June 24, 2025
Tis the Season- The Summer Extension Season
Season’s greetings!
The summer extension season is upon us, and many of you find yourself in the thick of it. Youth camps, county fair preparations, 4-H project days, lawn and garden questions, wheat plot harvest…the list goes on and on. These programs have you working in many different directions and at a busy pace.
This week’s Tuesday Letter article is your reminder to prioritize your well-being. Coming and going from program to program and working long hours in the heat can leave you feeling frazzled.
Those of us who have been in extension for a few years have the luxury of experience. And I think we’d all agree that being organized and prepared is the best way to ensure successful program delivery throughout the summer.
After some thoughtful reflection, here are a few of my tips for summer success:
• Good communication with co-workers, fair board members, parents, and volunteers is vital. Never assume what others are thinking; clarify roles and expectations.
• Have a plan. Work closely with your office team and volunteers to divide and conquer. Spread the workload and delegate tasks. Work smarter, not harder.
• Positive energy is contagious. If you are happy and eager to engage with kids, parents, volunteers and the public, it sets the tone for a good vibe and a positive experience.
• Assume that everyone has the best of intentions. For many parents and volunteers, they do this once a year and need a lot of gentle reminders and friendly explanations.
• There will be hiccups. Something will be forgotten, a deadline missed, or something will simply flop. It is not the end of the world. I repeat, it is not the end of the world. Take a breath, smile and come up with an alternative plan. It's what we do best.
• Find opportunities to recharge. This may look different for some people, but I know that 10 minutes of alone time does wonders for me in the middle of a camp or fair day. Something as simple as sitting down and eating a healthy lunch. Stay hydrated. Get a decent amount of sleep each night. Wear good shoes.
This is the season and an opportunity for extension to shine. If you have a plan and are prepared, it makes it easier for your programs to create a long-lasting impact. Summer programming provides ample opportunities to engage with the public and deepen our relationships with stakeholders. Enjoy it and have fun with it.
Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen.