Ways to Participate in 4-H

Join a 4-H Club

4-H logo

Members of an organized group of youth, led by an adult, 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 officers and a set of rules approved by the membership to govern the club. Standard 4-H clubs involve youth ages 9-18 and focus on in-depth learning of one or more projects. 4-H Cloverbud clubs provide youth ages 5-8 with an introduction to 4-H in a non-competitive environment. Clubs may meet in the community, on military installations, or in after-school programs.

Click here to learn more about our 15+ 4-H Clubs in Cumberland County

Pursue 4-H Independent Membership

Planned learning occurs independent of a formal group setting, such as a club, as an individual, paired, or family learning effort. Activities are self-directed, usually with limited adult involvement except for parents (or mentor). Independent members are expected to complete specific requirements and are encouraged to participate in county, state, and national events.

Try 4-H Special Interest or Short Term Programs

Groups of youth meet for a specific learning experience that involves direct teaching by UMaine Extension staff or trained volunteers. Examples include a three-week babysitting course or a program such as Kids Can Grow.

Experience 4-H School & Community Enrichment Programs

Groups of youth engage in learning experiences in cooperation with school staff during school hours to support the school curriculum. Other options include working with libraries and other community organizations to offer programming. It can involvedirect teaching by Extension staff or trained volunteers, including teachers. An example might be a volunteer visiting a school to present a special program on science to youth during classroom hours and promoting 4-H while doing so.

Participate in 4-H Afterschool

Educational programs outside of school hours, usually in a school or other community center, and incorporating the 4-H curriculum. The primary purpose is to engage afterschool staff and youth in hands-on, experiential learning.

Attend 4-H Camps and Learning Centers

There are three outdoor camp and learning sites, all offering year-round Extension-led programs for youth, schools, and families. Blueberry Cove, located along the seashore, Bryant Pond, located in the western Maine mountains, and Tanglewood, located deep in the coastal woods. All three sites connect youth to the outdoors through fun, hands-on, and educational experiences.