Successful Development and Transition to a Hybrid Livestock Science Camp Experience.

Abstract The ongoing pandemic has created a need to pivot many face-to-face programs into virtual and hybrid formats. In 2017, NC State created a week-long, immersive residential Livestock Science Camp for high school aged youth. The 2020 rapid transition to all-virtual programming reduced participation in half (36 down to 18) due to lack of perceived kinesthetic learning opportunities and direct engagement with animals. The objective herein is to describe the development and implementation of the Hybrid Livestock Science Camp Experience. The hybrid format and a scholarship program yielded diverse participation (38 in 2021). The camp included four, 5-hour days of live virtual experiential learning, a resource website, and in person workshop. Virtual programming included tours by industry leaders; at-home lab activities; interactive lab experiences, educational lectures; and collaborative reflection in break-out rooms. Following the virtual programming, campers were divided into two cohorts to attend an action filled, hands-on animal workshop for engagement with six livestock rotations. The hybrid format increased camper diversity (race, economic status, first generation college seeking, and urban youth). Campers completed a post-event survey that collected feedback on the programming and impact of camp on future goals. The results of the surveys conveyed that virtual programming was engaging and educational (mean= 4.6/5.0) and that break-out reflections are valued (mean = 4.3/5.0) meanwhile the live workshop was rated superior (mean 5.0/5.0). Additionally, over 85% of virtual Livestock Science Campers increased interest in participating in-person programming, attending college in Animal Science, and pursuing a career in a livestock industry. As one participant reflected… “My love for livestock animals has only grown in the aftermath of this camp!” Overall, a hybrid camp can be transformational in youth knowledge and perception of the livestock industries if experiences are interactive, relevant, and novel.