Ages 9 – 11
Explore all workshops open to youth ages 9 – 11
4-H Summer Learning 2025 Kickoff
- Monday, July 7 at 4:00 pm or Thursday July 10 at 10:00 am
- Open to all youth ages 9 and up
- Maximum 30 attendees
Welcome to the exciting kickoff session of our 4-H Summer Learning 2025! This first gathering is all about setting the stage for a fun, engaging, and successful summer of learning together-virtually. Whether you’re new to Zoom or a seasoned pro, we’ll help you become a confident 4-H Summer Learning participant.
We will get to know each other: Meet fellow 4-H members you’ll see throughout the summer. Share a bit about yourself and discover fun facts about others.
We will use interactive breakout rooms: Join small groups to answer fun icebreaker questions and connect more personally.
Join us to kick off your 4-H Summer Learning adventure with energy, new friends, and skills that will make this summer unforgettable! Register by June 30.
Aquaculture Engineers
- July 7, 9, and 11
- 10:00 – 11:15 am
- Open to all youth ages 9 and up
- Maximum 10 screens (for families with multiple youth who will be attending, please only sign up one youth for this session, and when the confirmation email is sent out, let us know any additional participants)
Join us to become an AQUA-ENGINEER! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use recycled materials to design and build your own aquatic farming systems for oysters, fish, and even seaweed. Along the way, you’ll explore the science of aquaculture, discover how engineers solve real-world challenges, and learn how sustainable seafood is grown. Perfect for budding scientists, tinkerers, and problem-solvers ages 9 and up—get ready to dive into the world of aquaculture innovation! Register by June 23.
Dissect and Detect: Nature’s Mysteries Revealed
- Thursdays, July 10, 17, 24, & 31
- 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Open to all Maine youth ages 9 & up
- Maximum 15 attendees
Get ready to dive into the hidden world of nature! In this hands-on virtual workshop for ages 9 and up, you’ll explore the amazing structures and secrets of life by dissecting owl pellets, squid, and flowers — all from your own home. We’ll send you everything you need, including supplies for fun crafts that connect art and science. Along the way, you’ll use real scientific tools, make observations like a biologist, ask creative questions like an engineer, and share discoveries like an artist. Join us for an exciting STEAM adventure where you’ll dissect, detect, and uncover the mysteries of how living things are built! Register by June 30.
DIY Tranquility Toolkit: Create Your Own Zen
- Wednesday, August 6
- 10:00 – 10:45 am
- Open to all youth ages 9 – 11
- Maximum 20 attendees
Join us for a fun and creative workshop where kids will learn how to make their own spa and relaxation kit! In this hands-on session, kids will craft homemade bath salts with soothing scents, design a mini zen garden for relaxation, and create a special “Happy List” to remind them of the little things that bring them joy. Along the way, we’ll explore simple self-care tips and ways to spread kindness to others. This workshop is about relaxation, creativity, and feeling good inside and out! Register by July 23.
High Water, High Hopes: Building Flood Resilient Communities
- Wednesdays July 16, 20, & 30
- 10:30 am – Noon
- Open to all Maine youth ages 9 and up
- Maximum 15 attendees
Storms are getting stronger, seas are rising, and floods are becoming more common. But what does that actually mean for your town, your school, or your favorite places to hang out? That’s what you’ll investigate in this series with our partners from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute!
In these workshops, you’ll team up with scientists and educators to explore how climate-related flooding could affect communities across Maine—and more importantly, what we can do about it.
As part of the team, you will:
- Map it out: Identify places in your community that matter to you and could be at risk of flooding.
- Be a community scientist: Work alongside real scientists to track flood impacts and help improve flood predictions.
- Explore solutions: Explore creative strategies that help communities become more resilient to flooding.
This workshop is open to ages 9+, but youth on the younger end of this range may benefit from extra adult support at home during the sessions. Register by June 30.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
- Tuesday, July 15, 1:00 – 2:00 pm, or Thursday, July 17, 10:00 – 11:00 am, or 1:00 – 2:00 pm
- Open to all youth
- Maximum 15 attendees
This activity will discuss the basics of what plants and bugs need to grow and reproduce. We’ll be growing a “friend” and starting a bug collection with lessons from the Junior Master Gardener curriculum. Register by July 2.
In Stitches: Working with Thread
- Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, and Friday, July 25
- 1:00 – 2:30 pm
- Open to Maine youth ages 9 and up
- Maximum 12 attendees
Get ready to get In Stitches! This fun and hands-on virtual workshop series is perfect for youth ages 9 and up who want to explore the colorful world of thread arts. Over four exciting Zoom sessions, we’ll dive into hand-sewing, cross-stitching, embroidery, and friendship bracelet making—no experience needed! All materials will be sent to you ahead of time, so all you need to bring is your creativity and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re stitching your first masterpiece or adding flair to your craft skills, you’ll be amazed at what you can make with just a needle, some thread, and your imagination! Register by June 25.
Solve the Mystery of Plastic Pollution
- Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29, & August 5
- 10:00 – 11:00 am
- Open to all youth ages 9 and up
- Maximum 15 attendees
Hey, future Plastic Detective! Did you know plastic is everywhere—your toys, your lunchbox, even your clothes? But where does it come from? And what happens to it when we’re done with it? Join us for an exciting series of 5 workshops where YOU get to uncover the secrets of plastic pollution. We will do hands-on experiments with different types of plastics, go on a hunt for microplastics and learn how we can each make a difference with small changes. Get ready to explore, experiment, and become a champion for cleaner oceans and a healthier planet. Register by June 27.
Sourdough Squad: From Starter to Snack
- Mondays, July 14 & 21
- 10:00 – 11:00 am
- Open to Enrolled Maine 4-H youth ages 6 – 18
- Maximum 10 attendees
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and join the Sourdough Squad! In just two fun-filled sessions, you’ll explore the tasty world of sourdough baking—from bubbly starters to golden loaves and crunchy snacks.
Session 1: Say hello to your new kitchen sidekick—your sourdough starter! Learn how to mix it, feed it, and keep it alive (yep, it’s alive!). We’ll also dig into the fascinating history of sourdough and why it’s been loved for centuries.
🧡 Between sessions: Your starter will need a little love each day! Plan to check in with it daily—just like feeding a pet—to keep it active and ready for baking.
Session 2: Time to bake! You’ll shape and bake your own loaf of sourdough bread and then use your extra starter (called “discard”) to make a delicious snack like crackers or granola bars.
For ages 6–18 who can follow instructions and enjoy hands-on kitchen fun. You’ll leave with skills to keep baking at home—and maybe even impress your family with your sourdough know-how! Register by July 2.
The Symbols of Maine: A 4-H Watercolor Adventure
- July 28, 29, & 30
- 12:00 – 1:15 pm
- Open to Maine youth ages 9 and up
- Maximum 10 attendees
The great state of Maine holds so much beauty! From our mountains to the sea, nature in Maine calls to artists from all over the world. Spend some time this summer practicing your watercolor skills and embracing the call to create Maine-inspired artwork. Learn to paint some recognizable symbols – a chickadee, white pinecone, wild blueberries, and honeybee – in this relaxing workshop. Register by July 4.
UMaine Virtual Touch Tank
- Wednesday, August 6
- 10:00 – 11:00 am
- Open to youth of all ages
- Maximum 12 attendees
Dive into the wonders of marine life—right from your home! In this interactive virtual workshop, participants will get an up-close look at fascinating sea creatures like sea stars, hermit crabs, urchins, and more, all from a live touch tank. Guided by a marine educator, you’ll explore how these animals live, what they eat, and how they interact with their environment. With live video, fun facts, and Q&A sessions, it’s the perfect blend of science and discovery for curious minds of all ages. Register by July 25.