A new club gives younger children in Baker County a chance to experience some of what 4-H has to offer.

Cloverbud Club is open to ages 5 to 8 and includes programs and activities designed for that age group.

“It supports young children’s natural curiosity, enthusiasm for learning and high energy levels by giving them an opportunity for active learning,” said Katie Hauser, program coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Service in Baker County. “Cloverbuds encourages children to have fun, develop friendships and learn about their world all while promoting social, mental, emotional and physical development.”

This is the first time Baker County has had a Cloverbud Club, Hauser said.

Unlike older 4-H members, kids in Cloverbud Clubs don’t have contact with large animals or participate in shooting sports, Hauser said.

Vanessa Haggett, one of the local Cloverbud Club leaders, said 17 kids signed up for the first group.

Registration will open again in October.

“We are focused on science projects right now,” Haggett said.

So far, the Cloverbud Club members have learned about the water cycle and made rain sticks, and learned about food webs and made pine cone creatures and pine cone bird feeders.

Hauser said OSU Extension is always looking for parents and volunteers to help with this and other clubs.

“We also train volunteers year-round,” Hauser said.

She said the Extension Office would like to start additional Cloverbud Clubs. Each club needs to have at least five children from at least three families.