Opportunities for Washington County Clover Kids and 4-H’ers to Partner Together

Washington County Clover Kids (kindergarten — 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 16.

3rd grade clover kids may also sign up for bucket bottle mentoring program which is run identical to sheep mentoring. The bucket bottle show is set for Wednesday, July 17.

2nd grade clover kids are invited to participate in goat mentoring that show immediately follows the 4-H Goat Show on Monday, July 15.

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 Thursday, July 18 at 9:30 a.m. They will practice how to hold, carry, flip, and groom the rabbit. At 10 a.m. July 18 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 7 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 15 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/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.