With the primary goal of the Kentucky 4-H Clover Bud program being to promote children’s healthy development – mentally, physically, socially and emotionally, the West KY 4-H Cloverbud Family Camp planning team of agent coordinators worked hard to provide an excellent opportunity for children ages 5-8 and their families to learn about the world around them, develop positive attitudes about learning new things by hands-on involvement, develop a deeper relationship with a caring adult and learn about the 4-H Youth Development Program in Kentucky, specifically 4-H Camp. 

In 2019, the 4-H agent planning committee implemented 4-H Cloverbud Family Camp at the West KY 4-H Camp in Dawson Springs, KY. With 75 Clover Buds and 72 adults in attendance, over 12 counties were represented. The camp evaluation revealed that 95% of the attendees rated their overall experience as exceeding their expectations. Clover Bud campers were able to enjoy many of the same classes that our summer camps offer 4-H youth ages 9 and up. Clover Buds enjoyed canoeing and fishing the most with swimming and nature close behind. Other classes Cloverbud campers were able to enjoy included cooking, crafts and recreation. 

Since each Clover Bud camper attended camp with a caring adult, many opportunities were given for them to develop a deeper relationship. Some of the comments given about the participants favorite parts of camp were meeting new friends and interacting with each other, having the opportunity to try new things in a safe environment and getting to interact with camp staff. 

In addition to the primary goals of Kentucky 4-H Clover Buds, the mission of the Kentucky 4-H Camping program is to improve the lives of people through intentional life skill development. The West KY 4-H Clover Bud Camp and the 4-H Camping Program exhibited a high quality collaboration effort in building life skills and creating lasting memories.