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 10 families that attended Cloverbud Camp in 2019, made up of 10 youth and 11 adults.  Five 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. One parent posted on facebook after attending Cloverbud Camp that, “We had a great weekend relaxing and having fun at Cloverbud Camp.  It’s good for the soul and the family to play together.” 

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 2019, 86% of the eligible Cloverbud campers from the previous year attended 4-H Camp as a regular camper and two teens that served as leaders 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.