Clover Kids program

Through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension 4-H Clover Kids program, children ages 5 to 8 learn about science, citizenship and healthy lifestyles.

“We’re preparing them to go on to 4-H. This is the beginning step,” Lynn McKinney, UNL Extension office manager, said. “It’s usually the little brothers and sisters who are in it.”

Clover Kids meets once monthly, each meeting focusing on a different area through lessons and hands-on activities.

“This year we’re touching on the different areas in 4-H, so they get a taste of a little of everything,” McKinney said. “Monday’s lesson, on aerospace, goes with our rocketry, which they continue once they’re older and in 4-H. Each one of these is science-based.”

For the group’s first meeting Monday, focusing on aerospace, Clover Kids are building marshmallow rockets, McKinney said.

“That’s going to be their snack,” she said. “We’re going to go over the shuttle, becoming an astronaut, having a career as an astronaut, and the parts of a rocket.”

McKinney said the lessons take into consideration the children’s gender.

“This one I think is going to be good for the boys in the class. When we get into cooking, we’ll be doing measuring, the girls are more into that,” she said. “Some of them are more important to some kids. It depends on the lessons.”

McKinney enjoys leading the educational sessions.

“We have a lot of fun,” she said. “We don’t always accomplish what we need to, but we have a lot of fun.”

The program’s participants usually continue on to join 4-H, McKinney said.

“It’s the first step toward getting them organized and them learning what 4-H is about,” she said. “If we get them at an early age, they usually continue on through all their years.”

Clover Kids meets once monthly at Cheyenne County Community Center on Mondays and Potter Youth Center on Tuesdays, both from 3:45 to 5 p.m.

Registration is $25, and includes supplies, snacks and a day camp event to be held in June.

To register, contact Lynn McKinney, Sidney UNL Extension, at (308) 254-4455.