New 4-H club focused on conservation careers open to teens in Washington County

Washington County, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H and Maine Coast Heritage Trust are partnering to offer teens in Washington County a year-round opportunity to explore conservation career fields, build relationships with industry professionals, focus on aspirations and foster a connection to place.

This 4-H club is designed for youth ages 14-17 who are interested in exploring conservation-related careers. Youth will gain real-life experience to make informed decisions about their future and insights to help guide post-secondary pursuits. The 4-H club will meet monthly alternating between meetings and (school-approved) day-long site visits with local partner organizations. Washington County is a unique area that is home to over a dozen conservation-focused organizations and businesses that will provide career-ready opportunities such as job shadowing, panel discussions and mock interviews. The program also includes a group community service project and an adventure-based experience, chosen by the club members using consensus-based decision making to help foster respect, empathy and personal empowerment.

To register for this club visit the program webpage or contact Washington County Cooperative Extension at 207.255.3345.

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and help grow the food-based economy. Extension also leads Maine’s 4-H program, the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in the state. 4-H programs are grounded in the belief that kids learn best by doing and are developed to fit a variety of backgrounds, interests, budgets and schedules. Participants complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.