Youth, especially Cloverbuds, needed opportunities to learn important life skills through experiential learning in 4-H. I researched ways to help youth learn more practical life skills through topics that they were interested in or cared about. This is where I came up with, "Cloverbud Animal Buddies Day Camp". This day camp was from 9-3 pm. We made connections with local small businesses and volunteers to conduct fun activities. Cloverbuds were able to visit a local pet store and learn about some less common pets and their care. They came back to the Extension office where they enjoyed healthy snacks that were in the shape of animals such as a turtle made of apples and grapes. We conducted an art activity so each child would have a 'pet' to take home. They made paper Mache pets of any animal they wanted. After lunch, we met with the local Hardin County Feathers and Fluff (Poultry, rabbit, and guinea pig) leader, Kate Richards, to learn more about rabbits, poultry, and Guinea pigs. She brought a rabbit for the Cloverbuds to meet and discussed more animal care, animal science, and information about her 4-H Club. We enjoyed another great healthy snack of crackers, cheese, and sliced almonds to make a hedgehog. In addition to all of these activities we also had short activity transition portions which were physical health based. We moved our bodies to complete activities such as animal emotions and animal relay. 

The Cloverbuds and parents who experienced the day with us really enjoyed their time at the day camp. Most Cloverbuds got to try something new, eat something new, or meet someone new. They also had all day to experience working with others and assessing their responsibilities at home with their pets or potential pets. 

Cloverbuds were the target audience with parents/guardians able to stay and participate if they would like. We had a group of youth ranging from 5-8 years old. I had a total of 7 Cloverbuds attend the day camp along with about 5 parents or guardians who stayed to explore the activities with their child.  

Two of our major partners for this event was a local business owner of a pet store and a local 4-H Club leader. The youth and parents had a lot of fun meeting new people and being able to network with others. 

Youth were excited to take their new 'pet' home and gave their pets names. They also talked about what it would be like to own an animal that they had learned about at day camp. Overall, youth got to learn more about responsibility/life skills, healthy and fun eating habits, new physical exercise games, and animal sciences/husbandry.