Break free from winter boredom at 4-H Clover Clinic 2024! This dynamic workshop day promises a world of exploration and hands-on learning!

What is 4-H Clover Clinic?

4-H Clover Clinic is a one-of-a-kind event designed for both current 4-H members and young individuals who are curious about the exciting world of 4-H. It's an opportunity to dive into diverse project areas through a series of engaging, hands-on workshops. With the freedom to choose up to 4 workshops, participants can explore a variety of interests, discover hidden talents, and find new things that spark their interest.

Do I need to be a 4-H member?

Absolutely not! Whether you're a seasoned 4-H enthusiast or completely new to the experience, everyone is encouraged to join in the fun and exploration at 4-H Clover Clinic. All youth aged 8-18 are welcome!

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024
• Time: 9am – 2:45pm
• Location: Spoon River College, 23235 N County Highway 22, Canton, IL 61520
• Lunch Break: Bring a sack lunch to fuel your energy for the exciting afternoon ahead!

Registration Details:

• Cost: $20, includes a drawstring bag (fee waivers available)
• Ages: Any youth 8-18
• Classes: Select 2 workshops in the morning and 2 after lunch (double sessions are longer and count as 2). Most workshops are offered twice to make sure you can attend your favorites!
• First Come, First Served: Classes fill up fast, so secure your spot early! Please be sure to complete a separate registration for each child.=

Morning Workshops:

• Birdhouse Building & Floral Fun – Build and decorate your own birdhouse! Plus, create a beautiful, spring, floral piece. (This workshop is open to youth ages 8-12.)
• Build Your Own Bass Fishing Spinnerbait – Discover the purpose of every detail of one of the best bass fishing lures ever designed - as you build your own to take home!
• Flower Pens – Make pens look like flowers and decorate a pot to keep them in. (Participants in this workshop may choose to bring their own inexpensive silk flowers to ensure they have colors they like. These can often be found at a dollar store.)
• Historic Games of America's First People – The children of the First People living in North America used items around them to create sports and challenges of all kinds. We will play some of these games and learn how to have fun together and individually.
• How Does Genetic Engineering Work? – Genetic engineering has allowed crops to change more rapidly than traditional artificial selection approaches. Join us as we manipulate Skittles (a.k.a. DNA) to learn how this works and how people shape crops to feed a growing, changing world.*
• How Have People Improved Crops Over Time? – Did you know that cauliflower and cabbage are different versions of the same plant? Join us to take a closer look at different plants and to play a game like Pictionary! As we do, you'll learn how people shape crops to feed a growing, changing world.*
• Leathercraft for Beginners – Learn how to stamp and dye leather, and make projects to take home!**
• Let's Make an Art Journal – Art Journaling is an open-ended form of art in a bound journal where the focus is on the process of creating & self-expression rather than a particular end result. Participants will begin creating pages with a wide variety of materials.
• Oven? Who Needs It?! –  We will be exploring the world of no bake cookies and other treats. Join me for a fun and tasty class on no bake cookies and treats! (Allergy Warning: Nuts may be used in this workshop.)
• Rabbit Showing Basics – Learn basic rabbit care and showmanship knowledge for all 4-H members.  Whether you have pet rabbits or rabbit breeding situations, this workshop is for you!
• Rock... Paper... Scissors... Craft! – Explore part of the paper crafting world while you make your own paper ornaments.
• Scrapbooking with Shelia! – Learn the importance of preserving your memories! Bring 3-6 photos of one topic (family, pets, best friends) and we'll create a fun page together learning some scrapbooking techniques.**
• Sew a Rice Pack! – Learn basic sewing machine skills and sew your own rice heat pack. Rice packs can be hot or cold and making one is a great way to learn the basics of sewing.
• Soybeans, Smells, & Colors! - Join us as we learn about alternative uses of soybeans! Choose your favorite color to create a crayon and choose a scent to create your own soy candle. 
• Tie It Up with Fleece – Choose your fabric and grab some scissors. Let's tie up a soft, fluffy pillow using polar fleece.

Afternoon Workshops:

• A Perspective on Photography Fundamentals – Learn the fundamentals of photography from a professional! From exposure and subject choice to the rule of thirds and perspective, this class will help bring your skills into focus. Please bring a camera (if you have one) and a photo you have taken and that you believe represents your photography “style”.
• Animated Snowman – Curious about the concept of animation?  Using drawing supplies and drinking straws, you will create a basic version in this session that can get your imagination going!  Once you understand the concept, you can go as complex as you want! (This session is best suited for ages 10+.)*
• Be A Hunger Hero – Many people in our community, including youth, are unsure where their next meal is going to come from. Join this session as we talk about hunger and food insecurity, how you can identify it, and think creatively about ways to address it.
• Bead'n Around with Jewelry – Roll your own beads whether it's your first time or not. Then we will make jewelry with our beads! (This is a double session. It will count as both of your afternoon workshops.)
• Build & Electrify a Solar City – Build and decorate apartment buildings, businesses, and homes, then learn how to power a neighborhood with a solar panel. Participants will go home with a solar powered city, extra LEDs to expand the city, and new knowledge of electricity.
• Cookie Fun for Everyone! – Let's explore the art of cookie decorating. What is better than decorating a delicious cookie? Eating it!
• Creative Food Art – Create art with fresh fruit and vegetables. Learn simple ways to create healthy snacks, and choose a project to take home! (This is a double session. It will count as both of your afternoon workshops. Open to youth ages 8-12.)
• Garden Fun – Learn the basics of how plants grow! Follow along with presenters to fill in a fun worksheet, and then make a grass man to bring home!
• Glass Etching - Once you learn the basics to glass etching you can let your creativity flow with a wide variety of visual arts projects. Design a vase or glass with your own design using tape, stickers, and etching cream.
• Leathercraft for Beginners – Learn how to stamp and dye leather, and make projects to take home!**
• Natural Dye – Come enjoy a hands-on natural dyeing workshop where you will learn all about the art and chemistry of plants while using ancient Japanese shibori folding techniques.
• Pens, Markers, Oh My! – Fly into the world of color, learning how to create an "All About Me" journal cover. Participants will practice techniques and learn to express themselves through sketching.
• Rabbits: More than a Pet! – Learn about rabbit breeding, think about pedigrees, discover ARBA importance, and have fun with specialty breeds.
• Scrapbooking with Shelia! – Learn the importance of preserving your memories! Bring 3-6 photos of one topic (family, pets, best friends) and we'll create a fun page together learning some scrapbooking techniques.**
• Sew a Puffy, Fluffy Pompon Scarf – Learn to use the sewing machine to make fluffy, puffy pompons. Then attach them to fabric to make a soft, warm scarf.
• Snowy Owl Art Project – Whoooooo is looking at you?  A snow owl in February, of course!  Use a variety of supplies such as torn paper, doilies, and paint to create your own 2-D Snow Owl in winter. (This session is best suited for ages 12 and under.) *

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