4-H in Androscoggin & Sagadahoc Counties
What is 4-H | How to Get Involved | Learn More | Enroll Today
What is 4-H?
4-H is the youth development education program of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Youth, ages 5 to 18, work on the four values of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health through fun “learning by doing” activities and projects.
Youth become involved in 4-H educational programs through:
- 4-H clubs or independent membership
- School enrichment programs
- Short Term Special Interest (SPIN) Clubs
- 4-H Camps and Learning Centers
We offer a variety of 4-H curricula for community clubs, schools, after-school settings, and other positive youth development organizations.
How to Get Involved
4-H Clubs
A 4-H club is comprised of youth members, led by an adult volunteer, with a planned program that is carried on throughout all or most of the year. 4-H Clubs may meet in any location and typically have elected youth officers and a set of rules approved by the membership to govern the club. Clubs can focus on any topic ranging from raising animals to building robots and everything in between.
4-H Clubs are eligible to participate in any county, state, and nationwide 4-H events throughout the year including but not limited to Public Speaking, Maine 4-H Days, county fairs, and more!
Special Interest/Short-Term Programs
We regularly offer SPIN (SPecial INterest) clubs and projects. These short-term programs are led by staff and/or volunteers and are designed for youth to learn a selected topic or skill of interest. These groups meet for a specific amount of time (usually 4-6 times) and topics vary according to the volunteer or staff’s expertise.
Topics may include but are not limited to: the natural world, leadership development, science and technology, photography, gardening, shooting sports, and more! These clubs are becoming increasingly popular as they tend to accommodate busy family schedules and target youth interests.
You are not necessarily required to join 4-H as a full member to participate in these short-term programs, although full membership makes you eligible to participate in any county, state, and nationwide 4-H events throughout the year.
These special interest programs can be held in locations such as but not limited to afterschool programs, community centers, area organizations, and the Extension Office.
Virtual Learning Hub
Maine 4-H Virtual Learning is a hands-on, virtual learning program for youth ages 5-18. Workshops will be organized by age and topic. Topics include engineering, science, animals and agriculture, teen leadership, and more.
Workshops range from single-time events to SPIN programs (typically four to six sessions). Participants will engage in hands-on activities, and interact with other 4-Hers and positive adult role models.
No prior experience with 4-H is required to participate. This is a great way for those who are interested to learn more about 4-H.
Independent 4-H Membership
Independent 4-H members are typically working on a 4-H project at home, at school, or after school. They are mentored by parents and/or a 4-H Volunteer. This option offers flexibility and independence since youth are not required to meet in a club setting. Independents are eligible to participate in any county, state, and nationwide 4-H events throughout the year as listed above.
Independent membership is a great choice for youth who do not have the option to join a club (due to distance, interest, etc.) but who still want to complete a 4-H project and participate in county and statewide 4-H events and programs. See more details below.
Camp and Learning Centers
There are four 4-H Camp & Learning Centers in Maine: Bryant Pond, Tanglewood, Blueberry Cove, and Greenland Point. You do not need to be enrolled in 4-H to attend camp, but scholarships are available for enrolled 4-H youth to attend camp in the summer!
Volunteer
If you are an adult interested in sharing your passion for a topic or skill, consider volunteering with 4-H!
For more information about local 4-H volunteer opportunities please contact the Androscoggin & Sagadahoc Counties Cooperative Extension Office at 207.353.5550 or by email at extension.andsag@maine.edu.
Learn More
To receive our monthly newsletter or for more information about the UMaine Extension 4-H Program in Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties, please contact us at 207.353.5550 or 800.287.1458 (in Maine) or email extension.andsag@maine.edu.
You can also connect with us on Facebook!
Enroll Today
Contact our office today to enroll as a 4-H Member or Volunteer!
Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H Forms:
Contact the office for documents to help with starting a 4-H Club, planning your 4-H year, and more!
Independent 4-H Membership
Being an Independent 4-H member in Maine means you are a full-fledged member in the 4-H program, even without a formal club affiliation. This flexible option is perfect if there isn’t a club nearby, you have unique interests, or you prefer a self-directed learning approach.
You will work on projects with guidance from a parent, guardian, or an approved adult advisor, and directly with the county office. Independent members have access to all 4-H activities, events and opportunities they qualify for.
Contact the office today for more details and enrollment information. Requirements include:
- Enroll with your local Extension office as an independent member each year.
- Send a Plan of Work to the office with specific goals and objectives for each year.
- Send at least four (4) Quarterly Reports to the office each year.
Independent 4-H Member Forms
- Contact the office for current Androscoggin/Sagadahoc Independent 4-H Member documents and guidelines.