Clover Kids kick-off Winter/Spring programming

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Neither snow nor cold could keep kids away from ISU Extension’s Clover Kids activity day at the Floyd County Fairgrounds on Sunday, Jan. 21.

Open to Floyd County children in the K-3 grade range, the 4-H Clover Kids program offers activities for kids not quite old enough for the full 4-H experience.

“It’s kind of like the pre-program for 4-H,” said ISU Extension Regional Director Sarah Merrifield. “It’s all about advancing skills and teaching new skills.”

Each monthly event will feature hands-on STEM activities along with storytimes, arts and crafts and a snack.

“It’s a pretty cool program,” said Merrifield. “It’s fun seeing their excitement.”

Organizing this year’s programs is Amy Leaman, who is just starting her new role as Clover Kids Coordinator. Kicking off this year’s program was an afternoon learning about coding with programmable “Bee-Bots” followed by teamwork activities.

“The kids like the Bee Bots,” said Leaman. “That’s always a hit with them.”

Clover Kids programming is held on the third Sunday of the month, with the next activity planned to give the kids a lesson in buoyancy.

“We’re excited,” said Leaman. “It will be a lot of fun.”