Month: March 2018

Ohio 4-H Cloverbot Challenge – June 9

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The Ohio 4-H Cloverbot Challenge gives 4-H Cloverbuds the opportunity to work cooperatively in teams to problem- solve using STEM (science, engineering, technology and math) skills. A new theme is selected each year and teams research a topic, build a working model of their solution to the Challenge issue, and create a poster to illustrate their findings. Cloverbuds, team advisors and families come to the Nationwide Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in the spring, for the Challenge event.  Teams present their models and findings to a team of reviewers, learn about other Cloverbuds’ projects, participate in age-appropriate STEM activities, and are recognized at a closing celebration.

This year’s theme is the Cloverbot Astro Challenge and is scheduled for June 9, at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus.

Event details can be found here: https://ohio4h.org/events/cloverbot-astro-challenge

ALL TEAMS MUST REGISTER by May 1, 2018: www.go.osu.edu/18cloverbots

Need a kit of blocks to get started?

Teams needing a kit may order one at a reduced rate thanks to funding from the Ohio 4-H Foundation! Kit Includes: a large brick set, a simple & motorized mechanisms set, a build to express set, and a base plate. Reduced Kit Cost: $165

Order Deadline: Checks must be received by March 20 to receive a kit at the discounted rate.

Get the order form here: https://ohio4h.org/events/cloverbot-astro-challenge

 

Recruiting 4-H Cloverbud Members

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Recruiting for 4-H Cloverbud members can be as easy as “ABC.” Here are three great audiences where you may find new members:

Alumni- Former members of your county 4-H program may be great resources for new Cloverbud members.  Because Cloverbuds is a relatively new program (started in Ohio in 1995), some former members may have kids or grandkids who could participate, but they don’t know about the program. Advertise Cloverbuds in your 4-H newsletter or on your county Facebook page where you might catch the attention of alumni. Provide them with basic Cloverbud information: age requirements, locations of clubs who have Cloverbud members, and upcoming county-wide Cloverbud events.

Brothers and sisters of current members- This is often the best source of members for the Cloverbud program. Siblings of members often come to club meetings so be sure they are involved in Cloverbuds. An excited Cloverbud can be the one who keeps a family coming to meetings.

Community families- If you want to take your Cloverbud program beyond your past and current families, use your local newspapers. Plan an event for the 5-8 year old population and publicize it in your community. At the event, make 4-H Cloverbud registration available so families can sign up.

When building your Cloverbud enrollment, keep in mind that one adult is required for every six Cloverbud members. If you are successful with Alumni, Brothers and sisters, and Community families in growing your Cloverbud program, you may also need to look at recruitment of new volunteers. It can be a vicious circle- growing club membership and providing leadership for the growing clubs- but it’s a great problem to have.