University Of Maine Cooperative Extension, Knox-Lincoln 4-H

Maine 4-H Mission: To educate and empower Maine youth through hands-on and community-based experiences. Vision: Maine youth acquire the knowledge, life skills,leadership abilities and attitudes to help them succeed now and in the future through effective collaboration, hands-on experiential education and self-directed learning. Congress created the Cooperative Extension System nearly a century ago to reach out and literally "extend" the resources of land-grant universities to the general public. http://www.extension.umaine.edu/resources/history.htm 4-H leaders have been involving youth in their communities for over 100 years and continue to seek opportunities for their members to be involved in local service learning projects.

Maine 4-H Youth Development programs are research-based and founded on the principles of positive youth development. Our educational programs focus on: *Science, engineering, and technology tied to agriculture, the environment and our communities. *Healthy lifestyles tied to informed decision-making and action for health and safety. *Citizenship tied to youth involvement with government and other institutions. *Sustainable lifestyles and communities tied to ecological literacy and responsible choices. Our youth can expect the opportunity to: *Be valued and contributing members of their clubs and communities (belonging). *Identify and meet goals for their own hands-on learning (mastery). *Take meaningful learning and leadership roles (independence). *Engage in community service (generosity). Volunteers, youth leaders, families and staff can expect the education, training, and support needed to make this vision a reality. See the following link: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/default.htm The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of six major program areas of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. View this link for more details: http://www.extension.umaine.edu/about.htm