Cloverbud leaders

Role description for Cloverbud leader

Working with our youngest 4-H members in kindergarten through grade 2 can be especially rewarding for volunteers. Along with providing a great learning experience for young people, Cloverbud leaders work with families and engage them in 4-H to make sure Cloverbuds get the most from the program. They also work with club leaders to integrate Cloverbud activities with older youth.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to access the Cloverbud Leader Guide!

Time required

Varies. Ask your local 4-H office about local needs. As an example:
1-1.5 hour activity meetings, held in conjunction with traditional club meetings or as separate meetings
3-4 hours of preparation time per session

Responsibilities

Complete the volunteer screening process yourself and assure all other adult volunteers in the group have completed screening process
Commit to young people and their growth in all areas, being sensitive to their individual abilities and needs
Advise 4-H members regarding their contributions to and participation in group activities
Recruit and support a youth and adult leadership team for the group that will share the work and develop leadership skills in others
Welcome parents’ ideas, activity and project assistance, cooperation, support, and attendance at 4-H activities
Follow all 4-H guidelines and policies of University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota 4-H program and the local 4-H program
Participate in training, including the 4-H Cloverbud volunteer training to learn new skills and maintain high program quality

Specific duties/tasks

Provide interesting learning opportunities and activities for K-2 graders. Give immediate, positive feedback.
Learn about developmental needs of K-2 graders and apply your learning
Share the responsibilities among club families
Assist with enrollment
Coordinate Cloverbud activities with club activities

Qualifications/skills

The ability to organize and motivate youth while nurturing positive youth development, decision-making, responsibility, and leadership
A sincere interest in teaching and sharing knowledge and skills with youth and adults in an educational setting
The ability to effectively delegate responsibility
The ability to work and communicate effectively in both verbal and written form
The ability to motivate and coach other volunteers in leadership positions
A willingness to become familiar with and work within the philosophy and guidelines of University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota 4-H program, and the local 4-H program