Opportunities for Clover Kids and 4-H’ers to partner

Washington County Clover Kids (kindergarten through 3rd grade) have opportunities to learn more about the sheep, goat, rabbit, bucket bottle and clothing projects through special mentoring programs with Washington County 4-H members. Interested Clover Kids will be paired up with 4-H’ers who have experience in those project areas. All animal mentoring opportunities have a June 1 deadline.

The sheep mentoring program is available to Clover Kids in third grade only. They will meet with their 4-H mentor two to three times prior to the Washington County Fair. These meetings will allow the 4-H mentor to talk with and teach the Clover Kid about sheep and how to show sheep. In addition, Clover Kids may learn about feeding, care of, showmanship and grooming of the sheep. Clover Kids then complete this experience by showing at the Washington County Fair with the 4-Her and one of their lambs in the Clover Kid Sheep Show on Tuesday, July 20.

The goat mentoring program is similar to the sheep program, however, it is open to only 2nd grade Clover Kid members. The Clover Kid goat show will immediate follow the 4-H Goat Show on Monday, July 19. Bucket Bottle mentoring is a new opportunity for 2021. Unique about this mentoring is the 4-Her, clover kid, and the bucket bottle calf will be costumed in a theme for their show to be Wednesday, July 21.

The rabbit mentoring program is for 1st & 2nd grade clover kid members and will include a short 30 minute visit between the experienced 4-H rabbit showman and clover kids on Wednesday, July 21 at 4 p.m. They will practice how to hold, carry, flip, and groom the rabbit. At 4:30 p.m. that day Clover Kids will have the opportunity to show the 4-H’ers rabbit in the Clover Kid Rabbit Show.

The Clothing Event is for 2nd & 3rd grade Clover Kids. They will meet with their 4-H mentor late afternoon on July 11 Clothing Event to allow the 4-H member to coach the Clover Kid about basic design principles and elements, clothing selection, modeling and speaking with a judge. Those who participate will be able to model their outfit at the Style Show on July 21 at the county fair.

Interested Clover Kids need to sign up by June 1 by contacting the Washington County Extension Office. Experienced 4-H rabbit, goat, sheep and clothing mentors are needed for these clover kid events to be successful. Please consider sharing your expertise and time in mentoring a younger member. 4-H’ers should sign up as a mentor by contacting the Extension Office.

The Washington County 4-H Clover Kid County Fair Booklet includes other opportunities, details and deadlines at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/washington/page/2012-washington-county-fair

For more information about Clover Kids and 4-H, contact the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811. Follow “Washington County 4-H – Iowa” on Facebook for current youth Extension programs regarding Washington County youth.