Cloverbuds are 4-H members who have reached the age of 5 and enrolled in kindergarten as of January 1 of the current year.  When a child is at least age 8 and enrolled in 3rd grade as of January 1 of the current year, the child is eligible for 4-H club membership.

Any youth age 9 or above is eligible for project membership, regardless of grade level. Membership requires enrollment in an authorized Ohio 4-H club or group under the direction of an OSU Extension professional or an approved adult volunteer. A youth’s 4-H eligibility ends December 31 the year he or she turns 19. Joining Ohio 4 H is a privilege and responsibility for individuals and is subject to the Ohio 4-H Code of Conduct and applicable policies of The Ohio State University.

Cloverbuds focus their attention on activity-based lessons and non-competitive activities.  Cloverbuds are not eligible for out-of-county activities, competitive events, residential camps, and/or projects designed for 4-H club program members.  Cloverbuds are not to hold offices (they can lead the pledges). 

The Cloverbud program is developmentally-age appropriate.  It promotes non-competitive, leader directed and activity based learning experiences.  There are many fun, positive, and group-centered learning activities which allow all children to be successful.

The Cloverbud program objectives include developing:

• self-understanding skills (self-esteem)
• social interaction skills (getting along with others)
• decision making skills
• learning skills (learn how to learn)
• mastering physical skill

How do I become a Cloverbud Member?

If you are 5 years old and in kindergarten through second grade, you could be a 4-H Cloverbud member.  Contact the Extension office at 740-852-0975 to find a Cloverbud Club near you or learn how to start your own Cloverbud Club.

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Madison County Cloverbud Opportunities

Club Participation

Each club has a cloverbud volunteer who helps plan activities with your cloverbuds to get them excited and learning about different project areas!

Cloverbud Day Camps

Madison County offers day camps in the summer for our cloverbuds to participate in. We typically take a bus ride to Camp Clifton for a day of hiking, swimming, crafts, etc., or spend a day at a local park learning together!

Cloverbud Show & Tell at the Fair!

Cloverbuds often do a group project with their club. They can choose to submit this project to be displayed at the fair. While there is no project judging component, we invite all cloverbuds to attend the Cloverbud Show and Tell night (Monday of fair week) and each club takes the stage for members to share about the project that they made and what they enjoyed about 4-H