Schools Special Interest/Project Groups

ISU Extension 4-H and Youth programs are based on the four needs of youth.
1. Youth need to know they are cared about by others and feel a sense of connection to others in the group.
2. Youth need to feel and believe they are capable and experience success at solving problems and meeting challenges to develop their self confidence.
3. Youth need to know that they are able to influence people and events through decision making and action.
4. Youth need to feel their lives have meaning and purpose.

The community club program provides another caring adult in the life of the member that shows an interest in, actively listens to and fosters the gifts of the youth. Through the exploration of projects selected by the member, they can take on new challenges and learn new skills. In the club setting, they can have the opportunity to take on leadership positions to learn independence and responsibility. Each club has a community service project that helps members develop a sense of community.

Warren County has 19 community clubs for 4th through 12th graders that are based around the county and meet 10 – 12 times a year. There are 2 CloverKid groups that meeting in Indianola and Carlisle for the K-3rd graders.

Special interest/day camps settings are usually a short time frame that is planned around specific topic. Babysitting Clinic has been taught in Indianola and Norwalk. Members of this group will learn about the basics of babysitting and what to expect. They gain skills and knowledge concerning child development and safety. Day camps have been offered with funding from DCAT for two years. One day events have been offered in Carlisle, Milo, New Virginia, Martensdale for children K-6th. All the camps are planed around a topic with hands on activities to help the children learn by doing.

Research has shown children that have had a preschool experience in a quality setting will do better as they start school. With funds made available from the Warren County Empowerment Board, low income families are offered scholarships to help pay preschool tuition. Preschool teachers also have access to staff that coach them to improve their early childhood learning environment to meet the Quality Preschool Program Standard and Quality Rating System requirements. __# children were able to attend preschool in the __# cooperating settings. Three hundred fifty preschool children were given a summer activity backpack to keep learning with their parents over the summer months to sharpen their skills for Kindergarten. Parenting classes were made available to learn more about the development of their preschool child. CPR/First Aid classes were offered to parents they are better prepared for emergencies with their child. The preschooler’s mental well being was assessed through a parent survey to make sure the children were ready for the transition to school. All these activities are planned to make sure that the children have the best start they can for school and the parents are prepared to support the children in learning.