Two-way learning and experience for Young Cloverbuds and 4-H Teen Ambassadors

[July 31, 2018]  At the Logan County Fair, Cloverbud campers not quite old enough for 4-H get to experience what it is like to showcase their projects, discuss them with someone, and get feedback. Teen ambassadors of the 4-H program who have entered many projects in the fair over the years gently critique the youngsters projects and performance.

Patty Huffer, Program Coordinator, 4-H and Youth Development for the University of Illinois Extension Office in Lincoln, helps recruit teen teachers to plan and implement Cloverbud Camps held each summer, as well as assists them with organizing their timeline for activities and supplies for the camps.

The Cloverbud Camps are for five to seven-year-olds and planned as part of the 4-H and Youth Development summer outreach programming.

These camps started in 2016 and have increased in popularity.

Huffer said this year’s Cloverbud Camps were held three mornings in June and July at the Logan County Extension Office this summer and a total of 21 youths ages five to seven participated in the two camps. Each camp was planned and led by teen teachers and allowed children to experience a 4-H club like environment, learn how to do various projects, and learn more about programs offered in 4-H.

Huffer said, “June camp days focused on ‘Math Magic,’ ‘Weaving and Dyeing,’ and ‘Personal Hygiene.’ July camp days focused on ‘Art,’ ‘Science/Dinosaurs,’ and ‘Plants and Animals.’

After these camps, Cloverbud campers can bring their projects to the fair and demonstrate some of their projects and learn what to expect if they join 4-H. Huffer said, “The Cloverbud campers are encouraged to participate in our Cloverbud Exhibit Day, which will be held Monday, July 30 at 4 p.m. at the Logan County Fairgrounds.”

Huffer said the Cloverbud campers “will be ‘judged’ by 4-H Ambassadors who will discuss with them the projects they bring for exhibit. Being asked questions by teen ambassadors will give them a ‘taste’ of what 4-H conference judging is like once they are of the age to become a traditional 4-H member when they reach the age of eight (by September 1).”

The camps are intended to interest children in becoming a member of 4-H once they are old enough. Huffer said “about 30 percent of youth who attend our Cloverbud Camps do go on to become active Logan County 4-H members.”

Carissa Davis, an Extension Educator in 4-H Youth Development for the University of Illinois Extension of Logan, Menard, Sangamon Counties, works with the 4-H Ambassadors. These Ambassadors are from various 4-H clubs around the area.

While the younger kids learn what to expect when their projects are judged, the experience of "judging" the younger kids also help the 4-H Ambassadors develop skills. Davis said, “the 4-H Ambassadors, who are typically in grades nine through 12, serve as role models to the Cloverbud participants by actively engaging them in questions about their project and year in 4-H. The Ambassadors develop the skills of age appropriate communication, self-esteem building, decision making, critical thinking, social skills and caring for others.”

The Ambassadors ask the Cloverbuds specific questions about their work. Davis said, “The 4-H Ambassador’s ask the Cloverbud’s how they made their project, what did they learned by completing their project, what was fun about doing the project and what was the best part about the 4-H year?

Both groups seem to be enriched by the experience with the Cloverbuds learning what to expect when they enter projects in the fair and the teen ambassadors experiencing what it is like to critique the projects.

[Angela Reiners with photos provided by Patty Huffer]