4-H Cloverbuds

Who are they?

Cloverbuds are the youngest participants in the 4-H Program, ages 5-7 as of January 1 of the current 4-H year (October 1 - September 30). They are enthusiastic, curious, creative, robust and resilient young people who are growing physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally through a period of rapid and often uneven development. The 4-H Cloverbud Program has been designed to meet the very special needs of these very special youth.

The Purpose of the 4-H Cloverbud Program

The overall purpose of the 4-H Cloverbud Program is to foster the development of life skills that are essential for the cognitive, social, emotional and physical maturation of 5- to 7-year-old children. Specifically, this program aims to provide participants with opportunities to:

1. Develop self understanding, social skills, decision-making skills, learning skills and physical skills
2. Gain knowledge in the sciences, literature and the arts through the experiential (hands-on) learning process
3. Develop positive attitudes about learning
4. Develop on-going relationships with caring adults and older youth who serve as positive role models
5. Explore family and community relationships
6. Develop understanding of and appreciation for social and cultural diversity

Since each child develops on his or her own timetable, it is very important that activities be tailored to their developmental levels so that all can experience success – the magic ingredient that allows them to blossom. For this reason, the 4-H Cloverbud Program, while focusing on the general developmental needs of 5 to 7 year olds, also provides a wide selection of activities so 4-H leaders can tailor the program to their club members. 

The Rockland County 4-H Cloverbud Club

The Rockland County 4-H Cloverbud Club is open to youth ages 5-7 and their families. In this club, members will attend club meetings with hands-on activities and visit local sites in and around Rockland County.

Meeting Dates/Times:

Third Sunday each month from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Join us for our Interest & Planning Meeting on September 20, and for our first meeting on Sunday, October 18, at CCE Rockland!

Locations:

Meetings will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office (10 Patriot Hills Drive, Stony Point, NY 10980) or at community centers, libraries, parks, and other facilities.

Roles of Parents/Guardians:

Parents are expected to support their children by attending as many meetings as possible, participating in activities with their children and encouraging their children to extend their 4-H activities at home. Parents also have special skills and talents that can benefit the whole group. For the 4-H Cloverbud Club, we strive to involve parents in ways that best fit their interests and schedules, such as leading activities, coordinating programs, or serving in other ways.

How do children join?

Sign up for the Rockland County 4-H Cloverbuds

You can also contact the Rockland 4-H Educator, Kristin Ruggiero, at klf37@cornell.edu to learn more. She will share the tentative schedule and provide digital enrollment forms. There is a $30 enrollment fee per family per year.

Helpful Cloverbud Resources

NYS 4-H Cloverbud Handbook

NYS 4-H Animal Science Cloverbud Policy

Last updated September 16, 2026