Success StoryCloverbud Camp
Cloverbud Camp
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Planning Unit: Caldwell County CES
Major Program: Camping
Plan of Work: Building Strong Families
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Cloverbud Camp is a chance for youth ages 5-8 to have an opportunity to experience 4-H Camp but in a more secure setting than traditional 4-H Camp. Cloverbuds are afforded the same experiences as campers, but at Cloverbud Camp parents or guardians are required to attend with campers. This is a win/win situation because it allows the child the security of knowing that mom, dad or even their grandparent is close by and it also provides an opportunity for very special bonding time between campers and their chaperones.
There were 12 families that attended Cloverbud Camp in 2023, made up of 14 youth and 12 adults. Seven of the of the youths and their parent were returning campers, while the other five families were first time campers. Classes offered were educational, fun, and hands-on which pleased the parents and kept the campers engaged. Parents were able to focus on their child without electronic distractions and the campers were able to appreciate the outdoors in an unrestricted environment. Even though the weather was pretty severe at times, everyone had a great time. One mother stated "We have survived two tornado warnings and we have still had such a good time! We will definitely be back!"
Campers and their parents also made new friends from all across West Kentucky and were exposed to 4-H opportunities available to them, especially 4-H Camp. In 2023, 74% of the eligible Cloverbud campers from the previous year attended 4-H Camp as a regular camper and one that served as a leader were former Cloverbud Campers. In addition, because of the exposure and participation in Cloverbud Camp, Caldwell County gained a new adult 4-H camp volunteer.
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