Hancock County 4-H Youth Development
What is 4-H? | How to Get Involved | Programs | Sign Up Now
What is 4-H?
4-H is the positive youth development education program of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. 4-H is the largest youth organization in the world! Youth ages 5-18 can join, and you do not have to own an animal or raise livestock to be a member of 4-H. 4-H programming is diverse and offerings include activities in the areas of agriculture, science (STEM), healthy living, and civic engagement.
Hancock County 4-H is focused on educating and empowering youth through hands-on and community-based experiences, with self-directed learning and collaborations. 4-H youth acquire knowledge and skills that will contribute to their leadership and the ability to succeed now and in the future.
The 4-H model for Positive Youth Development is successful because of its focus on positive and sustained relationships between youth and adults, activities that build essential life skills, and opportunities for youth to use these skills as participants and leaders in valued community activities.
How To Get Involved
Clubs
A 4-H club is comprised of youth members, 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 youth officers and a set of rules approved by the membership to govern the club. 4-H 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, 4-H@UMaine, June Jamboree, Maine 4-H Days, Blue Hill Fair, and more! Find a 4-H Club for you.
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’s expertise, and may include but are not limited to: the natural world, heritage arts, science and technology, photography, music, 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. View the list of current 4-H Programs.
Independent
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 including but not limited to: Public Speaking, 4-H@UMaine, June Jamboree, Maine 4-H Days, Blue Hill Fair, and more!
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 participate in county and statewide 4-H events and programs.
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 Hancock County 4-H to attend camp, but Hancock County offers scholarships 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! Volunteer opportunities are designed to work with your schedule.
For more information about the Hancock County 4-H Program and clubs, please contact the Extension Office at 1.800.287.1479 (in Maine) or 207.667.8212 or by email at hancock.extension@maine.edu.
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Sign Up Now as a New Member
New youth members can enroll at any time throughout the year. Plus visit 4h.zsuite.org to set up a household account and enroll your new member(s).
Please follow the steps in the PDF below.
Returning Members Re-Enroll Annually in October
*Independent members will be mailed an Independent Charter letter to sign and return*
It’s Time to Enroll for the New 4-H Year!
If you manage your family’s account via ZSuite, re-enrollment is just a few clicks away:
Login at 4h.zsuite.org
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- Click on the PRIMARY profile and enter your 4-character PIN.
- Click on the name of the youth member you wish to enroll.
- Click on ENROLL MEMBER NOW.
- Review/update the requested member information. When you are done with that, click NEXT
- Here, you will read and electronically sign the 4-H participation waiver(s), click NEXT
- Here is where you will select your club or clubs and desired projects. Clubs and projects that carried over from your enrollment during the last program year may be listed.
- To add clubs, select your county. This defaults to the county submitted when you created your account. You may need to select another county to find your desired club.
- Select your Club from the drop-down menu. Select ADD CLUB.
- To add projects for any clubs, select ADD PROJECT for the desired clubs. Select the desired project from the drop-down menu. Select ADD PROJECT and the selection will be added to the club. Feel free to add additional clubs or projects. If you make a mistake or wish to remove a project, select the X and confirm you wish to delete the project.
- When you are done making your selections, click Submit. Enrollment records must be active/green before engaging in 4-H activities and registering for events.
*Note: This process is for youth enrollment only. The process is different for Adult Volunteers.