{"id":1112,"date":"2016-06-29T14:09:06","date_gmt":"2016-06-29T18:09:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/kennebec\/?page_id=1112"},"modified":"2025-03-14T14:19:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T18:19:20","slug":"4h","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/kennebec\/4h\/","title":{"rendered":"Kennebec County 4-H Youth Development Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is 4-H?<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0How to Get Involved<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Sign Up Now<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>What is 4-H?\"Head<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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!\u00a0Youth 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.<\/p>\n

<\/a>How To Get Involved<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Clubs<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Traditional volunteer-led clubs in the community meet year-round and 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\u00a0including but not limited to: Public Speaking, 4-H@UMaine, Maine 4-H Days, County Fairs, and more! Find a\u00a04-H Club\u00a0for you<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Special Interest\/Short-Term Programs<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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. 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\u00a04-H Programs.<\/p>\n

Independent<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Independent 4-H members are typically working on a 4-H project at home or at school. They are mentored by parents and\/or a 4-H Volunteer. 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, Maine 4-H Days, County Fairs, and more! This option offers families flexibility and independence since they are not required to meet in a club setting.<\/p>\n

Camp and Learning Centers<\/strong><\/h4>\n

There are three 4-H Camp & Learning Centers in Maine:\u00a0Bryant Pond<\/a>,\u00a0Tanglewood<\/a>,\u00a0and\u00a0Blueberry Cove<\/a>. You do not need to be enrolled in 4-H to attend camp, but Hancock County offers scholarships for enrolled 4-H youth to attend camp in the summer!<\/p>\n

Volunteer<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If you are an adult who is interested in sharing your passion for a topic or skill, consider\u00a0volunteering with 4-H!\u00a0Volunteer opportunities<\/a>\u00a0are designed to work with your schedule.<\/p>\n

For more information about the Kennebec County 4-H Program and clubs, please contact the Extension Office at 1.800.287.1481 (in Maine) or 207.622.7546 or by email at extension.kennebec@maine.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Sign Up Now<\/strong><\/h3>\n

New youth members can enroll at any time throughout the year. Returning members must re-enroll before the November deadline each year (re-enrollment paperwork will be sent to you in October).<\/p>\n