The purpose of the 4-H Cloverbud program is to help young children learn life skills to become competent, caring and contributing citizens, specifically ages 5 through 8. Cloverbuds help young people: 1) learn more about themselves and the world around them, 2) develop positive attitudes about learning new things by hands-on involvement, 3) develop a relationship with a caring adult or older youth helper, and 4) learn about the 4-H Youth Development program. The primary goal of the Cloverbuds program is to promote children’s healthy development – mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally.  It provides an excellent opportunity for children to reach their highest potential because early life experiences, even subtle ones, affect future development.

In the Grayson County 4-H program, the Cloverbud program started as a club in the afternoons, but often the attendance was low because the youth had older siblings who had other activities that had priority. Through much revision to the program, the agent geared away from the club model and switched to a Mini-Day Camp format. During school breaks, the agent offers various day camps and workshops for 4-H age youth. Parents always asked if there was anything for their younger child to participate in during the breaks; so in seeing the need, the mini-day camp format was created.

In this format, the mini-day camp is a three hour time frame, as the traditional six is much too long for youth 5-8 years old. They arrive at 9 A.M. and are wrapped up by Noon. Parents can stay, but are not required to, and participate with their youth during the mini, as the agent recruits teens in the 4-H Teen Club and other older members to help lead and assist during the program. By planning for three hours, the agent is able to put more focus and emphasis on specific core/project areas, providing the youth a more in-depth look at opportunities for when they get older.

Through the 2019 program year there have been five Cloverbud Mini-Day Camps with the following focus areas: Agriculture; Insects & Honeybees; Christmas Crafts; Home Environment; and Preparedness. Each of the day camps have had 15-20 Cloverbud aged youth in attendance and nearly as many teens for assistance. During the programs, the agent has been able to group one teen to one to three youth, providing the opportunity for relationships to be built. Teens in assistance have also helped take the lead on teaching different stations during the programs; the Home Environment min camp was led entirely by the teens that were part of the 4-H Advanced Teen Leadership Academy for the year.

This format has proven to be an effective learning model for this age group in the county and parents are thrilled with the activities the youth are engaged in and immediately sign the kids up for each new mini. The teens that assist have built leadership and communication skills as well as confidence in themselves as role models for the younger youth. The Cloverbuds who participate are excited about the new activities they get to participate in when they turn 9.