Purpose of Cloverbuds

The goal of the Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Program is to promote the healthy development of youth in grades K-2 to become capable, competent, caring and contributing citizens. To accomplish this, Cloverbuds will:

  • Develop self understanding and confidence through positive and cooperative learning environments.
  • Experience achievement through an age appropriate and success oriented activity- based curriculum.
  • Develop positive attitudes of self, family and community through caring adults and older youth who serve as positive role models.

 

How the Cloverbud Program Works

Clubs provide activity based education for members. Activity based means a variety of short term experiences for youth that creates a cooperative fun approach to learning.  Youth participate in activities at club meetings that focus on topics that are of interest to this young audience. Volunteers choose activities from a variety of topic areas including: healthy lifestyles, environmental/earth science, citizenship, plants and animals, consumerism and family science, personal development, science and technology, and community expressive arts.

 

Volunteering as a Cloverbud Leader

Volunteering as a 4-H Cloverbud leader is an important and rewarding experience. As a caring adult you have the opportunity to build positive relationships and life skills in children. You will set the stage for young people and introduce them to the world of 4-H with a variety of Learn by Doing activities and teach them to value and practice service to others.

 

Volunteer Responsibilities

  •     Create a positive learning environment that is caring, supportive, and fun.
  •     Teach activities from the Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Curriculum.
  •     Use cooperative learning techniques as the children work on activities together.
  •     Engage the children in curriculum that promotes non-competitive activities.
  •     Value and respect the diversity of all participants.
  •     Allow children to be creative across the eight different curriculum subject areas.
  •     Foster an appreciation of community service through Cloverbud activities.
  •     Have a low ratio of children to adults at about 6 to 1.
  •     Conduct success oriented activities to help children gain confidence.
  •     Provide numerous subject areas that interest the participants.
  •     Be a nurturing role model, enthusiastic, and sensitive.

 

Cloverbud Meetings

  • Successful clubs have a good balance between numbers of members and leaders.  A ratio of six Cloverbud members per volunteer works ell.  Some activities and trips may require one adult for every two Cloverbuds.
  • A typical Cloverbud meeting lasts about one hour.  The meeting is called to order, the 4-H pledge recited, and attendance is taken during the first 10 minutes.  The lesson from the Cloverbud curriculum takes about 30 - 40 minutes.  The remaining time is spent enjoying refreshments and recreation.
  • The Cloverbud program offers cooperative, not competitive, activities.  Cloverbuds receive recognition for participating in activities.  Any form of recognition, prize, award or ribbon must be given equally to all Cloverbud members.
  • Parents of Cloverbuds usually help as needed.  They may host a meeting in their home, donate craft supplies and/or refreshments, chaperon a special tour, plan a community service project, make telephone calls, provide transportation, or share a special skill.

Because of the enthusiastic leaders, hands-on activities, and energetic youth, Cloverbud clubs are fun for all.