CLOVERBUDS County Rules
POLICIES FOR 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION WITH CLOVERBUDS, A PROGRAM FOR THE AGE 5 THROUGH GRADE 2
LEVEL (Approved by Administrative Cabinet (12/93)
1. Ohio Youth, age 5 through grade 2 , may enroll in the Ohio 4-H program. 4-H youth in age 5 through grade 2 (8 years)
will be called "Cloverbuds."
2. The educational system for the Cloverbud program is activity-based. Activity-based means a variety of short-term experiences
for youth that creates an eclectic, cooperative, and fun approach to learning through an immediate, positive feedback response
to the youth's involvement in the activity .
Any activities created beyond those approved for curriculum use statewide must be specifically designed for age 5 through
grade 2, meet the stated criteria, and must be submitted for approval to the state 4-H office. Such submissions, if accepted,
will be considered for approval statewide.
3. The Cloverbud 4-H membership is offered in every county in Ohio. Enrolled Cloverbud youth, because of age appropriateness,
will not be eligible for any activities or projects designed for 9 to 19- year-old 4-H members. Any proposed activities beyond
the state approved Cloverbud curriculum must follow the policy statement m #2 above. It IS not the intent or the objective
of the Ohio Cloverbud 4-H program to duplicate the 9-19 year-old Ohio 4-H program, nor to create a mini 4-H concept. While
many Cloverbuds will go on for other 4-H experiences, the Cloverbud program is designed with specific educational objectives
focused on the age 5 through grade 2 level.
4. Counties are expected to utilize age-appropriate, cooperation-based methods to give feedback and recognition, while
minimizing failure in the activities of the Cloverbud curriculum. The focus of this feedback is to promote the youth's confidence
in meeting new challenges. Research on this grade r level indicates the best way to build confidence is to build many opportunities
in activities that emphasize success, however small. Competition with self and others is inappropriate for the Cloverbu4 grade
level and, therefore, Cloverbud 4-H members are not eligible for any competitive events.
5. County junior fairs provide a wonderful opportunity to provide reinforcement to the success building for age 5 through
grade 2 Cloverbuds. County junior fairs are open to participation by Cloverbuds, but for exhibit only. While individual and
group Cloverbud fair exhibits are encouraged, there will be no:
a. Formal scoring ofCloverbud members, or
b. Competition of any kind between individual Cloverbud members, or between Cloverbud
members and 9-19 year-old members. Any fair participation recognition system, special
prizes, or awards must be given equally to all Cloverbud 4-H members.
6. Volunteers working with the age 5 through grade 2 Cloverbud 4-H program will be oriented and trained in:
a. The policies of the age 5 through grade 2 Cloverbud Ohio 4-H program.
b. Information concerning learning and developmental characteristics of age 5 through grade 2 youth.
c. Cooperative work with parents in providing the best learning environment and support for
the age 5 through grade 2 Cloverbud 4-H youth.
d. Use of age 5 through grade 2 Cloverbud curriculum.
e. The Ohio 4-H Standards of Behavior for volunteers, with particular attention to a sensitivity of working with the age
5 through grade 2 level.
7. Cloverbuds may participate through any authorized 4-H delivery system ( community, project clubs, school enrichment
groups, or special emphasis groups ), depending on the needs and resources of the individual county 4-H program. Counties
are to utilize only the state approved curriculum specifically designed for the age 5 through grade 2 level.
8. If the age 5 through grade 2 Cloverbud program does not match an existing club's direction or resources, it will be
the individual option of 4-H volunteer(s) whether they will work with this program. The 4-H professional in the county should
make every attempt to place Cloverbuds in existing single Cloverbud or multiple-age clubs and groups, or start new Cloverbud
groups within the county or neighborhood.
9. One advisor should be assigned to work with this group.
10. Activities should be conducted separately from regular 4-H club meetings.
11. Resource materials are available through the Extension Service.
12. An enrollment card must be completed for each member and that information will be included on the club enrollment report
due Anril 1.
13. No fees will be charged.
14. No fair passes will be issued.
15. Exhibit Requirements:
-Each member may choose to participate in a Cloverbud 4-H display.
-Displays will be limited to one per member or one display for the entire club.
-Individual displays on posterboard shall not exceed II" x 22" or one-half of a posterboard.
**No live animal displays permitted
**No food displays permitted
**No interviews or judging will be done
