4-H’ers in grades six through 12 gathered at the Effingham County Extension Office for their monthly 4-H club meeting, only to discover a very unusual activity awaiting them, a Spam carving challenge.

Students were instructed to create something using the materials in front of them, which consisted of a plastic knife and a can of Spam. They were presented with a task, but not given detailed instructions or criteria for their creation.

Through the activity, students learned problem solving skills, creative thinking, identified obstacles, and learned how to manage conflict. Students appreciated the challenge of working within a team of individuals.