Oregon State University Extension Service’s 4-H Cloverbud Program is an informal education program designed for youths ages 5-8. The program supports a child’s natural curiosity, enthusiasm for learning and high energy levels by giving them an opportunity for active learning while promoting social, mental, emotional and physical development.
After being on hold for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OSU Extension resumed most in-person programming in the fall of 2021. There were many Cloverbud-aged youth interested in participating in the program in Linn County, but there weren’t any Cloverbud clubs or volunteers.
In response, 4-H in Linn County created Cloverbud Explorers. The 4-H educator-led program held a monthly meeting at the OSU Extension office in Tangent. The program started as a 4-H club/workshop hybrid, in which both enrolled Cloverbuds and non-Cloverbuds could attend. This hybrid approach opened the door for all interested youths to participate. In fall 2022, the program grew and increased to two sessions per month. An average of 36 youths participated in the sessions each month. A total of about 120 youths signed up to participate in Cloverbud Explorers from October through December 2022.
As a result of Cloverbud Explorers, more children are engaged in the 4-H program at a younger age. They have been able to explore their “sparks” and have a better idea of what projects interest them when they move into their junior 4-H years. Additionally, the meetings have been used to recruit 4-H volunteers. Since the program began, two new Cloverbud clubs have been created. Many more 4-H clubs are offering Cloverbud-aged activities to their participants.