2026 Impact Highlight
Pueblo County, Southern Region
Pueblo County Cloverbuds Camp Builds Early Life Skills Through 4-H Exploration
Youth development programs that build foundational life skills at an early age are critical to long-term success. In Pueblo County, Colorado, families seek opportunities for young children to explore interests, build confidence and develop social skills in a structured environment. Cloverbuds programs introduce youth ages 5 to 7 to experiential learning while fostering curiosity and positive youth development.
In 2026, the Pueblo County Extension 4-H Program hosted Cloverbuds Camp for 32 youth ages five to seven. The program engaged 14 teen leaders, ages 12 to 18, to plan and facilitate activities, providing them with leadership and teaching experience. Camp activities introduced participants to a variety of 4-H project areas, including STEM through paper cup rockets, public speaking using paper bag puppets, and community service by creating thank-you cards for first responders. Youth also explored healthy food choices through interactive lessons designed to build awareness of nutrition.
Results
All participating families reported positive outcomes, with 100% of parents indicating their child learned or practiced a tangible skill during Cloverbuds Camp. Youth demonstrated increased confidence in group settings and gained exposure to new interests across multiple project areas. Teen leaders strengthened their leadership, communication and mentoring skills through hands-on facilitation. The program successfully created a supportive environment where young participants could practice life skills while being guided by trained youth leaders.
The Pueblo County Extension 4-H Program supports youth and families by providing early learning experiences that build confidence, communication and decision-making skills. By introducing youth to diverse project areas and engaging teen leaders as mentors, Cloverbuds Camp strengthens the local youth development pipeline and fosters a culture of leadership and community engagement that benefits Pueblo County.
Thanks to the following community partners for their support: