4-H & Youth Development

Youth take notes during an outdoor classroom activity at Bryant Pond

4-H logo

University of Maine Cooperative Extension conducts the state’s most successful out-of-school youth educational program through 4-H. 4-H is a positive youth development organization that empowers young people to reach their full potential.

Every year 4-H reaches thousands of youth in every county in the state of Maine! Youth participate in 4-H through clubs, camps, schools, afterschool, and special interest programs. Dedicated and committed UMaine Extension faculty and staff, and more than 1,200 volunteers, provide positive learning experiences for youth through

  • 4-H Camp and Learning Centers;
  • 4-H clubs;
  • our Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) program;
  • our Special Interest/Short Term programs; and
  • our School Enrichment Programs.

Many Maine youth participate in more than one of our programs!

Thousands of Maine youth participate annually in projects focused on

  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM);
  • Healthy Lifestyles programs; and
  • Youth Community Action/Engagement/Leadership.

Our Extension employees and volunteers are committed to

  • creating positive experiential learning experiences for Maine youth;
  • promoting and helping create positive relationships between youth and adults;
  • creating and supporting positive, inclusive, and safe learning environments; and
  • providing youth with opportunities to experience positive risk-taking challenges and growth.

Ways to Get Involved