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Ohio 4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

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Cloverbuds explore the Cincinnati Zoo

Cloverbuds learning about snakes at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Every year the Ohio 4-H Foundation offers grant dollars to support 4-H professionals as they create unique, enriching program opportunities for youth. In 2024, Vinton County used grant funds they received to host Cloverbud Day Camps and take youth on an educational trip to the Cincinnati Zoo.

For any 4-H program, summer engagement opportunities are important to help youth continue learning and growing when they are not in the classroom. Vinton County chose to combat the traditional “summer slump” by hosting day camps focused on environmental awarenessVinton County 4-H Cloverbuds gathering for a group photo with Courtney Cawood during a day camp. and animal education.

During the day camps, representatives from Gallia Soil and Water and Zaleski State Forest spoke to the Cloverbuds about the importance of conservation and being good environmental stewards. Gallia Soil and Water brought their education bus with them to teach campers about the water cycle, regional geography, and native wildlife.

Courtney Cawood, director of Zaleski State Forest, spoke to the campers about wildfires and how they are put out. Cloverbuds also spent time making hummingbird feeders to take home and learning about tree rings, including how to tell the patterns of historical weather based on the evidence in tree rings.A Cloverbud member feeding a giraffe at the Cincinnati Zoo.

After participating in the day camps, the Cloverbuds traveled to the Cincinnati Zoo for a day of fun, hands-on learning. They spent the day speaking to zoologists about the animals’ health and diets and gaining a greater understanding of differences and similarities between people and animals.

At the manatee exhibit, youth learned about the three manatees the Cincinnati Zoo has rescued and rehabilitated. They also fed giraffes, learned about elephant teeth, and discovered how much hippos eat in a day and how much they weigh.

“Visiting the zoo helped the children learn about animals, while promoting empathy and compassion as they realized that animals have feelings and emotions too,” said Jean Myers Extension program assistant for 4-H. “Outside of the educational benefit of visiting the zoo, the experience promoted physical and mental wellness through exercise and fresh air thanks to the numerous playgrounds and climbing structures and miles of walking paths available.”