A Cloverbud is a 4-H member who is in kindergarten through second grade. Cloverbuds explore and learn by doing fun age-appropriate activities guided by adult and teen volunteers. These activities are:
- Fun, positive, activity-centered
- Non-competitive
- Emphasize cooperative learning
- Safe for children and designed to manage risk
- Focused on developing life skills through the experiential learning cycle:
- Experience
- Share
- Process
- Generalize
- Apply
Project information
Get started with 4-H'ers in your area
- Contact your local 4-H office for more info.
Get started on your own
- Begin your project learning with the Cloverbud project resource guide.
Project opportunities near you
Get in touch with your local 4-H office to learn about Cloverbud events and activities in your area.
Interested in getting involved as a Cloverbud volunteer?
Start with our 4-H Cloverbuds volunteer training. This video training series will give you a better understanding of working with Cloverbuds, our youngest 4-H'ers.
To volunteer with 4-H in your area, contact your local 4-H office.
Resources for supporting Cloverbuds
- Learn more about Cloverbud program characteristics and safety rules.
- Cloverbud project resources for volunteers on our 4-H Volunteer Resource Center Google site.
Fair information
What does it mean to show at the fair?
For 4-H'ers, showcase events (like the county fair) are not just fun events. They provide youth opportunities to exhibit the knowledge and skills they've gained throughout the year– and to continue their learning.
Cloverbuds participate in age-appropriate, noncompetitive activities at showcase events.
Cloverbud projects and activities allow children to experiment with new skills and experiences. The learning should be the focus of their experience rather than the product. It is not appropriate for children in K-2 grades and age ranges to participate in competitive situations. However, it is very appropriate for them to be recognized for their participation, and showcase events, such as a county fair, are great opportunities for this!
Learn more about how 4-H provides safe, noncompetitive learning opportunities for K-2 youth on the 4-H Volunteer Resource Center Google Site.
The 4-H Cloverbud showcase guide (Google Doc) also provides further guidance when preparing to show at the fair.
Contact your local 4-H office for Cloverbud showcase opportunities near you.
4-H is for you!
Join 4-H CloverbudsReviewed in 2024