[Lexington, KY] – The MetLife Foundation and National 4-H Council have awarded Kentucky 4-H a $10,000 grant to improve the state’s after-school programming. The grant will provide the funding to deliver cutting-edge training to 500 after-school providers. Grants of this kind will be awarded to 11 states throughout the nation, reaching over 5,500 after-school providers.

The new training will allow 4-H Afterschool providers to increase the number of youth engaged in high-quality after-school programs, infuse civic engagement into their daily activities, give young people more opportunities to develop their leadership skills, and help them to play positive roles in their own communities.

Kentucky afterschool sites interested in participating in or hosting a local training opportunity can contact: Deana K. Reed, Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development, 859-257-5961 or via e-mail deana.k.reed@uky.edu. Trainings can be accredited for school age staff through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care office. Training sessions offer interactive, hands-on opportunities for learning and sharing and are provided at a minimal cost.

“4-H Afterschool programs are an important part of young people’s lives,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., National 4-H Council President and CEO. “By offering crucial training and resources to our 4-H Afterschool providers, we can create a safe, nurturing environment for young people to come together, engage with their communities, and become confident, capable leaders. We are honored to partner with MetLife Foundation on this exciting initiative.”

“MetLife Foundation shares 4-H’s commitment to increasing after-school and civic engagement opportunities for young people,” said Dennis White, MetLife Foundation President. “We are proud to join the 4-H Movement to help 4-H expand their after-school training and give America’s youth a positive place to grow and learn.”

MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife in 1976 to carry on its longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants support health, education, civic, and cultural programs. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of National 4-H Headquarters (USDA). The 4-H programs are implemented by the 106 Land-Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about4-H at www.4-H.org.

Contact: Deana K. Reed, Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development, deana.k.reed@uky.edu, 859-257-5961

If your 6, 7, or 8 year old is ready for an overnight 4-H camping experience then Camp Cloverbud may be the place to start! Camp Cloverbud is specifically designed for campers (and parents!) who are not yet ready for a full week of a residential camping experience. The length of stay is shorter (2 nights and 3 days) and the staff to camper ratio is greater.

Campers still participate in all the traditional camp activities offered at 4-H camp including canoeing, swimming, archery, nature, and recreation, as well as a host of fun nighttime activities. Camp Cloverbud will be held July 16-18, 2009 at North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle, Kentucky. The cost of the camp includes meals, lodging, staff, supplies, and a t-shirt, counties may or may not provide transportation to and from the campsite. The total cost of the camp is determined by individual counties, so contact your local 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for county specific registration information and fees.

Camp Cloverbud is a great way for young campers to enjoy the fun and camaraderie of summer camp as they experience their first “sleepaway camp”. Staff and leaders are on board and will take great care to create a caring, safe, and fun atmosphere. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. For more information on Camp Cloverbud and other 4-H activities contact your county cooperative extension office. Links to every county cooperative extension service office can be located on our website at: www.kentucky4h.org.