Anytime is a good time to give care and kindness to others. February is especially a great time to do that with Valentine’s Day on the 14^th. When we show care and kindness toward others, we are giving the gift of compassion. In The Big Book of 4-H Cloverbud Activities, there is a curriculum piece titled “Heart to Heart: Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Senior Living Center Residents” (p. 148). There are some easy and fun activities you can engage with your Cloverbud members such “Making Valentine Favors,” and singing the song “I’m a Little Valentine” (using “I’m a Little Teapot” tune). All of these activities can be done with residents at nursing homes, senior centers or at adult day centers.

Through these activities, Cloverbud members can practice care and kindness toward others and become self-aware how good this feels. The kids learn skills of generosity and compassion and are examples to their friends and others. This quote from the Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu sums this up well: “Compassion seems to be contagious. When we see others being compassionate, we are more likely to be compassionate. There is a ripple effect of helping others.”

To use The Book of 4-H Cloverbud Activities, check with your Extension Office to obtain a copy or you can order directly from OSU Extension Publications.  Ohio residents receive the best price when they order from their Extension Office.

Thanks for the important work you do as a 4-H Cloverbud volunteer and advisor. You serve as a caring adult role model that impacts the healthy development of children in so many ways.