Youth Programs

 
Winter Plunge Camp* - January

About: Come explore ways to recharge your mind, heart, and body while discovering your inner warrior through arts, movement, and time outdoors! This year at Winter Plunge Camp, youth will engage in healthy ways to unplug by connecting with nature, sparking creativity, practicing mindful movement, and building positive relationships. 

Register: 4hOnline - open December 15-January 20.

Cost: $50 (only $25 for Clinton County 4-H Members!)

Ages: 4-6th Grade Youth

Date: January 28-29, 2023 - rescheduled for Feb. 11-12!

Winter Plunge Flyer

**Please remember this camp is open to youth from Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones counties. Youth from other counties should clarify pricing and registration with their home county. 

We're also looking for camp counselors! Youth ages 16-18 as of 1/1/23 should consider applying. Applications due January 20 to clinton4h@iastate.edu.

YQCA Training Options - March & April

About: It’s time to get your YQCA Certifications if you show... Beef, Dairy Cattle/Dairy Goat, Meat Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep, or Swine The goal of this program is to help youth and their parents better understand what they can do to produce the safest food possible. 4-12th grade exhibitors MUST have their certification complete before entering classes in Fair Entry! Youth will have to enter their certificate number when logging in.

Register: www.yqcaprogram.org

Cost: $3 for in-person, $12 for online (Clinton County 4-H members, email clinton4h@iastate.edu for a coupon!)

Ages: 4-12th Grade

Dates: online anytime

• March 26 at the Clinton County Extension Office, 3 pm
• April 30 at Pearson Hall in Jackson County, 3 pm

 

YQCA 2023 Flyer

State Science Fair Trip - March

About: See your future with STEM! This educational trip will expose youth to State Science Technology Fair of Iowa and unleash their potential to participate in future years! Additionally, this trip experience will take youth onto Iowa State University’s campus through a campus tour from a current Iowa State University student, a visit to the Multicultural Student Affairs Center, and a hands-on experience with the Make to Innovate program. Youth will connect with current Iowa State University students as they explore campus.

Please note: Vans will leave the Linn County Extension Office at 7:30 AM and will return at 5:00 PM. School notes will be provided.

 

Register: 4hOnline - Reach out to Amanda first at clinton4h@iastate.edu

Cost: $15.00

Ages: 7-11th grade

Date: March 30

Livestock Workshop - May

4-12th grade youth are invited to attend this beginner workshop focused on beef, swine, sheep, and meat goats. Youth will select two of the four species when registering. Check-In from 7:30-7:55 am. Lunch served at noon with a presentation. Review the flyer for additional information. 

Register: 4hOnline

Cost: $10

Ages: 4-12th graders (targeting beginner showmen)

Date: May 6, 2023

Livestock Workshop Flyer

Junior Summer Camp* - June

4-6th graders: spend 2 nights at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, by Solon, on an outdoor adventure, telling campfire stories, swimming, and much more! 6th grade includes zipline and extra experiences.

Register: 4hOnline

Cost: 4/5th—$95, 6th—$120

Ages: 4-6th Graders

Date: June 5-7, 2023

Junior Camp Flyer

Swiss Valley Day Camp - June

Attendees must have completed 4th, 5th or 6th grades. Camp activities include fishing, hiking, water games, snacks and more! Plan to bring a sack lunch, water bottle, change of clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and bug spray.

Register: 4hOnline 

Cost: $25.00

Ages: 4-6th grade

Date: June 14 from 9-3 pm

Swiss Valley Day Camp flyer

*Thanks to the Clinton County 4-H Foundation for your generous support to offer some camps at a discount to Clinton County 4-H'ers. Included camps have a "*"

 

Not sure how to sign up through the 4hOnline Events tab? Check out this 4hOnline Events Help Sheet!

Clothing and Sewing Project Enthusiasts - January

Who: 9-12th grade

When: 4th Monday of every month from 6:30-7:30 January-August

Where: Virtual

Cost: $0.00

Register: 4hOnline Events (learn more too!)

EIPA Youth Poultry Clinic - March

Who: 4-12th grade youth

When: Mar. 11 from 9-Noon

Where: Muscatine Ag Learning Center

Cost: Free

Register: krboeding@gmail.com 

More information: Look forward to discussion sessions, Q&A with judges, giveaways and more!

Muscatine Rabbit and Cavy Workshop - April

Who: 4-12th grade 4-H or FFA members

When: April 1, 2023 from 12:30-4:00 pm

Where: Muscatine Ag Learning Center

Cost: Free

Register: None

More information: Speakers will discuss rabbit and cavy breeds and health. Youth are encouraged to bring their rabbits and cavies (purebred guinea pigs) to be evaluated and to show them in a “practice” show. Rabbit tattooing and cavy tagging will be available. Rabbits and cavies will be for sale.

Youth can build a carrier by reserving supplies for a cost at Wolferabbit3@mediacombb.net or call Bill at 515-556-5123.

There is no need to register and no cost to attend (except for those youth who purchase rabbits or cavies and /or build a carrier and/or purchase rabbit or cavy equipment).

Youth will receive free tickets for drawings for rabbit and cavy supplies. This workshop is sponsored by Iowa State Rabbit Breeders, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach 4-H, Fred's Feed, Blue Grass Feed and Seed, Cedar Rapids and Mississippi Valley Rabbit Breeders and Muscatine Ag Learning Center. 

Youth from Iowa and other states are encouraged to attend.

Questions can be answered by Mike Avesing at 563-263-5959, Lynne Rechterman at 563-260-5295 or Bill Wolfe at 515-556-5123. 

Dairy Goat Showing Clinic - May

When: May 6 from 9-3 pm

Where: Ma's Acres in Bondurant

Cost: Free

Register: Judi McIvor at 515-250-4836

More information: Interested in learning about showing and fitting a dairy goat?  On May 6thfrom 9am-3pm at Ma’s Acres in Bondurant, IA the Iowa Dairy Goat Association is hosting a FREE dairy goat showing and fitting clinic.  No need to bring a goat with you there will be plenty to practice with.  This is a hands-on clinic.  Ring procedures and goat care will be covered.  So…if you have a goat or desire to own a goat one day this is an excellent opportunity to see what it’s all about.  Please RSVP by texting Judi McIvor at 515-250-4836 for this FREE event by April 30. Any questions can be directed to Judi or Wendy Peffers, IDGA’s Youth Coordinator at 641-780-8600.  

STEM in Motion Trip - June 2024

Who: Completed grades 8-12 in June of 2024

When: June 6-10, 2024

Where: Florida

Cost: See STEM in Motion Trip website.

Register: TBD

Information Night for Parents on April 5, at 6 pm again.

Iowa 4-H Youth Conference - June

Who: Completed grades 8-12 in June of 2023

When: June 27-29, 2023

Where: Ames, IA

Cost: $225

Register: before June 1 at 4hOnline

More information about Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

Citizenship Washington Focus Trip - June

Who: Completed grades 9-12th 

When: June 17-24, 2023 - Cancelled for 2023. 

Where: Washington, DC

Cost: $2,300

Register: Opens Dec. 15

Learn more

Cedar 4-H Invitational Horse Show - July

Who: 4-H and FFA members from Cedar, Clinton, Linn, Johnson, Jones, Muscatine, and Scott counties

When: July 1, 2023

Where: Tipton, IA

Cost: $3/class

Register: Opens Dec. 15

More information: Cedar County 4-H Horse and Pony Club is hosting this event for select counties. Concessions will be available for purchase. Awards will be given to the top 5 individuals in each class, as well as an overall high point county prize awarded at the conclusion of the show. Questions? Contact Kathy Brenneman at 319-530-2144.

Equine Blast - December

When: Dec. 3 from 9:00-3:00 pm

Where: Iowa State University

Cost: $40.00 (includes lunch and teaching materials)

Register: 4hOnline by Nov. 21

More information: The program focuses on real-world topics that impact the equine industry and youth. Students do not have to be enrolled in 4-H or own equine. The event is conducted by the ISU Animal Science Department. 

Beef Blast - December

When: Dec. 3 from 9:00-3:00 pm

Where: Iowa State University

Cost: $40.00 (includes lunch and teaching materials)

Register: 4hOnline by Nov. 21

More information: Beef Blast is a program for 7th-12th grade students interested in beef cattle production. The program focuses on real-world topics that impact the beef industry and youth producers. Students do not have to be enrolled in 4-H or own beef cattle.

Nutcracker Ballet + STEM - December

When: Dec. 9 at 12:30 pm

Where: Iowa State University or online

Cost: $0.00

Register: 4hOnline by Nov. 21

More information: Nutcracker Ballet + STEM is a program designed for elementary aged youth (grades 2-5) to highlight the connection between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and the arts. 

Learn about more opportunities beyond the county

4-H Clubs

Looking for a consistent 4-12th Grade experience? Check out our 4-H Clubs!

Read Across Iowa Challenge - March

Make at least one BINGO on the 2023 Bingo Card! Fun challenges to help your child read more and more. 

Submit the completed page to clinton4h@iastate.edu by April 1 to be entered into a Clover Kids prize drawing!

Bucket of Blooms Open House - May

Register: by 5/5 at https://v2.4honline.com 

Cost: $0 - thanks to our sponsors!

Ages: Enrolled K-3rd Grade Clover Kids

Date: May 7 or May 10

About: Thanks to sponsors, Clinton County 4-H is excited to offer two open house opportunities for Clover Kids to learn how to plant their very own bucket of blooms! A parent or guardian must attend with the child. You do not need to bring any supplies! Clover Kids will select which flowers to plant, learn where to place their bucket at home, and learn how often to water their flowers. All buckets can be entered into the “Bucket of Blooms” contest during the Clinton County Fair.

Sponsors - Theisen's of DeWitt, Dan & Jerry's Greenhouses, Clinton County Master Gardeners

 

Informational Flyer about Bucket of Blooms Open House

Summer Discovery Day Camps - June

Typically held in June, Summer Discovery provides an opportunity for youth who have completed K-3rd grades to learn about a variety of STEM topics around Clinton County. 

Please note... due to staff leave, Summer Discovery won't happen in 2023. Watch for the program again in 2024! 

Register

Cost

Ages: Completed K-3rd Graders

Date: Watch for in 2024!

 

 

 

Not sure how to sign up through the 4hOnline Events tab? Check out this 4hOnline Events Help Sheet!

Clover Kids

Looking for a consistent K-3rd grade experience? Check out Clover Kids!