Little Chefs, Big Dreams: North Bend 4-H Cloverbuds Cook Up Confidence and Community Spirit
By Autumn Gavlock
NORTH BEND — There’s something truly special simmering in the kitchens of North Bend, and it’s not just cookies or casseroles. On May 6th, the North Bend 4-H Cloverbuds proudly wrapped up their first project of the year: Cloverbud Cooking Book A. From measuring flour to learning how to safely use a stovetop, these young aspiring chefs are serving up more than just meals, they’re building confidence, creativity, and community.
“It’s been so much fun to see the kids start cooking on their own,” said Midge Kramer, Program Director of the North Bend 4-H Club. “They’re learning real skills that they can use every day, and more importantly, they’re having a blast doing it.”
Under the warm and watchful guidance of project leader Brittany Nelen and a team of dedicated volunteers, the Cloverbuds have learned the fundamentals of kitchen safety, teamwork, and how to prepare simple dishes. What makes the project even more meaningful is the way these lessons have extended beyond club meetings. “The kids have been working on their cooking projects at home, often cooking for friends and family,” Kramer added. “That’s what 4-H is all about learning by doing, and sharing what you learn with others.”
But the learning doesn’t stop there. With summer just around the corner, the Cloverbuds are eagerly preparing for their first-ever summer camp experience at the end of June. This year, the North Bend 4-H Club is embracing science and service through a hands-on STEM initiative called Food for Thought, the 2024 National 4-H STEM Challenge.
Developed in collaboration with 4-H educators from LSU AgCenter, North Dakota State University, Penn State Extension, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the program focuses on food security and challenges youth to think critically about global and local food systems. The project aims to empower young people to co-create more food-secure communities, a mission that resonates deeply in a close-knit town like Renovo.
“I’m so excited to see how the kids come up with different ways to help their community,” Kramer said, her enthusiasm unmistakable. The Cloverbuds have already demonstrated their ability to create something special in the kitchen, and now they are learning how to play a role in building a more food-secure future.
From aprons to experiments, the North Bend 4-H Cloverbuds are proving that when you mix curiosity with care, you can make a world of difference. One meal, one project, and one young heart at a time.
If you or your child are interested in joining the fun or learning more about volunteering with the North Bend 4-H and Cloverbud program, Midge Kramer is happy to provide more information. A heartfelt thank you goes out to these inspiring, community-minded young people and their dedicated advisors. Your efforts are making a lasting difference in Renovo and beyond.
