4-H youth participate in nature adventure

Forty-two 4-H Cloverbuds and Explorers attended one of the two 4-H Nature Adventure Day Camps held on August 10 at Mill Pond Park in Baldwin, and August 12 at Mary Park in New Richmond.

The Cloverbud-Explorer Day Camp is an annual event that allows 4-H youth in grades one through three to participate in an event specially created for them. The participants enjoy the sensation of going to camp without having to leave their homes for more than one day. The day is dedicated to youth development and exploration of the different 4-H programs offered through the UW-Extension Service.

The camp was run by older 4-H members and Summer 4-H Assistant, Sarah Staude. Cloverbuds and Explorers participated in a wide range of activities and projects. Nancy Bohl, New Richmond, and Melissa and Bryon John, Hammond, taught arts and crafts using a nature theme. The three youth led a session that had youth making snakes out of white T-shirts and dragonflies out of clothespins.

Sessions led by Aaron Morrow, River Falls taught youth about birds and the food they eat. Participants were able to take home bird feeders they made out of pine cones, bird seed and peanut butter. Stefanie Otis, Clear Lake, took the youth on a nature hike. Steve Day, Hudson, led an arts and crafts session on bugs. Participants made marble tumblebugs and caterpillar necklaces.

Other counselors assisted youth at each session and organized the Camp Olympics and Large Group games. Kara Alverman, Deer Park, Michelle Timm, Baldwin, Julia Frank, New Richmond, Meghan Ellwanger, Somerset, Jenni Hoogheem, Somerset and Sara Gleason, New Richmond, all helped youth to work together in teams and made sure that each youth had a good experience.

If you 4-H would like more information on the 4-H program in St. Croix County, call Kim Reaman, UWEX 4-H Youth Development Agent, at (715) 684-3301, extension 5.