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Cloverbud brings children together
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.Camp counselor Brittany Siembieda of Leetonia got ready to play Duck, Duck, Goose with children at Cloverbud Day Camp.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.Brody Morrison of Canfield roasted hot dogs at Cloverbud Day Camp for 5-8 year-olds July 2.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.4-H Cloverbud Day Camp was offered July 2 at Southern Park Stables for children ages 5-8, whether involved in 4-H or not.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.Camp counselor Joe Fagnano of Canfield prepared hot dogs for children to roast at Cloverbud Day Camp.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.Maya Lazazzera of Boardman held the marigold seeds she planted at Cloverbud Day Camp July 2 at Suthern Park Stables.
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
Children ages 5-8 “Went Down on the Farm” for a day at the Cloverbud 4-H day camp July 2.
This year’s day camp was at Southern Park Stables, where children learned about caring for farm animals. They also learned about composting, planted marigold seeds and made their own lunch – hot dogs roasted on a fire, followed by s’mores.
“Each year, we try to do some fun, educational sessions,” said Janice Hanna, educator with the Ohio State University Mahoning County Extension 4-H program. “5-8 year-olds need to have fast-paced, short lessons. We like to have it in an environment like [the stables] because they can go outside and run and play.”
The day camp is about more than technical skills, Hanna said.
“They’re going to learn the technical skills, but they’re also going to learn how to get along with other kids, how to sit quietly and listen when they’re supposed to, those kinds of cooperative teamwork skills,” she said.
The camp is open to both 4-H members and non-members.
Josh Muntean of Boardman attended for the first time. He is not a 4-H member, but said it sounded interesting. His favorite part of the day was planting seeds.
Teen-aged 4-H members act as camp counselors.
Joe Fagnano of Canfield has been a 4-H member for 10 years. He enjoys passing on what he’s learned to younger children.
“It’s fun to work with the kids, to see their smiles,” Fagnano said. “They always have a good time. It’s fun to teach them, especially if it’s something they’re passionate about like animals and plants, like I am. I like to pass the knowledge on.”
About 25 children attended the day camp.