{"id":15730,"date":"2014-06-16T15:23:23","date_gmt":"2014-06-16T19:23:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/?page_id=15730"},"modified":"2026-03-02T15:56:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T20:56:51","slug":"ways-to-participate","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/cumberland\/4h\/ways-to-participate\/","title":{"rendered":"Ways to Participate in 4-H"},"content":{"rendered":"

Join a 4-H Club
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\"4-H<\/p>\n

<\/b>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.<\/p>\n

Click here to learn more about our 15+ 4-H Clubs in Cumberland County<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

Pursue 4-H Independent Membership<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Try 4-H Special Interest or Short Term Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n