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 From gardening classes to 4-H project exhibitions,
the Extension summer schedule is typically packed with learning
workshops, contests, and celebrations. Planning for these activities
is well underway, as it is every year at this time, says Shelly
Nickols-Richardson, associate dean and director of Illinois
Extension. But this year, the shape of those events hinges on
whether, when, and how public gathering restrictions may be lifted.
Illinois Extension will follow guidelines established by the
governor, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the
University of Illinois as it moves forward with planning 4-H summer
experiences. The safety of families, volunteers, staff, and the
general public comes first.
“Illinois Extension is part of the solution of protecting the health
of our residents across the state,” says Nickols-Richardson. “We
will not compromise on our commitment to health, but we also support
the educational mission and beloved tradition of our summer 4-H
shows. These events provide unparalleled opportunities for youth to
demonstrate sportsmanship, mastery of skill, and support for their
peers and communities.”
A wide range of options are under consideration for 2020 summer 4-H
shows. Each option is being evaluated for its feasibility, technical
requirements, volunteer capacity, financial and health risks to
hosts and participants, and overall benefit to the community and
partners. [to top of second
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Lisa Diaz, Illinois Extension assistant dean
and director of Illinois 4-H, says “If circumstances interrupt a
local summer exhibition, 4-H and Extension staff are working to
develop digital exhibitions and other alternatives consistent
with social distancing guidelines. Our goal is to provide an
opportunity for youth to showcase their projects and display
their learning and growth."
Last month, Illinois Extension in-person events through May 31
were shifted online, postponed, or cancelled. No decisions about
events after May 31 have been made, except for 4-H overnight
camps, which have been cancelled through July 31. Over the past
several weeks, Illinois Extension has spoken with many 4-H
families and supporters who advocated for delaying decisions
about summer 4-H shows, if possible.
For more than 100 years, Illinois Extension has delivered
educational programming through in-person meetings, webinars,
conferences, camps, and contests. Following the stay-at-home
order in March, Extension mobilized staff to transition most
in-person events to digital webinars, meetings, podcasts, and
videos. To help Illinois families, business owners, and
agricultural producers respond to the COVID-19 crisis, Extension
staff created more than 400 new educational resources since
mid-March, which are available at @go.illinois.edu/ExtensionCOVID19.
[Release provided by Terri Miller,
Logan County Extenison]
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