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 “learning by doing”: through hand-on and community-based activities and projects.
4-H programming is diverse. Offerings include activities in the areas of agriculture, science (STEM), healthy living, leadership development, and civic engagement.
4-H focuses on positive and sustained relationships between youth and adults, activities building essential life skills, and opportunities for youth to use these skills as participants and leaders in valued community activities.
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 and materials for use by members 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 out 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, led by staff and/or volunteers, support youth learning a selected topic or skill of interest. SPIN clubs meet for a specific amount of time (usually 4-6 sessions). Topics vary according to the volunteer or staff’s expertise.
Past topics include: the natural world, leadership development, STEM, photography, gardening, and more! These clubs are becoming increasingly popular as they tend to accommodate busy family schedules and target youth interests.
Full 4-H membership is not required to participate in these short-term programs, although full membership provides eligiblity 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 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 are 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 with the support of parents/guardian and/or a 4-H Volunteer. This option offers flexibility and independence, while Independent members 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. Camp is open to all youth. Local scholarships are available for enrolled 4-H members to attend.
Volunteer
If interested in sharing your passion for a topic or skill, consider volunteering with 4-H! From occasional to short or long-term role, there are opportunities to fill all levels of availability.
For more information, contact the 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 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.