Kate Flanagan, of Prince Edward, was among the children participating in an Extension sewing program this week. The Extension Service offers many learning opportunities for area children. (Courtesy Photo)

Area Extension offices are a wonderful parental resource year-round. And, it’s a pretty good deal, too.

Where else (except at grandma’s) can a 10-year-old go to learn how to bake bread? In Prince Edward’s scheduled June 12 program, they will work with professional chef Audrey Dobson-Maliangos and learn the science behind the process for a mere 10 bucks to cover supplies.

A tasty deal.

Extension 4-H is often remembered for its fun-filled summer camp. Locally, Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward children ages 9 to 13 will join in the fun at the Holiday Lake 4-H Center in June, jumping in to everything from swimming to archery. But 4-H is, as Dr. Seuss might say, ever so muchly more.

Prince Edward has, for example, planned an “Eat Your Heart Out” day camp for rising third- through sixth-graders July 6-8 where children can explore “all things FOOD in the Heart of Virginia.” They’ll cook, but also learn about nutrition, food science and table manners in a program that also includes field trips at a cost of $35.

Childcare alone over three days usually works out to more than that.

In Buckingham, July programs include a woodworking and painting day workshop for children ages 5 to 8 at a cost of $15; a two-day mini-day camp for grades five through seven where children can learn about the environment through experiencing Bear Creek Lake State Park for $10; and a two-day mini-day camp for budding photographers.

Imagine taking in the beauty of Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, exercising skills in photography, mounting your photos and developing slideshows from the experience at a mere cost of $20. It makes you want to turn back the clock and become a kid again.

These are just examples of what is being offered. If summer plans are already set in stone, county Extension 4-H programs also include after school opportunities. They encourage children to expand an area of interest or explore something new, all the while making hands-on learning fun.

It’s a resource worth checking out.