Volunteer Opportunities
We are excited to hear of your interest in becoming a 4-H Volunteer! For more than 100 years, UMaine Extension volunteers have been making a difference in their communities by contributing their life experiences, love of learning, and energy in support of Maine’s most precious resource – our children. As the largest youth development program in the country, 4-H continues to depend on its dedicated volunteers as a true partner in that success.
I am interested, what do I do next?
Review the Volunteer Roles, listed below, that are available in Penobscot county and share your ideas with a 4-H Staff member to determine which role is best suited for you!
Contact us by email at extension.penobscot@maine.edu or by phone at 207.942.7396 or 1.800.287.1485 (in Maine). You can also complete the following form and we will contact you!
Volunteer Roles
Volunteering with 4-H is an extremely rewarding experience, and there are many different ways in which you can make a positive impact. Below is a list of Volunteer Roles that are available in Penobscot County.
4-H Club Leader
Work in partnership with youth to develop life skills through a “learn by doing” approach. Traditional 4-H Clubs meet year-round and can focus on any topic ranging from raising animals to building robots and everything in between!
4-H Special Interest Program Leader
A 4-H SPIN Club is a SPecial INterest program where youth learn about a specific topic. Topics vary and include interests such as nature, arts, science, photography, gardening, engineering, and more. SPIN clubs are short-term programs led by volunteers who have a passion for learning and want to share their skills, talents, or special interests with youth.
4-H Independent or Parent/Guardian Volunteer
This is the ideal role for a parent, guardian, and/or adult mentor. In this role, you are at the forefront of incorporating youth-adult partnerships into 4-H programs. Independent Volunteers can be found mentoring youth through an independent project, chaperoning a club field trip or fundraiser, helping youth to learn a particular skill, and much more.
4-H School Volunteer
Bring the 4-H positive youth development approach and experiential learning techniques to your after-school program, student clubs, etc., and strengthen your connection to extensive UMaine resources that will enhance your programs. In the classroom, teachers can work with their whole class and participate in 4-H projects (from 4-H Science to Public Speaking and more), as well as county 4-H events.
4-H Community Partner
Is your organization interested in education but lacks the resources to conduct an outreach program? Partnering with 4-H is an effective way to reach youth in your community.
Episodic 4-H Volunteer
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities that may not require training or a long-term commitment. Judging at a 4-H event, leading a hands-on workshop, helping with a specific fundraiser, guest speaking, assisting with a garden project, and more.