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 Program has just started a new countywide 4-H Cloverbud Club 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:

The club meets the first Sunday of every month from 2:00pm - 3:30pm. There are also monthly trips based on local events or seasonal activities. 

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?

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 for the year, but half of that will go into the club fund for supplies and other expenses. 

Helpful Cloverbud Resources

NYS 4-H Cloverbud Handbook

NYS 4-H Animal Science Cloverbud Policy

Last updated September 23, 2024