Summit County 4-H provides specialized youth development programming for children ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade, focusing on life skills and community leadership. The available programs include the Cloverbuds initiative for young children ages 5 to 8 and the Teen Council for older students seeking service-based leadership opportunities.
Early Childhood Development via Cloverbuds
The Cloverbuds program is designed specifically for 4-H youth between the ages of 5 and 8, covering students in kindergarten through 2nd grade. According to Utah State University Extension, the program serves as an introductory path for young members to become competent, passionate, and involved citizens through the development of essential life skills.
Participation in the Cloverbuds program involves a variety of engagement methods. The Utah State University Extension website states that activities include in-person sessions, virtual events, and peer mentoring leadership provided by older 4-H members. While specific dates for these activities are currently listed as to be determined, the program offers downloadable curricula and activities for both children and clubs through its digital registration platform.
Prospective Cloverbuds members can register for the Summit County program via 4h.zsuite.org. To ensure sufficient supplies for monthly activities, the program requires participants to RSVP in advance by calling the 4-H office at 435-336-3219 or by emailing the 4-H coordinator, Samantha Krieger, at samantha.krieger@usu.edu.
Leadership Opportunities for Older Youth
For older youth, the 4-H Teen Council offers a platform for students in 6th through 12th grade to engage in community service and leadership. The council functions as a county-wide club for students in 8th through 12th grade, where members work together to create service-based activities intended to benefit both 4-H members and their local communities.
Participation in the Teen Council is free of charge. Members are expected to attend at least one activity per month, though the program maintains a flexible schedule tailored to meet the needs of the participants. The program's next scheduled event is set for September 14.
To apply for the Teen Council, interested youth can fill out a digital application form or contact Samantha Krieger via phone at 435-336-3219 or email at samantha.krieger@usu.edu. The program currently maintains open enrollment, allowing students to apply at any time.
Project Areas and Ambassador Roles
The Teen Council covers a broad spectrum of project areas, allowing students to gain skills applicable to future experiences. These represented project areas include Agriculture, Arts and Crafts/Fine Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health, Leadership, Natural Resource, and STEAM.
To ensure diverse representation, two ambassadors are selected each year to represent the specific interests and needs of these project areas. These ambassadors are tasked with serving 4-H youth and families while working to implement positive community development within the county.
Pathways to Leadership
Beyond the Teen Council, 4-H leadership experiences are available through various channels, including club meetings, junior teen councils, and project ambassador positions at the county, regional, or state levels. These opportunities are intended to provide youth with diverse leadership roles and the best possible development of life skills.
Resources and Community Connection
The Utah State University Extension provides several resources for those interested in the 4-H community. Members can access free Cloverbud lessons through the extension website or join the Cloverbud community club online. Additionally, the Summit County 4-H Monthly Newsletter is available for those seeking updates on upcoming Cloverbud activities and events.
