Kids from the Reinbeck Clover Kids 4-H program get a hands- on experience with October’s most high-profile vegetable. Pic- tured from left to right are Ayla Osborn, Brig Finn, Julia Muller and RayLyn Lott.

Twelve 4-H youth and five adult volunteers gathered for the Reinbeck Clover Kids’ monthly 4-H meeting in October. Youth, grades K-3rd explored pumpkins and their lifecycle through fun (and messy) hands-on activities.

“Making the pumpkin slime was my favorite part!” first grader, Brig Finn explained to his mom after attending his first 4-H meeting.

Others enjoyed taste testing the healthy pumpkin pudding they made from a recipe provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Spend Smart. Eat Smart.® program. “I really liked making the pudding. It was so good!” kindergartner, Ayla Osborn shared.

4-H Clover Kids is a fun program that fosters positive relationships and builds valuable life skills through a variety of hands-on-activities.

The Reinbeck Clover Kids club holds monthly meetings around a themed topic. Youth investigated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and explore literacy through fun and engaging children’s books.

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In addition, youth learn the importance of being healthy and physically active, and practice communication skills and learn to work as a team.

4-H gives kids and teens opportunities to experience life skills and to practice them in a safe environment with caring adults.

To learn more about the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, contact your local county ISU Extension and Outreach office, or visit the Iowa 4-H website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/. For info about the Reinbeck Clover Kids 4-H club, email reinbeckck@gmail.com.

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