Wapello County-Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

09/01/2026

CLUB REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! 📣

Registration for our Clubs is officially OPEN! 🎉

Before you begin, please be prepared to complete ALL 3 STEPS of the registration process. You will NOT be added to the club list until all three steps have been completed.

The good news? Once you finish each step, you will automatically be directed to the next step—so just keep following the prompts!

The 3-Step Process

1️⃣ Complete the club registration form
2️⃣ Complete payment
3️⃣ Complete 4-H Online enrollment

IMPORTANT: The final step is 4-H Online. You must complete each screen and click SUBMIT at the end. Simply starting or partially completing 4-H Online does not complete your registration.

CLUBS

Clover Kids Afterschool-Grades K–3
👉 https://www.extension.iastate.edu/wapello/clover-kids

🖤 Cardinal Clover Crew-Grades 4–12
👉 https://www.extension.iastate.edu/wapello/youth-programs (click black clover)

💚 **Afterschool Adventures-Grades 4–7
👉 https://www.extension.iastate.edu/wapello/youth-programs (click green clover)

Prefer a Traditional 4-H Club? One that is not held at the school?

That's an option too! If a Afterschool Club isn't your thing, you can enroll in one of our traditional 4-H clubs.

👉 4-H Online: https://v2.4honline.com

We’re excited to kick off another great year of 4-H! 💚

Remember: Complete all 3 steps to officially be enrolled!

08/31/2026

Caring for a family member or friend? Don't forget to care for yourself. ❤️

Join Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a virtual 6-week series that provides practical skills to help caregivers reduce stress, communicate effectively, make difficult decisions, solve problems, and build confidence in their caregiving role.

📅 Thursdays, Oct. 15 - Nov. 19, 2026
🕛 Noon - 1:30 p.m.
💻 Virtual

✅ Residents of all counties are welcome.

💰 Cost: Thanks to sponsorship from the Extension Councils of Davis, Jefferson, Van Buren, and Wapello Counties, the program is free for residents of those counties. Caregivers of Iowa cancer survivors may also attend at no cost, regardless of county of residence, thanks to funding from the Iowa Cancer Consortium. A $60 registration fee applies to participants from other counties who do not qualify for Iowa Cancer Consortium funding.

⏰ Registration deadline: Oct. 6, 2026

For more information or to register:
📞 Jennifer Plowman | 319-293-3039
📧 [email protected]

07/07/2026

Japanese beetles will appear soon. Remove early arrivals, as both their leaf damage and their mating release scents that attract more beetles to your yard. In the early morning and evening, the beetles slow down and are easier to knock into a container of soapy water. Place the container under the beetle, wave your hand over it, and it will drop into the water. If the beetle has white spots on it, leave it be. It has been parasitized by the winsome fly. The eggs will hatch, and the larvae will kill the beetle, then produce more flies to control the beetles the following year. For more info: https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2026/07/japanese-beetle-first-sighting-of-year.html

07/01/2026

It's hot out there, folks. ☀️ These high temperatures not only put added stress on people, but plants too.

This newly planted maple tree, for example, is showing signs of drought stress.

Our consumer Horticulture extension specialist Aaron Steil offers a few tips to keep your landscape healthy during hot summer conditions.

Learn more (and stay cool!) 👉 https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/iowa-state-university-extension-and-outreach-offers-advice-helping-gardens-survive-summer-heat

Iowa State Extension Yard and Garden, Iowa Master Gardeners

06/09/2026

Build it. Test it. Balance it.

Get ready for a day of STEM exploration where youth will take on hands-on challenges, conduct experiments, and discover the science behind balance. From engineering and design to movement and motion, campers will put their problem-solving skills to the test while having fun along the way.

If your child enjoys building, creating, experimenting, and figuring out how things work, this camp is for them.

Date: June 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Location: Wapello County Extension
Cost: $30

Register today: https://go.iastate.edu/D5HVSB

Payment is due at registration. Credit card required. No refunds unless the camp is canceled. Grade based on the 2025–2026 school year.

06/08/2026

One day could spark a lifetime of confidence.

Looking for a way to help your child build confidence, learn responsibility, and gain real-world skills this summer?

The Ultimate Babysitter Bootcamp is more than just a babysitting class. Youth will learn essential safety skills, basic childcare, age-appropriate activities, emergency response, and what it takes to become a responsible and trusted babysitter.

Whether they're planning to babysit for family, neighbors, or start earning their own money, this camp provides valuable skills they'll use for years to come.

Date: June 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Location: Wapello County Extension
Cost: $30

Spots are limited. Register today: https://go.iastate.edu/D5HVSB

Payment is due at registration. Credit card required. No refunds unless the camp is canceled. Grade based on the 2025–2026 school year.

06/04/2026

Join our team! Our Clover Kid Program Assistant position is still open.
It closes August 1.

Now Hiring: Clover Kids Assistant

Looking for a part-time job that fits into your schedule? Love working with kids and making a difference? Join our team as a Clover Kids Assistant with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

$13.00/hour
Up to 35 hours per month
No weekends
Afternoon to early evening hours

Position begins in October 2026 and ends May 2027

This is a great opportunity for someone looking for just a few hours each week.

As a Clover Kids Assistant, you’ll help support fun and engaging youth programming by assisting with activities, serving snacks, supervising recreation, and helping create a positive learning environment for children.

We’re looking for someone who is dependable, organized, enjoys working with children, works well with others, and can work independently.

Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Experience assisting with youth group activities

preferred:
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

For directions on how to apply, visit:
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/wapello/jobs

06/03/2026

Ready to learn how to safely preserve your favorite foods?

Join us on September 26 for The Great Food Preservation Workshop. Spend the day learning food preservation safety, choosing a hands-on preservation method, making products to take home, and connecting with others who share your interest in preserving food.

Whether you're new to canning and food preservation or have years of experience, there's something for everyone.

Registration deadline is September 16, and space is limited.

For more information & to register go to: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/wapello/family-food

06/02/2026

Caregiving is one of the most important and challenging roles there is.

We want to make sure caregivers have the tools, support, and resources they truly need.

Take a few minutes to share your voice in our survey.
Your input will help shape future caregiver programs.

Take the survey today: https://go.iastate.edu/L6XFOK

05/26/2026

DAY CAMP REGISTRATION IS IN FULL SWING!

Camps are filling quickly, but we still have openings in the following camps. If your child is interested, don't wait—register today!

Register here: https://go.iastate.edu/D5HVSB

Nature in the Night (Grades 3-6)
When the sun goes down, the adventure begins! Explore nighttime animals, help prepare dinner, and enjoy a campfire after an evening of outdoor fun.
Date: June 9, 2026
Time: 2:30–9:00 PM
Cost: $30

The Ultimate Babysitter Bootcamp (Grades 3-6)
Build confidence, learn responsibility, and gain essential safety and childcare skills.
Date: June 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Cost: $30

All About Balance (Grades K-2)
Discover how balance impacts movement, design, and the world around us through hands-on STEM activities.
Date: June 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Cost: $30

Creative Sparks Art Camp (Grades 3-6)
Explore pottery, painting, tie-dye, and more in a day filled with creativity and imagination.
Date: July 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Cost: $30

Sweet Skills Camp (Grades 3-6)
Learn baking and decorating skills while creating delicious treats to take home.
Date: July 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Cost: $30

Farmer for the Day (Grades K-2)
Visit working farms, meet animals, and experience a day in the life of a farmer.
Date: July 29, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Cost: $30

Day at the Iowa State Fair (Grades 3-6)
One of our most popular trips! Enjoy exhibits, shows, animals, and a full day of fair fun.
Date: August 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Cost: $75

Day at the Iowa State Fair (Grades K-2)
A second opportunity to experience the Iowa State Fair with exhibits, animals, and hands-on learning.
Date: August 19, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Cost: $75

All camps are held at or depart from the Wapello County Extension Office unless otherwise noted.

Spots are limited and camps are filling fast. Register today to secure your child's spot!