4-H Cloverbuds

Program Contact

Amy Alder, 4-H Program Manager
509-962-7565 • amy.alder@wsu.edu

Overview

Cloverbuds are our youngest 4-H youth who are age 5-7 as of October 1st of the current 4-H year. With the support of adult helpers and club leaders, these youth participate in a number of age-appropriate projects that allow them to explore their interests while laying the foundation for their development as young leaders.

Youth must be 8 by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for:

Competitive situations, such as livestock shows or sales
Enrollment in large animal projects, including Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Alpaca/Llama, and Swine
Enrollment in shooting sports projects
Enrollment in projects using motorized vehicles
Enrollment in food preservation projects

While these areas aren’t available to Cloverbuds, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for them in 4-H! There are dozens of opportunities for this age group and they are encouraged to follow their interests. There are many activity books available through National 4-H and club leaders, as well as county staff, will be happy to help families of Cloverbuds get started in 4-H!

Objectives

Youth will:

Engage with 4-H projects in an age-appropriate manner
Connect with other youth in their age group and older for cross-age learning experiences
Form positive, healthy relationships with caring adults
Discover their interests and share them with others
Begin developing their leadership skills, sense of belonging, and understanding of how to be engaged members of their communities

4-H Cloverbuds Curriculum

For youth members

Exploring 4-H Cloverbud Activity Booklet

Exploring 4-H is an 8-page activity booklet discovering the wonders of the 4-H program made especially for the Cloverbud age range (ages 5-8)!

Exploring 4-H includes three (3) simple introductory activities for our youngest 4-H members. Youth gain an understanding of 4-H and the types of projects they can do as a 4-H member. This activity is designed to be completed with the assistance of a caring adult. While this activity is perfect for groups, we recommend that each youth have his or her own activity booklet.

My 4-H Cloverbud Year

This fun book is a great way for Cloverbuds to learn the basics of 4-H and keep track of their activities and events. Completion of this book is optional, and can be done with or without the help of an adult leader. It can be repeated each year a child is a Cloverbud member, and is especially appropriate for older Cloverbud members as they prepare to transition to regular membership.

Cloverbud Curriculum Starter Pack

The Cloverbud Curriculum Starter Pack is a Volunteer and Extension Professional’s new best friend. This budget-friendly starter pack provides an introduction to several different Cloverbud projects all at once. Group facilitators learn more about potential project areas and curriculum offerings before committing to purchasing an entire set by exploring the facilitator guide or introductory level through this starter pack. Included in the Cloverbud Curriculum Starter Pack are the following books: