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.