Keeping families interested and engaged in 4-H can sometimes be difficult.  Families may have children of varying ages and interests. Creating a Boyd County Cloverbud Livestock club was suggested by a certified livestock club leader because she had granddaughters too young for the traditional livestock club and the mother wanted her children to experience 4-H just as she had.

The Cloverbud Livestock club follows all Cloverbud age appropriate guidelines.  There are 10 club members earning educational hours, completing record books, showing in the county fair, completing community service hours and learning.   All these accomplishments achieved while families spent quality time together.

 Parents attributed an increase in the following life skills to involvement in the Cloverbud program: social interaction, learning to learn, self-confidence, self-care (safety and independence), and self-direction. Parents also described benefits from 4-H for themselves and their families. Parents in the Cloverbud program stated that they enjoyed the socialization with other parents during 4-H activities. Parents valued the opportunities that 4-H provided, allowing for engagement in family activities.

Successful 4-H youth experiences depend greatly upon parental participation and involvement with their children in 4-H program activities. Previous studies reported positive parental perceptions of youth involvement in 4-H and documented contributing roles of parents in their children's projects and programs (Boleman, Cummings, & Briers, 2004; Gregoire, 2004; Ferrari, Hogue, & Scheer, 2004; Gill, Ewing, & Bruce, 2010; Singletary, Smith, & Evans, 2006). Consensus from these studies suggested that parents were a vital part of 4-H programs because their participation ensured optimal growth experiences for their children, provided assistance with 4-H projects, and strengthened social networks between parents and youth in the community.

Boleman, Cummings, and Briers (2004) described the perceptions of parents regarding the participation of their children in the 4-H beef program and specifically noted the development of several important life skills: responsibility, self-discipline, self-motivation, self-esteem, decision-making, and an increased knowledge of the livestock industry.

These three generations of Boyd County 4-H members look forward to joining other 4-H Clubs and continuing the family traditions of 4-H!