Volume 8, Issue 1

Welcome to the New 4-H Year

Welcome back if you are a returning 4-H Cloverbud volunteer.  If you are a new 4-H Cloverbud volunteer – Welcome!  Be sure that you complete the 4-H Cloverbud Orientation with the 4-H staff in your local Extension office.  There is a 4-H Cloverbud Orientation Video from The Ohio State University that you may also borrow from the local Extension office.

There are several print resources available to you.  These can be obtained through your local Extension office.  These include the Illinois 4-H Cloverbud Leader Guide (2005), 4-H Cloverbud Series 1 and 2 Curriculum Leader Guides (1998 and 2000), Cloverbud Participation Ribbon (one per youth per year), and 3 types of Cloverbud promotion brochures.

Another valuable resource is the 4-H Cloverbud web page which may be found at
www.4-h.uiuc.edu/staff/cloverbud_vol.html. The website is divided into four sections – curricula, program management, volunteer management, and additional resources.
From this site, you may print curriculum project lists, curriculum content lists, Cloverbud Certificates, Cloverbud Story Sheets – Level I, II, and III, Cloverbud graduation ceremonies and diplomas, the  4-H Pledge poster, and role descriptions for parental assistance.

Many counties also have 4-H Cloverbud kits which contain non-consumable supplies to use with Tthe Ohio State University 4-H Cloverbud Series 1 and 2 curriculum.  These kits may be checked out from the local Extension office and also contain books related to the lesson topics.  Please complete the kit usage evaluation form and return it to the Extension office when you return the kit.  

Finally, we also have a Helping You Help Youth fact sheet – titled “Transitioning 4-H Cloverbuds to the Community 4-H Club Program.”  This is available in print version or may be downloaded from the 4-H Cloverbud web page mentioned earlier.  This will be a useful piece as you provide opportunities for your youth to learn more about the regular 4-H program and to assist in a smooth transition when they turn eight years old.

Exploring the Treasures of 4-H

Exploring the Treasures of 4-H is designed to introduce children in grades 2-4 to the incredible world of 4-H using an appealing, learn-by-doing approach (experiential learning).  This new curriculum includes two guides: a helper’s guide that includes group activities and a youth guide filled with individual activities.

The Exploring the Treasures of 4-H Helper’s Guide is designed to help an adult leader facilitate group explorations. The guide is divided into chapters representing the eight 4-H project areas – similar to those of The Ohio State University Extension 4-H Cloverbud Series 1 and 2 materials:  citizenship and civic education; communications and expressive arts; consumer and family sciences; environment and earth sciences; healthy lifestyles; personal development and leadership; plants and animals; and science and technology.  Cost of this adult publication is $7.00 plus shipping and handling and may be ordered through your local Extension office.

Youth participating in this project will discover the opportunities of the 4-H program, learn more about various project areas, develop an interest in 4-H, and develop life skills through 4-H. 

Exploring the Treasures of 4-H: Fun, Friends & Learning Youth Guide may also be used by 4-H Cloverbud groups if they have older youth (7 years old).  This youth guide uses an exploration theme.  The activities will lead children on a journey to discover more about 4-H.  The activities are in a workbook format and are designed so children can complete them with help from an older teen or adult.   Cost is $2.25 plus shipping and handling.  Each child would need their own manual.

Additional information about Exploring the Treasures of 4-H is available at the website www.n4hccs.org/exploring4h.

Additional 4-H Cloverbud Volunteer Training Topics

There are additional volunteer training lessons available through your local Extension office for new and experienced 4-H Cloverbud leaders. If you are interested, please talk with your local 4-H staff. The following is a list of the topics available:  Behavior Guidelines, Experiential Learning, Community Service, Involving Youth as Leaders, and Risk Management.