Planting flowers, making bug catchers and learning about the local ecosystem in southeast Michigan kept 22 local youngsters busy during a day of fun activities at the fourth annual Washtenaw County 4-H Cloverbud Summer Camp in Lodi Township Tuesday.

Cloverbud 4-H camp was inspired by a similar camp in Bay County and teaches children ages 5 to 8 important values such as gardening, healthy eating, exercise and self confidence for four days at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds.

"Every year we pick a new theme, and each day we have corresponding activities," said Andrew Milkey of Dexter, one of the camp's many teen counselors. "We try to give the kids a fun few days away from their parents."

On Tuesday, children were treated to a nature presentation with Naturalist Faye Stoner of the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Department.

"We learned about frogs and turtles and other animals that live in the county," Elaine Feldkamp, Washtenaw County 4-H program assistant said. "The kids really get a kick out of seeing live animals up close."

Other activities included designing bug jars and rain gauges, and planting flowers around the grounds as part of a community service project.

Zoe Nowak of Dexter has attended the camp for three years and said she enjoys making friends.

"All of the projects are a lot of fun," she said. "You learn mostly about farming and food."

Max Nowak of Dexter said although he was too old to participate in the camp this year, he signed up to be a camp counselor because "it's fun."

"I really like working with some of the younger kids," he said. "4-H isn’t just being in a club, it has meaning and reason, and takes you further than a sport. 4-H teaches you life lessons."