As a 4-H volunteer, you can incorporate simple actions to build belonging. Try out some of these ideas the next time you are working with club members or a group of youth: Know each young person’s name and call them by it. “Hi, Maria! Glad you’re here today!” Use icebreakers and team-building activities. These short activities […]
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Maine 4-H is now accepting registrations for the spring 2026 Agriculture Ambassadors cohort! The program is designed for youth ages 14-18 who are interested in any aspect of agriculture. Youth spend time getting to know each other and learn both online and in-person in sessions facilitated by UMaine 4-H Staff and community partners. Sessions will […]
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The UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Greenland Point are each offering Early College programs in conjunction with the University of Maine Division of Lifelong Learning. KPE 265 is a 3-credit course focused on skills in outdoor recreation. This is an introductory course in outdoor and adventure activities, forming the foundation of […]
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Date: March 25, 2026 Where: Augusta, Maine – State Legislature Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Registration Deadline: March 14, 2026 – First come, first serve Registered 4-Hers age 13 or older are encouraged to serve as Honorary Pages in the Maine House or the Senate on Youth Agriculture Policy Day, March 25th, 2026. The […]
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The 2026 Eastern States (ESE) Horse Intent Form is now live and online. The form is to indicate your interest in participating in the Eastern States Team Tryout event this summer, which will be on July 31- Aug 1st, 2026,at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds. The event this year will offer an overnight opportunity for youth to qualify and […]
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Looking to take your Maine 4-H Experience to a new level? Check out the summer programs at your UMaine 4-H Camps! Opportunities for living in community, making new friends, building a sense of belonging, and honing your skills in a whole variety of program options, such as outdoor skills, shooting sports, STEM, creative arts, ecology, […]
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The Maine Science Festival will be held March 25-29 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. This FREE event includes a Field Trip Day for 7th- 8th graders, a Teen Tech Night, and Exploration Stations that include demonstrations and hands-on activities involving the sciences. Be sure to put it on your calendar because it really is a fun […]
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The 2026 Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form is now available online and must be submitted by April 17th, 2026. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Sheep Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September (including teen leads). The Eastern States Exhibition (Big E) […]
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Emily Bishop, 4-H Community Education Assistant for Penobscot County, shares her experience: Each fall, teens from across the country get selected as state delegates to gather in Atlanta, Georgia, for National 4‑H Congress. This year, I had the privilege of chaperoning four Maine delegates, and I’d like to share what the experience was like for […]
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Why Belonging Matters Young people thrive when they feel safe, accepted, and valued. Belonging gives them the confidence to try new things, take healthy risks, and grow. All youth need to feel included a meaningful way. When youth feel like they belong, it can help reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression by providing supportive […]
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