Clover Nation Participation welcomes public, private and homeschool students
There’s a new group in Bossier Parish that’s taking the town by storm.
The Clover Nation Participation is a newly organized 4-H club that welcomes public, private and homeschool students, a first of its kind in Bossier Parish.
Kristena Wroblewski, leader of the Members-at-Large group, said the group was developed to meet the needs of more students interested in being part of a 4-H program.
“We are opening to door so everyone will have a chance to participate in a 4-H program,” she said. “If you want to be active, I can get you involved. It all depends on what the student wants to do.”
Because the group does not meet during school hours, Wroblewski said they are able to include more students without sacrificing another school activity.
“Our club setting won’t keep you from participating in multiple school teams and clubs,” she said. “We accommodate our students whether it’s with meeting times, locations or their individual needs.”
That flexibility, Wroblewski said, is what the group was founded on. 4-H members participate in fun, hands-on activities that promote a sense of belonging in a group of peers.
Wroblewski said 4-H members also gain life skills that will help them become productive members of the community.
“We are teaching the things kids need to be enriched in, but we’re having fun doing it,” she said.
One misconception Wroblewski hopes to overcome is the fact that 4-H is more than showing livestock. Other activities include photography, fashion, robotics, woodworking, aerospace, citizenship and healthy living.
During the year, 4-H members compete in shows and contests, build birdhouses, host fundraisers and put on a talent show. 4-H members can also qualify to compete at the state, regional or national levels and also attend state and national conference events.
However, a major component is working in the community with various service projects. Members of the Clover Nation Participation are currently seeking donations of boxed macaroni and cheese for the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank as well as packages of ink pens, markers and paperclips for Teen Challenge. Wroblewski invites the public to make donations to these causes as well, adding a Monday, Nov. 19, deadline.
In the future, Wroblewski hopes to see the group grow in numbers and for the group to continue to give back to the community.
“I would like to see them go as far as they can to achieve their goals,” she said. “4-H really does bring out the best traits in every child.”
The Clover Nation Participation will meet on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City. 4-H is open to boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 19, grades 4 through 12.
For more information or to make a donation, contact Kristena Wroblewski at 318-210-7158 or (318) 746-1319. The cost to join the Clover Nation Participation 4-H group is $10.
