(WSIL) -- The 4-H Extension has put together a new plan to keep local children engaged while social distancing.
COVID-19 has created changes for organizations like the 4-H Extension.
"It's been a little difficult. We've had to start thinking of other ways we can connect with kids and with the families. Over the summer, we started what we called 'Virtual Vacations' which were Zoom Meetings that we invited children from the community to with their parents," said 4-H Program Coordinator Ramona Girtman.
Tuesday was the start of a new option for families who want to do activities remotely: Virtual Clubs.
"So what we decided to do was identify those project areas, then basically create a subscription box for our club members. So each month, they'll receive a box that has a hands-on activity that is related to a project area and then they'll have a Zoom Meeting," she said.
Club members can recieve a box for various projects such as Science and Technology.
4-H member Jonathan Hawes says he's adjusting to the new program.
"It can be a tiny bit strange, because you're not seeing your friends in person. But you know, it has it's pros and cons, you're able to interact with your friends, see your group leader, have fun, do little fun activities," he said.
He says he's looking forward to doing his projects.
"I want to try to, like, build my own PCs and stuff like that. So I'm probably going to take the computer-type courses," he said.
Girtman says she hopes this new program will help retain members --
and attract new ones.
"We're very much a community, and we believe that all children deserve an opportunity to participate and learn and grow," she said.
The is also looking for volunteers and youth leaders to help conduct the virtual clubs.
If you're interested, contact your local University of Illinois Extension office.
