Volunteer for the 4-H Tick Project
Become a 4-H Tick Project Mentor!
Are you passionate about tick safety and youth education? Join us as a 4-H Tick Project Mentor to:
- Guide educators and youth in classrooms and out-of-school settings through the 4-H Tick Project.
- Model tick collection protocols, tick safety practices, and identification techniques.
- Deliver engaging 4-H lessons and activities at programs and community events (materials provided).
- Conduct outreach to empower youth and educators with tick science knowledge, through a positive youth development experience.
- Students at Cave Hill School are on the hunt…for ticks! Working together to contribute to important research.
- Focusing on the details: Tick identification training.
- Hands-on learning in action! Carla, 4-H Professional, demonstrates tick dragging techniques to eager young scientists.
Role Description
- Title: 4-H Tick Project Mentor
- Location: In your community (Cumberland, Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, or York County); working with educators and youth in various learning environments, including outdoors in tick habitat.
- Objective: Empower youth and educators to participate in tick science and understand ticks in Maine.
Qualifications:
- Passion for youth education and a commitment to providing positive youth development experiences (training provided).
- Attend the required in-person 4-H Tick Project Mentor Training (details below).
- Complete the 4-H Volunteer Enrollment process through your local county Extension office (includes a background check).
Responsibilities:
- Visit educational settings (e.g., classrooms, after-school programs, youth groups, camps) to guide participants through the 4-H Tick Project.
- Facilitate hands-on activities, such as tick drags and tick identification, while engaging youth in learning.
- Represent the 4-H Tick Project at community events by hosting educational activities and outreach tables.
Time Commitment:
- Flexible scheduling based on your availability and community needs.
- Options include visiting classrooms during school hours, attending after-school programs, or supporting weekend or summer activities.
- Collaborate with local educators to coordinate your visits.
Training and Support:
- Attend an in-person training session to learn 4-H Tick Project protocols, positive youth development, and experiential learning strategies.
- Receive materials, guidance, and connections to project participants from 4-H staff.
Expectations:
- Adhere to 4-H policies and procedures.
- Foster a positive learning environment that encourages youth curiosity.
- Communicate effectively with 4-H staff and participants, primarily via email.

You don’t need to be a tick science expert—just a caring adult excited to inspire youth and educators!
Benefits:
- Make a meaningful impact in your community by teaching youth about tick safety and science.
- Help youth understand how tick populations in Maine are changing and how they can stay safe.
4-H Tick Project Mentor Training
Friday, April 11, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Freeport, Maine | Map
Volunteers passionate about tick science, safety, and youth education—ideal for Master Gardener Volunteers or other Extension volunteers, but open to all!
Process:
- Register below for the training session.
- Complete the 4-H Volunteer Enrollment process, including an online application and background check (instructions sent after registration).
Registration Deadline: March 30, 2025
Training Agenda:
- 4-H Tick Project Overview
- Tick Science Background
- Facilitating the 4-H Tick Project
- Positive Youth Development & Experiential Learning
- Becoming a 4-H Volunteer
Ready to Get Involved?
Join us in making a difference in your community by mentoring youth in tick science and safety!
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