Cloverbuds are 4-H children in K-2nd grade. This is the age when children are very receptive to advice and adult help. Plus, they have a very high level of enthusiasm and have the willingness to meet adult expectations. This makes them especially fun to work with in small groups. They also enjoy participation in any group activities.

About 50% of what a person learns stays with him or her for a lifetime. At this age, children need a hero or someone to look up to as a model. This is also a very important stage of social development and mental skills. A Cloverbud group helps develop a circle of security outside of the home; this is especially important for a shy child.

What Kinds of Things Do Cloverbuds Do?

Cloverbuds make craft items, study animals and birds, gardening, nature, paper, music and foods. These lessons are designed to be completed in four to six sessions. For example: the music project involves simple activities like discovering sounds, demonstrating sound and creating their own musical instruments, like drums, box guitars, maracas and more. Plus, there are games, songs and activities to do along with the projects. Groups may also participate in community activities like parades, singing, Christmas caroling, county fair, etcetera.

How are Cloverbuds Organized?

• Cloverbuds may be a separate group by themselves or like a project group within a 4-H Club. If they are a separate group of Cloverbuds, from 4-10 children may meet as often as once a week or one meeting per month. The entire Cloverbud Program is meant to be flexible. Cloverbuds may also participate in county 4-H activities such as drama, music, food revue and speech contests.
• The Cloverbud group may be part of a 4-H Club and may participate in activities with the rest of the club. The Cloverbuds may meet at the same time as the rest of the club, only in a separate room.
• A group of parents can take turns working with the children.
• Another way is for a parent (or a grandparent) to work with their own children.

What Literature is Available for Cloverbuds?

Booklets on each Cloverbud topic are available in the Extension Office. Regular 4-H literature is also available for ideas or background on over 40 subjects from gardening to animals. Groups may cover one subject and discontinue or go on to another topic. In other words, a group may start or stop at any time.

What Does It Cost to Be a Cloverbud?

The only cost is for the craft materials used for the project. Each club may decide to have dues, such as 10 cents per member per meeting, to cover the cost of group activities.

How Can I Sign Up to Join?

Call the Oconto County 4-H Office at (920) 834-6852 or email Becky Dolata, Program Assistant at becky.dolata@co.oconto.wi.us or Paula Huff, 4-H Youth Development Agent at paula.huff@ces.uwex.edu.

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