MANISTEE COUNTY — As a young child with older siblings, one might find themselves following in their siblings footsteps. Looking up to their siblings, dreaming of participating in all events and sports, but, what is one to do if there isn’t a sport offered to the younger generation?
The answer: 4-H Cloverbuds. The Cloverbud program was designed for younger kids to participate in 4-H events. The Manistee 4-H program is one of the oldest in Michigan, estimated to be around since the early 1800s.
Not every child has an older sibling, but in Cloverbuds every child has a role model. Someone who is there to be their friend.
“[Isabelle] loves Bethany,” remarked Allison Olson, coordinator for the Manistee Cloverbuds, “one of the older beginner students.”
Isabelle Banner, a 1st grader, has been involved with the Cloverbuds for only a couple months — being known as a “new member” of the group. But, Isabelle doesn’t let that stop her.
“My duck's name is Lemon Meringue and my goat's name is Victoria,” said Isabelle. After only a few days, Isabelle and Bethany became known as “new friends,” according to Olson.
With their duck pens located right next to one another, they quickly hit it off. It’s been fun, “meeting new friends,” Isabelle said.
The Cloverbuds, range from ages 5-7, are seen to have a special bond. As 2nd graders, Lane Bradford, Sam Burrus and Kason Lambert sat down for an interview, they could not get enough of one another. Laughing and joking back and forth about their morning events. All three boys seem to share that bond of friendship while learning about real life problems.
“[The program] Helps with time management,” remarked coordinator Olson, “they have to finish their “projects” by a certain deadline.”
A lot like how the older kids do. Projects consisting of animal showings, still exhibits, and hopefully in the near future, shooting sports, or as Olson puts it, “learning the knowledge and building those good foundations.”
The goal of the Cloverbud program is to teach the basics of 4-H for the younger generation. The ones who are still too little to compete in events.
“The clover bud is the bud of the clover,” said Olson, “symbolic as they get older and move towards 4-H.”
At this level, the students do not compete for placing in 4-H. Only earning what is known as “Cloverbud Ribbons,” By removing competitions, Olson stated how it helps the students “build their foundation.” Focusing on their form, experiencing the animal care, and how to learn their project very well. So, by the time they do qualify for the older 4-H programs, they will already be prepared for showmanship.
The fair week provides a learning opportunity for all the students. Olson expressed how sentimental that “aha moment” is.
“I love seeing that light bulb moment, that all the hard work” paid off. The Cloverbud program allows the younger generation to “come out of their shell,” to get better with their craft, and experience the animals.
With the fair finally back after a stressful 2020, Allison Olson is just “grateful for all the little things.”
"follow" - Google News
August 23, 2021 at 12:48AM
https://ift.tt/3sFjtJ6
4-H Cloverbud kids follow in the steps of older generations - Manistee News Advocate
"follow" - Google News
https://ift.tt/35pbZ1k
https://ift.tt/35rGyU8
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "4-H Cloverbud kids follow in the steps of older generations - Manistee News Advocate"
Post a Comment