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Cloverbuds
Membership eligibility for the 4-H Cloverbud Program begins when a child has reached the age of 5 and is enrolled in kindergarten as of January 1 of the current 4-H year.
Led by: Nadine Fogt, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
Kim Stover, 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant, Horticulture/ Master Gardener Program Coordinator
Kim Hoppes, Office Associate Financial, 4-H Youth Development
Historical Background
The Ohio 4-H program is known for its leadership in building strong youth development programs across the nation. When the concept of including youth under the age of nine began in the mid 1980s, no formal instruction or state policies were in place. Later, several state and county staff began the process of developing policies to guide existing Cloverbud programs and to help others where programs were beginning.
Formal implementation of kindergarten through second grade 4-H programs began in 1994 with the approval of a state policy and philosophical statement by the Ohio State University Extension administrative cabinet. It was at this time that "Cloverbuds" became the official name given to all 4-H members K-2 in all 88 Ohio counties.
About the Cloverbud Program
The 4-H Cloverbud program exists as a distinctive component within the total 4-H youth development program. It is designed as a nonformal approach to developing the confidence, social skills, decision making abilities, subject matter knowledge, and physical skills of kindergarten through second grade youth. As youth begin their 4-H Cloverbud experience, they take part in a unique blend of activities and opportunities specially designed for their age level.
Who Can Be a Cloverbud?
Membership eligibility for the 4-H Cloverbud Program begins when a child has reached the age of 5 and is enrolled in kindergarten as of January 1 of the current 4-H year.
Although all counties in Ohio implement the Cloverbud program, not all groups (such as: community-project clubs, schools, etc.) provide the opportunity for the involvement of Cloverbuds. Individuals should check with the local Extension office to discover where a Cloverbud group meets in their particular county.
How Are Groups Organized?
Cloverbud Clubs-members meet separate from any other group or club. Cloverbud clubs may meet in community centers, schools, libraries, childcare settings, churches or in the home of interested parents or trained adults.
Classroom Setting-Cloverbud materials are ideal for K-2 grade classrooms. Teachers trained in their use receive support and resources from their county extension office.
As part of an existing Community Project Club- Cloverbud members can be part of a 4-H Community-Project club, but meet separate from the 9-19 year-old members while doing Cloverbud activities.
What Is the Difference Between Cloverbuds and Older 4-H Members?
Type of Learning:
- Cloverbud learning is activity centered.
- Older member learning is project based.
Type of Instruction:
- Cloverbud instruction is leader directed.
- Older members receive instruction from a leader and through self-study.
Recognition:
- Cloverbuds are recognized for their participation only.
- Older members are recognized for participation, goal achievement, achievement of standards, and being the best in their area via competition.
Learning Resources:
- Cloverbud activities come from an approved statewide curriculum, or may use materials approved by their county agent following the Cloverbud program parameters guidelines.
- Older members utilize project manuals or other materials designed for their age group.
How Cloverbuds Participate
The Cloverbud program is geared toward activity based learning. Curriculum is based on age appropriate research and involves cooperative, experiential, and noncompetitive activities.
The Cloverbud Activity Manual is a series of lessons that address such subjects as citizenship, expressive arts, the environment, personal development, and plant and animal science to name a few. Each lesson includes a background information section followed by a recommended teaching plan.
Can Cloverbuds Exhibit at the County Fair?
Yes, Cloverbuds are encouraged to exhibit something from their approved curriculum at the county fair. However, Cloverbud exhibitions must be noncompetitive and for an exhibition only. A Cloverbud "show-n-tell" is an example of how youth can feel a part of the fair without being competitive. Members are provided a place and time to talk about their activity and show what they have learned.
Formal scoring of Cloverbuds, or competition of any kind between Cloverbuds and 4-H members 9-19 is not permissible. Any fair participation recognition system, special prizes, or awards must be given equally to all Cloverbud members.
May Cloverbuds Go to Camp?
Again the answer is yes! Cloverbuds may attend a camp especially designed to meet their developmental characteristics and needs. A Cloverbud day camp involves youth in a two day at a "camp like" setting where educational, hands-on activities occur.
A. The Cloverbud program is activity based. Cloverbud members are not eligible for any activities or projects designed for 9 – 19 year old 4-H members. Cloverbuds are not eligible for any competitive events.
B. Cloverbud members are eligible to participate at the County Jr. Fair but only for exhibits.
C. All 4-H Cloverbuds must be enrolled in a Cloverbud club by April 15 of the current year to receive a fair pass.
D. All 4-H Cloverbud members must have credit for 4 meetings of the club which he/she is a member.
E. Each Cloverbud Club needs a minimum of five members.
F. Cloverbud Fayette County Activity fee is $5.00 per child. Checks can be made out to the Fayette County 4-H Committee.
More Information
Cloverbud Connections Newsletter
4-H Cloverbud Educational Activity Kits
As a result of a generous grant from the Ohio 4-H Foundation, three kits have been developed for our county: Our Country, The Science of Sound, and Food Fun. The kits focus on lessons taken directly from the Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Curriculum – Series II. Volunteers will now have access to timely and easy-to-use teaching resources for 4-H Cloverbud Club meetings by borrowing the 4-H Cloverbud Kits from Fayette County OSU Extension Office.
