MEMBERSHIP POLICIES

Below is the State Guideline for Membership in the Discovery/Cloverbud Program as well as for regular 4-H. It may be confusing for those of you who have children who are in 3rd grade.

U of M Extension Service 4-H Cloverbud Program

Children in grades K-3 may participate in Cloverbud programming. Counties may also allow children in the 3rd grade to enroll in the 4-H club program, registering for 4-H projects. Choosing this option must be based on the readiness of the child to fully participate in project work and competitive events in 4-H. The local Extension Educator will determine if the option is supportable countywide based on the ability of the local program to support Cloverbud programming. Should a county allow this option, then the parent/guardian and the 4-H club leader must also approve the enrollment, based on what is best for the child and the local club's ability to provide sound Cloverbud programming.

Below are a few key points, which highlight key elements for “sound Cloverbud programming:”

Cloverbud activities are age appropriate. Cloverbuds have limits to what they can physically do, mentally understand, emotionally comprehend, and how they socially interact. Some characteristics of Cloverbuds which need to be considered are body control, eye-hand coordination, reaction time, endurance, sharing, taking turns, completing tasks, and making decisions.

Cloverbud activities are safe for children. Special consideration must be given to ensure the safety of Cloverbuds. Many children of Cloverbud age are not capable of recognizing and reacting to danger appropriately. Cloverbud activities must be low risk and safe. Even with instruction from adults, Cloverbuds may not understand the risk involved in activities and will need reinforcement and constant monitoring.

When animals and Cloverbuds are together at 4-H activities, such as fairs and shows, an adult/responsible person* will be in control of any animal (control means to handle and/or lead the animal).

Cloverbud activities are noncompetitive. Children in this age group have a hard time psychologically understanding winning and losing. Feeling and fact are often merged and when children lose, they relate negative feelings to their self-worth and identity. Children in non-competitive environments are more likely to develop confidence, creativity, and competence than children in competitive situations.

These are some of the condensed guidelines for sound 4-H Cloverbud programs.

From our perspective (Wright & Sherburne Counties), the following policies apply:

  • All youth in grades K to 2 must enroll in the Cloverbud Program.
  • We would strongly encourage first year 4-H’ers who are in 3rd grade and who have not been in the Cloverbud program in previous years to enroll in the Cloverbud program.
  • Parents and Leaders who agree that the 3rd grader is ready for 4-H club programs and are physically and emotionally mature enough to be self- motivated and able to handle winning or losing (competition) can allow 3rd graders to enroll in the 4-H club program.

WrightCounty 4-H Enrollment Agreement

Member’s Name

Club

Grade

PARENT(S)

We understand the guidelines for Cloverbud programs as well as 4-H club programs. We believe our son/daughter, (name) is ready for the 4-H club program, including being physically and emotionally mature enough to participate in all phases of 4-H project and club work.

Parent’s SignatureDate

KEY LEADER

We agree that (name of 4-H’er) is ready to participate in all phases of 4-H club and project work, and has the maturity to participate in all phases of 4-H project and club work.

Key Leader’s SignatureDate

Nick Neaton, 4-H Program CoordinatorDate

Return to the Extension Office.

F:\4H Miscellaneous\Policy\Cloverbud Policy.doc