4-H Clover Kids Program to Begin

It’s the first Saturday morning of the month. Kids aren’t sleeping in, they’re heading for the Clover Kid program. They are greeted by 4-H teen volunteers and AmeriCorps workers as they enter the Greenfield City Hall meeting room. The room is filled with energy and lots of fun things to do. During their one and a half hours together the Clover Kids play games, make crafts around a theme, explore books and take time out for a snack.

“Clover Kids is a great way for kids to learn social skills while having lots of fun,” shares Donna Wallace, Adair County 4-H/Youth Program Coordinator. Besides having fun, they will be gaining social skills, and learning new knowledge. One of the benefits of the program is the connections that are made between elementary students and high school age students. The program is open to all K-3rd graders.

As part of the monthly meetings the members are introduced to the importance of generosity. That may be simply understanding the need to share supplies while in other cases they carry out community service projects.

In addition to participating in monthly meetings, all Clover Kids are eligible to exhibit in a special non-competitive division at the Adair County Fair.

The Clover program will start up again for 2012-13 on Saturday, October 6. The group will meet from 10:00-11:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Greenfield City Hall meeting room. Any K-3rd grader interested in enrolling in the program should contact the Adair County Extension office at (641)743-8412 or 1-800-ISUE 399. Pre-registration is required. There is a one time $15 fee to join the group. The fee helps pay for the supplies during the year and includes registration for Clover Kid Day Camp in July, 2013. Need-based scholarships are available.

Adults and teens that are interested in volunteering to help with the program are encouraged to contact the Extension office.