Success StoryClover Quest
Clover Quest
Author: Trever Cole
Planning Unit: Mason County CES
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Plan of Work: Youth Development
Outcome: Initial Outcome
One Night, Three Counties, Countless Memories – CloverQuest Camp 2025
Bracken, Mason, and Robertson Counties Team Up for Youth Adventure
This summer, youth from Mason County, Bracken County, and Robertson County came together for an unforgettable experience at CloverQuest Camp—a one-night camp that proved big impact can happen in just a short time.
Hosted with the goal of introducing young people to the world of 4-H camping, CloverQuest offered a fun-filled schedule packed with hands-on learning, new friendships, and the kind of moments that spark a love for lifelong learning. From the minute campers arrived, the energy was high and the excitement was contagious. Held at Mason Count Extension Office, Cummins Nature Preserve, and Mason County YMCA.
Campers rotated through a variety of engaging classes:
- Rockets – Youth launched team designed bottle rockets
- Tie-Dye – Campers unleashed their creativity and designed their own wearable works of art.
- Nature – Campers explored the outdoors at Cummins Nature Preserve with a special focus on metamorphosis. Through a hands-on pond study, they observed tadpoles transforming into frogs and discussed the life cycles of amphibians—connecting science with real-time discovery.
- Ice Cream Making – Campers shook up sweet science as they made homemade ice cream and learned about Kentucky Dairy Farmers…since June is Dairy Month in Kentucky.
- Recreation – they got to play on playground at Cummins Nature Preserve
In addition to the classes, campers got to cool off with swimming, where some overcame fears and others simply enjoyed splashing and playing with new friends. As evening fell, everyone came together for “Sally Down the Alley”—a classic 4-H game filled with silly songs, dancing, and encouragement that left campers laughing and cheering one another on.
Though the stay was only one night, the experiences left a lasting mark. For many youth, it was their first time at camp, their first night away from home, or their first chance to meet peers from nearby counties. The shared experience helped them build confidence, independence, and friendships that will carry into the future.
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment