Cloverbuds: Growing Tomorrow’s Citizens

If you have a child in kindergarten through second grade, now is the time to sign them up for the 4-H Cloverbud program.

According to a 4-H promotional piece, “The purpose of the 4-H Cloverbud Program is to support the positive development of children in grades K-2 as they explore their world, discover possibilities, build self-esteem, and practice the basic social skills that will be the basis for becoming competent, caring, contributing citizens.”

To get a first-hand look at the program, meet Houston County Cloverbuds Mya Kingsley, Lucas Wiste, and Gracie Doering, and hear directly from them about what they enjoy about being a Cloverbud and what they have learned this past year.

Mya Kingsley

Second grader Mya Kingsley is the daughter of Danielle Kingsley and Shane Coulter. Mya has been an independent Cloverbud for two years. She helps with the Sheldon Spartans 4-H Club, saying Cloverbuds is so fun.

When asked what her favorite thing is about being a Cloverbud, Mya explained that she got to show with her cousin Channing Lind and his heifer, and her pig with Delana Stampka.

What do you like most about Cloverbuds? “Being able to watch the big kids show so I can learn from them what to do next year.”

This year at the fair, she showed a heifer and a pig and received a medal for her pig and a ribbon and halter for showing her heifer.

Her favorite part of the Houston County Fair is “being with my family and making new friends!”

The funnest thing that happened at the fair was being able to play in the corn pit with her cousins and help walk the pigs.

She learned to always be willing to help someone else, and she would tell other children who are thinking about joining Cloverbuds, “Just try it! You don’t have to live on a farm to do 4-H and be part of the fair.”

Lucas Wiste

Meet 6-year-old Lucas Wiste, the son of Autumn and Josh Wiste of Spring Grove. He is a member of the Newhouse Norsemen 4-H Club. This past school year, Lucas was in kindergarten, and this was his first year as a Cloverbud.

A big smile crossed his face when he shared that his aunt, Erin Becker, is the Cloverbud leader.

His cousin Caroline is his best friend in 4-H.

He wanted a treasure box, and his grandpa Mike Wiste helped him build it.

Immediately upon my arrival at his home, Lucas held up his Diamond Art unicorn project for me to see.

Lucas took a chicken, pig, lamb, woodworking, Diamond Art, and the letter “L” to the Houston County Fair.

He proudly held up the ribbons he received, along with two medals and a sheep lead rope.

When asked about his favorite part of the Houston County Fair, Lucas said he liked showing his pig. He also liked it when the judges asked questions of the contestants in the show ring. That explains why he was anxiously waiting for the Fillmore County Journal in person interview.

At 4-H meetings, the older kids talk, and Lucas gets to talk during roll call. Instead of simply saying “yes,” the kids answer a question. At the last meeting, the roll call question was, “What was your favorite part of the fair?” Lucas answered that he liked talking to the judges about his project.

He likes the rides and hopes they have different ones next year. He especially enjoyed the fun house. He also got to share ice cream with his mom.

Gracie Doering

Meet second grader Gracie Doering, the daughter of Chantel and Dj Doering. Gracie is a member of the Caledonia Rockets 4-H Club and has been a Cloverbud for three years.

When asked what she likes most about Cloverbuds, Gracie said, “I can try new things and learn from others.” This year, she learned how to do a demonstration by watching other members give demonstrations at meetings.

Her favorite thing about being a Cloverbud is that she can get help with her projects, and “it’s just for fun and not competitive yet.”

When asked what 4-H projects she took to the Houston County Fair, Gracie shared, “I took a calf, chickens, crafts, flowers, vegetables, and photography to the fair. I received participation ribbons and a medal for showing my chickens.”

Gracie said her favorite part of the Houston County Fair is the milkshakes.

Her advice to another child who is thinking about joining Cloverbuds is, “Do it. It’s fun, and you will make new friends.” Next year, Gracie would like to try Diamond Art.

Through Mya, Lucas, and Gracie’s experiences, it is easy to see that Cloverbuds give young children a welcoming place to learn, try new things, make friends, and begin building confidence. For families with children in kindergarten through second grade, Cloverbuds is a great opportunity to get involved, make memories, and grow right along with the 4-H community.