Clover Kid leaders impact youth early in 4-H career

The 4-H mission says ?4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential through youth-adult partnerships and research-based experiences.? 4-H in Washington County cannot be what it is today without the many different types of volunteers.

'Leaders' is a term often referred to in the 4-H volunteer world. These adult leaders coordinate the monthly club meetings and events for their 4-H or Clover Kid groups. The Washington County 4-H program has over 60 adult club leaders. Fourteen of those are leaders to the Clover Kid clubs for kindergarten- through third-grade youth.

These Clover Kid leaders often expose members and their families to 4-H for the first time which is an important role. They provide a safe, interactive and fun learning environment for young members to explore and make new friends. They lay the foundation for youth to get involved in the 4-H program.

Clover Kid parent Stephanie Singbeil has a daughter in the St. James Clover Kid Club with Lynne Sheetz as a volunteer leader. She applauds Sheetz in her leadership role. ?Lynne always shows up with a great meeting planned and the kids go away with learning some great information. She always leads by example, showing the kids she cares and wants them to get the most out of their meeting. The kids enjoy the meetings and the variety of activities she provides.?

Sheetz, who was once a classroom teacher, said this type of position gives her the opportunity to use her skills in teaching. ?I see the learning that can happen in Clover Kids. Just learning to express themselves and learning to be an individual as well as part of a team can be very powerful in their 4-H future.?

Sheetz is in her second year leading the St. James Clover Kid club, but said none of it would be possible without parent support. ?I have two consistent helpers in our meetings and I couldn?t do it without them.?

Other Washington County Clover Kids leaders include April Cuddeback, Abby Dodd, Jeanna Gerot, Angela Hazelett, Jenni Hershberger, Mindi Rees, Sarah Rodgers, Laura Schmitz, Todd Schmitz, Sara Sublette and Angela Taylor.

More adult volunteers are always welcomed to Clover Kid clubs, please contact a leader or the Extension Office if you would like to volunteer with these youth members. Washington County 4-H would like to expand to offer a Clover Kids club to Wellman area youth. It is helpful to have some experience with kindergarten- through third-grade youth and to enjoy working, learning and playing together with them. If interested in starting this club or working together as a co-leader, please contact the Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811.