Cloverbuds get an early introduction to 4-H

[August 12, 2021]   The 4-H program is strong in Logan County with many different chapters for children aged eight through 18-years-old. In 4-H youth attend meetings and programs, they learn and develop skills, including how to communicate what they have learned to others.

Often thought of as an agriculture program, 4-H is much, much more, covering many interests and 4-H is for any youth.

If you look through the Lincoln Daily News fair magazine you will see some of the projects that the youth have created. Topics of choice include visual arts, computer science, technologies, community service, entrepreneurship, consumer education, college and career readiness, natural resources, theater arts, video/filmaking, care of pets, and many other life-preparedness subjects; as well as agriculture related topics such as crops, horticulture and livestock.

The youth learn the valued skill of communication by sharing with others what they learned doing their project. Exhibiting develops confidence through the encouragement of positive feedback.

University of Illinois Extension director for Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, Terri Miller, oversees the 4-H programs. She hopes to see kids get involved early so they can experience the full 10 years in the program if possible.

Miller is super excited by a new program introduced in 2016.

Cloverbuds is for children ages five, six and seven. Youth participate in a mini camp held at the Logan County 4-H Office, where they learn about art, nature, personal development, science and technology, and more.
 

The Cloverbud participant can then choose to do an individual or group project to be reviewed during the Logan County Fair (just like the big kids do) and they receive a participation award.

Teen Ambassadors are recruited to help the new underlings learn the ropes of project development and presentation. This year's teen judges were Klarissa Helton, Ryan Fruge, Caroline Ahrends and Faith Sanders.

On Monday afternoon Aug 2 of the fair the novice Cloverbuds presented their projects.
About 20 Cloverbuds gathered in the 4-H exhibit barn. Most were individual projects and a couple were group 'club' projects.

The youth were excited to be there and their parents were too.

The Teen Ambassadors took time with each individual or group. The art of judging, gently asking Cloverbuds about their projects, how the project was developed, what was learned, etc, is a valuable two way learning process for both the 4-H Ambassador and the Cloverbud.

The Teen Ambassadors gain skill at age- appropriate communication, self-esteem building, decision making, critical thinking, and caring for others.

All the skills learned in 4-H prepare young people for greater success in their education, when entering the work place and in social situations.

Miller added that she appreciates the dedication of parents to bring youth to meetings and shows. She hopes to see even more youth become a part of 4-H as it has so much to offer to all youth and its a great program for kids.

Check out all the Logan County groups https://extension.illinois.edu/lms/
4-h-logan-county

You may contact Logan/Sangamon/Menard Counties Extension Program Coordinator/4-H Youth Development Carissa Davis for further information about the programs.

Carissa Davis, Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development, [phone]
4-H in Logan County https://extension.illinois.edu/lms/
4-h-logan-county 

[Jan Youngquist
Photos by Jan Youngquist & Devyn Fry]