{"id":6933,"date":"2018-11-06T10:12:05","date_gmt":"2018-11-06T15:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/bryantpond\/?page_id=6933"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:25:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T13:25:02","slug":"northstar","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/bryantpond\/northstar\/","title":{"rendered":"NorthStar 4-H Youth Mentoring Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"participants<\/p>\n

NorthStar 4-H Youth Mentoring<\/strong>\u00a0is a free program of the University of Maine Bryant Pond 4-H Center serving students at Telstar Middle\/High School in SAD 44 and in the Oxford Hills School District (MSAD 17). Since 2017, NorthStar staff have worked closely with local schools and communities to support students both in and out of school through after-school programs, mentoring, and outdoor adventure opportunities. In 2024, the program expanded into MSAD 17, bringing NorthStar\u2019s mentoring and experiential programming to even more youth in the Oxford Hills region.<\/p>\n

At its core, NorthStar aims to expand students\u2019 horizons, aspirations, and resilience. We believe that all young people thrive when supported by a community of caring adults and given opportunities to explore the world, try new things, and give back to their communities.<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: Northstar in Action! <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/a>Goals:<\/h3>\n
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  1. \"mentorExpand students’ horizons and build confidence through civic engagement, community service, and outdoor experiences.<\/li>\n
  2. Increase self-resilience and foster the determination to succeed.<\/li>\n
  3. Expand individual leadership and community-building skills.<\/li>\n
  4. Raise aspirations and help to set career or college goals, supporting students and families as needs arise.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Participants continually engage with caring adult mentors; including the NorthStar Coordinator\u00a0Lyndsey Smith<\/a>, volunteer mentors, parents, school staff members, business owners, and community leaders. The Bethel Area Nonprofit Collaborative is an important\u00a0NorthStar\u00a0<\/span><\/i>partner helping connect the program to other\u00a0local organizations and groups.<\/p>\n

    NorthStar<\/span><\/i> has been designed around the the youth programming principles developed by <\/span>Trekkers, Inc.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Community Supporters<\/h3>\n\n\t\t