pantry that morning. So we packed up and went to the Flemingsburg Baptist Church to assist in organizing, unloading and serving the food items for God's Pantry. This was an eye opening experience for me. I knew that a lot of people in our world suffer from poverty but I had no idea that it affected my community as badly as it did. So participating in this event was a very impacting experience my first week as an intern. It makes me feel great to know that our community does so much to help those in need.

During free time in the office I helped organize the 2014 Market Livestock binder to help when shows and fairs come around during the summer. Just like that, week one ended and the beginning of week two had started. Week two started with some office work and organizing the events for the week to come. We received our copies of the livestock validation papers for each exhibitor in Fleming County, so I completed the livestock binder for the summer.

Tuesday we were off to Lexington for the Teen Conference Planning Committee meeting. My cooperative agent serves on this committee in representation for District 1. This is where we organized and placed Teen Conference participants in their housing as well as their tracks and workshops for the conference.  The day started out pretty hectic but we eventually made everything work and got it all organized. Then Wednesday we had a District Staff link meeting to discuss extension insurance, dress code, money handling procedures, and managing grants.

Yesterday was a phenomenal day to be an intern! Since I helped with the last hydrogel lesson, my cooperative agent decided it was my turn to teach it all by myself. So we went to Hillsboro Elementary School to dissect diapers with a class of 4th graders. They enjoyed every second of the lesson but I think I enjoyed teaching them just as much. They were a great group of kids and listened to my every instruction. They were high energy but channeled that energy into enthusiasm toward the lesson. They asked a lot of questions about the hydrogels and how they applied to agriculture. So we discussed how they could apply to a farmers crops or a florists plants that they raise. It was a  blast!

Today started off with a horse volunteer meeting with my cooperative agent and the new horse volunteer leader. This meeting was to discuss different contest areas that the horse club can participate in through 4-H. They discussed club meetings and what should be discussed or topics to discuss during club meetings with the kids. They also discuss the guidelines to being the horse club volunteer leader with emphasis on the 6 educational hours kids need to get every year in order to show. Before lunch we went to both Hillsboro Elementary School and E.P. Ward Elementary school to deliver the weekend backpacks for the student in the backpack program. Later this afternoon, after school let out we held a Dairy Clinic with the Dairy Club at the High School Agriculture barn. This was for students interested in showing dairy to discuss the topics of showing before district shows start. 

As I approach turn one, I can say that I am pumped for the rest of the race ahead of me this summer with my internship. There might be some bumps in the track but no race is a smooth race. I look forward to experiencing every second in the life of the Fleming County 4-H Agent. "We don't do things we aren't good at by nature. I wouldn't play basketball because I'm only 5'1". Find what you enjoy- Whether it's racing, flying a helicopter, being a doctor, or stitching clothes together. Once you've done that, you have the passion you need. -Danica Patrick" So far through this internship I have realized even more that teaching youth about agriculture is my passion in life.

Cameron Earlywine

University of Kentucky

Career and Technical Education Senior

My First 2 Weeks!

Let me just start off with saying, WOW! These past two weeks have been great! Every day has been different, with some early mornings and late evenings but everything has been a great learning experience! The first week I jumped right in with attending my first staff meeting, 4-H council meeting and the District Board meeting! I was welcomed greatly into the office with an amazing sign on my office door!

The first week I assisted with the 4-H Reality Store for the local middle school, it was great to seeing some of my old teachers still working there and them being able to recognize me was amazing! The 4-H Reality Store was a great experience where I got to explain to the middle schooler’s the importance in some items such as; medical insurance, electric, and groceries, compared to name brand clothes, entertainment and sports cars! Let’s just say, many students were proud to leave with ‘two dollars’ in their imaginary bank accounts! Another experience I had in week one, I attended a private church elementary school 4-H club, where I assisted in a lesson on wood working and simple machines. I was able to help the 4^th and 5^th graders build garden boxes, this was a great hands-on experience where I simply helped the students learn how to use a hammer!  After visiting that school we then ventured over to another private school, St. Mary’s 4-H school club, to help them with their election process for next school years officer team! This was an excitement filled meeting due to the elections and also since it was their last club meeting! I saw a lot of familiar faces of campers and I also got to talk with some students about events that they wanted to attend this summer. Then to finish off this fun filled week, we checked on the curing hams in the curing box at the fairgrounds!

         My second week has been just as great as my first! This week I was able to meet the 4-Her’s who are attending 4-H Teen Conference in June and got to talk to them about my experiences at 4-H Teen Conference when I was a 4-Her! I then was invited to attend the Cattlemen’s Association meeting, I was also invited to stay for the Campbell County Beef Association Board of Directors meeting as well! This was great to hear the news and success of the freezer beef program. Then to end this eventful week, I made an early morning farm visit with the Ag Agent Don! We visited a local farmer, Mr. Ahrman, to help breed some beef cattle that are part of a research study they are doing and I also assisted in giving shots!

These two weeks have been great! I have seen many sides of the extension service and I can’t wait to see what else I will be getting my hands into this summer with the Campbell County Extension Services!

First Week!

Who can ask better for their first week as an intern at the Fayette County Extension Office. Since day one I have been on the go. Monday I taught a leadership lesson at Booker T Washington Elementary and helped the Environmental  Team at get ready for their State Competition. Tuesday began a three day babysitting clinic at Morton Middle School and lastly on Thursday I rounded out my week with Ag Day at Locust Trace

The babysitting clinic was very fun and it was very interesting seeing some of the kids reactions over certain topics like changing a diaper . Through out the three days we covered babysitting responsibilities, fun with kids, sitting safety, the business of babysitting, and understanding children. We also gave the prospective babysitters ideas of creative and fun ways to entertain and create fun and healthy snacks.

 

Next is the BOO BOO Bunny in which they can make to heal all boo boos that may arise while babysitting.

 

 

Ag Day at Locust Trace went down without a hitch. Students floated from station to station through out the school. In the pictures below students are learning about local animals and learning how to plant bean seeds to take home to plant in their gardens for the summer.

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed my first week as an intern at the Fayette County Extension Office and look forward to the next coming weeks!