4-H CLOVER KIDS (AGES 5–7)
The Nebraska 4-H Clover Kids program is designed specifically for youth ages 5–7 (by Jan. 1 of the current year). The program offers a variety of educational and recreational experiences in a non-competitive environment. These opportunities are ideal for developing confidence, creativity and competence during this stage of youth development. Lancaster County 4-H offers many opportunities for Clover Kids!
For more information about Clover Kids, contact Extension Associate Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180.
ON THIS PAGE:
Ways Youth Ages 5–7 Can Join 4-H | Clover Kids 4-H Club | Super Fair Opportunities
PROJECT BOOKS
National 4-H and Nebraska 4-H have developed many research-based project books (a.k.a. curriculum) to help teach projects. Purchasing project books is optional and not required to participate in 4-H or exhibit at fairs. Examples:
- Making Foods for Me
- A Space for Me
These are available to view and purchase at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County office. They may also be ordered online through UNL Marketplace and Shop 4-H. For guidance, contact 4-H staff.
Ways to Get Involved as a Clover Kid
Join a new or existing 4-H club. Some clubs have all Clover Kids members. Some clubs with older members incorporate Clover Kids in their regular activities or have separate activities for Clover Kids and older youth.
Be an independent member. Learn at your own pace with your family.
Participate in 4-H activities such as Clover College (the Clover Kids Camp is open to ages 6 & 7 as of June 10 — must have completed kindergarten).
Join 4-H
Clover Kids 4-H Club
Youth ages 5–7 are invited to join the Lancaster County Clover Kids 4-H club, which helps families learn the ropes of the 4-H program. Clover Kids learn about a variety of 4-H projects using hands-on activities, as well as develop public speaking skills during a modified club meeting format.
The club meets once or twice a month, October through July, on Mondays, 6–7:15 p.m. at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Rd., Suite A, Lincoln, Nebraska.
At least one parent/caring adult must attend with their Clover Kid(s) and once a year, take a turn planning and leading the group activity. For more information, contact club leader Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180.
Sample meeting:
6:00 p.m. Members and parents/caring adults arrive
6:15 p.m. Roll call/4-H pledge
6:30 p.m. Hands-on educational activity led by parents/caring adults
7:00 p.m. Refreshments and social time
7:15 p.m. Dismiss
Super Fair Opportunities
OVERVIEW
Lancaster County Super Fair July 31–August 9, 2025 at the Sandhills Global Event Center, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln
• 4-H & FFA Exhibits & Events July 31–August 3, 2025
Clover Kid exhibitors must be age 5–7 (by January 1 of the current year) and enrolled as 4-H Clover Kids. Exhibitors may choose from any combination:
- Prepared Speech & Radio PSA Contest
- Fashion Show
- Static Exhibits
- Show & Tell
- Animal Showmanship
4-H Clover Kids receive participation ribbons only — no trophies, premiums or awards are given. No state fair entry.
SPEECH & PSA CONTEST
• Register for Prepared Speech Contest by Monday, March 24, 2025
• Deadline for Radio Public Service Announcements (PSA): Monday, March 24, 2025
• Prepared Speech Contest: Sunday, March 29, 2025, begins 1:30 p.m. — time slots assigned (Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Conference Rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln)
The Prepared Speech and Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contests provide 4-H’ers the opportunity to learn to express themselves clearly, organize their ideas and have confidence. Contests are open to all 4-H’ers ages 5–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year). Youth may choose to participate in either one or both contests.
Prepared Speech & Radio PSA Webpage
2026 contest dates:
• Prepared speech: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 1:30 p.m. — Registration due March 23
• Radio PSA: Entries due March 23, 2026 — 2026 Theme TBA
FASHION SHOW
• Register by Monday, July 14, 2025
• Clover Kids Optional Modeling Practice Session: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, any time after 8 a.m. in the morning (Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Lobby, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln)
• Public Fashion Show: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 7:30 p.m. (Sandhills Global Event Center – South Hall, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln)
Clover Kid members may model or carry 1 item in the Fashion Show. Clover Kids Fashion Show items may NOT be entered for static exhibit judging.
Register by submitting “4-H Clover Kids Fashion Show Entry Form.” Submit to the Extension office or email to Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu by July 14, 2025
Clover Kids may:
• Carry and show: pillow, pillowcase, purse, bag or other item they have sewn or decorated/embellished.
• Wear: purchased top, shorts, pants, apron, cape, skirt or dress they have decorated/embellished.
• Wear: top, shorts, pants or apron they have sewn.
• Wear: a purchased outfit on a budget (Clover shoppers).
STATIC EXHIBITS
• Static Exhibit Check-in: Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 4–8 p.m. (Sandhills Global Event Center – Ag Society Hall, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln)
• Static Exhibits Released: Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, 7–11 a.m. (Sandhills Global Event Center – Ag Society Hall, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln)
A static exhibit is any item a Clover Kid member has made at home, at school or with their club that they would like to display. This includes exhibits which do not move on their own (for example from the project areas of Food & Nutrition; Photography; Home Design; Clothing; and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math). Posters must measure no more than 22 inches x 28 inches. No live animals — members may bring pictures, a poster or booklet about their animal activity.
See 4-H/FFA Fair Book for Static Exhibit check-in and release procedures. A Lancaster County Super Fair 4-H Clover Kids Entry Tag MUST be completed for each Clover Kids static exhibit. Tags are available at Extension office before the fair and at the Sandhills Global Event Center during static exhibit check-in.
No live animals — members may bring pictures, a poster or booklet about their animal activity.
Note: All static exhibits will be on display during the Show & Tell activity.
INDIVIDUAL PROJECT:
Clover Kid members may enter up to 5 individual static exhibits.
GROUP CLUB PROJECT:
Clubs may enter 1 group static exhibit.
SHOW & TELL
• Sign Up: Call the Extension office at 402‑441‑7180 between July 7 and July 25, or in person on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 4–8 p.m. (Sandhills Global Event Center – Ag Society Hall, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln)
• Show & Tell Time: Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, 15 minute time slots 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m. (Sandhills Global Event Center – Ag Society Hall – Clover Kids Exhibit Area, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln)
Clover Kids may choose to show & tell any combination of the following:
STATIC EXHIBIT:
Clover Kid members may show & tell 1 static exhibit. Prior to their Show & Tell time slot, find their exhibit in the fair displays and bring it over to Show & Tell. Afterwards, please return the exhibit to the same place in the display.
SMALL ANIMAL EXHIBIT:
Clover Kid members may show & tell 1 small animal.
• Only cats, dogs, rabbits or other small pets are allowed.
• Small animals are shown as a Show & Tell activity only.
• Animals must follow all health regulations on Fair Book page 54 and for each animal species (refer to category).
• For safety, small animals must be housed in appropriate cages/carriers (including dogs).
GROUP CLUB PROJECT:
Clubs may choose from one of the following:
• Club members show & tell 1 group static exhibit.
• Skit or song — 5 minutes or less (members participate as a club).
Example Video:
• 2019 Lancaster County Super Fair - Clover Kids Show & Tell
ANIMAL SHOWMANSHIP
Most livestock shows and the Rabbit Specialty Show include a 4-H Clover Kids Showmanship class for 4-H members ages 5–7 (by Jan. 1 of the current year). Participants must be enrolled in Lancaster County 4-H as a Clover Kid. This class is meant to foster an understanding of the show ring, animal handling practices and gain experience for younger youth.
To participate, enrolled 4-H Clover Kids should talk to 4-H or FFA members to find an animal (weighing less than 350 pounds) to show and a helper, age 13 or older, to help handle the animal during showmanship. Listen to show announcers for instructions on how 4-H Clover Kids may participate.
NEW in 2025 — Clover Kids may bring their own livestock (weighing less than 350 pounds), poultry or rabbit(s) to exhibit in the 4-H Clover Kids Showmanship class at fair. An animal ID must be submitted by June 15 (poultry do not require an ID). request a stall/pen by emailing lancaster4h@unl.edu by July 1. Clover Kids do not need to complete Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) requirements. Clover Kids may follow animal 4-H & FFA exhibitor load-in and load-out guidelines OR arrive day-of the species show. Animals arriving day-of-show must be in stalls by 8 a.m. and may be released at completion of show.
See 4-H/FFA Fair Book pages 56–65 for livestock, poultry & rabbit show rules, dates, times and locations.
At Clover Kids Show & Tell in the Ag Society Hall on Sunday, Aug. 3, 4-H Clover Kids may show & tell 1 small animal such as a dog, cat, rabbit, household pet — excluding larger livestock such as a bucket calf or goat.
The Nebraska 4-H policy for Animal Exhibits for Clover Kids is online at https://4h.unl.edu/policy-handbook/section-16.
OTHER RESOURCES
CLOVER by 4-H: National 4-H's online learning platform has 260+ interactive, exciting activities for everyone ages 5-18.
“Clover Kids club has helped my youngest bloom with the experience of public speaking and making new friends. Thank you!”
— Nicole, Clover Kids parent