Including Cloverbuds in 4-H Club Activities

In early 2021, Jamie McConnell (Muskingum County) and Audrey Dimmerling (Columbiana County) published the Ohio 4-H Grab & Go Club Meeting Toolkit. The toolkit provides 4-H volunteers and teen leaders with seven (7) club meeting agendas to help plan for the 4-H year.

Each agenda highlights strategies for including Cloverbuds in developmentally appropriate, non-competitive club activities. Including Cloverbuds fosters their sense of belonging and helps them understand the benefits of being a 4-H member. Older members of your club will enjoy the opportunity to act as a mentor.

Family Meeting/Club Kick-Off

  • Cloverbud families should participate in the family meeting to learn about 4-H and understand expectations. All members benefit from building relationships and older members often enjoy mentoring opportunities.
  • Encourage Cloverbud participation in non-competitive club activities, including reciting pledges together, ordering club t-shirts, working toward club goals, etc.

Icebreakers/Team Building

  •  Cloverbuds can be a part of club icebreakers and team building when appropriate. They can also participate in separate activities to build self-esteem and foster social interaction. Ohio 4-H Clover Cubes is a fun resource to use.

Election of Officers

  • Cloverbuds won’t vote in your election, but they can observe the proceedings or you can teach a lesson from the Citizenship & Civic Education section of The Big Book of Cloverbud Activities.

Public Speaking Activities

  • Cloverbud members can observe 4-H member presentations.
  • Cloverbuds can give individual or group presentations on a topic of choice, about meeting activities, or by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or 4-H Pledge.
  • Utilize Ohio 4-H’s Cloverbud Choose & Tell Cards for topic ideas.

Educational Programs

  • Allow Cloverbud members to participate in tours and watch guest speakers. Be aware of how program content or safety measures might need to change as a result.
  • Cloverbuds can participate in Show & Tell interviews with volunteers and older club members. All youth will benefit from helping Cloverbuds develop interview skills.
  • Cloverbuds can help with club community service projects.

Fundraisers

  • Cloverbuds can help with age- appropriate, well-supervised fundraisers if they do not compete for rewards. When they participate, proceeds should also benefit Cloverbud members and activities.
  • Utilize the Click It, Print It, Do It Activity Giving, Spending, Saving to teach money management skills.

End of Year Review

  • Recognize Cloverbud participation and member years complete.
  • Hold a graduation ceremony for last year Cloverbuds who will be project members next year.
  • Encourage Cloverbuds to share their favorite activities from the year.