This is the place to
learn more about some of the annual 4-H events and opportunities you might
be interested in. Also, don't forget to visit our Maine
4-H Calendar!
4-H EDGE
Program
Citizenship
Washington Focus
Eastern States Exposition
Fairs
Interstate and Intrastate 4-H Teen Exchanges
National 4-H Conference
National 4-H Congress
Maine 4-H Teen Conference on Wheels
Maine 4-H Teen Conference
Citizenship Washington Focus
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a 4-H leadership program for
high school youth, ages 15-19, from across the country. Take your
4-H experience to another level through Citizenship Washington
Focus, a six-day intensive summer citizenship program for youth.
CWF delegates learn about the democratic process and their role as
citizens while they experience our nation's capital. Get the inside
scoop about how government really works from prominent guest
speakers and interact with Maine’s state senators and
representatives and/or their staffers. Program fellows lead bill
writing workshops, as well as a national issues forum and mock
elections. There are congressional sessions that prepare youth for
leadership now and in the future. Non-4-H and mature 14 year olds
youth may attend this event with approval from the county office
they represent. Generally this is a one-time experience, but youth
may attend more than once but they will pay the full participation
price. The 4-H Foundation does not provide scholarships to non 4-H
members. For
more information, visit www.cwf.n4h.org
and contact your local Extension office.
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Eastern States Exposition
Eastern States Exposition is New England's largest fair, also known
as the "Big E." It is usually held in September, in West Springfield,
MA. Maine 4-H members between the ages of 12-18 are eligible to participate
in the 4-H Beef, Beef heifers, Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats, Dog, Horse,
and Sheep shows. The Big E motivates and recognizes the achievement of
individual 4-H members, while encouraging them to work together as a group.
It gives 4-Hers a chance to interact with youth from other states or areas
of Maine and to share with the public some of the programs Maine 4-H offers.
For more information, visit
www.thebige.com
and contact your local Extension office.
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Fairs
Fairs provide opportunities for 4-Hers to exhibit the best of their
project work from the past year and see how their skills have grown. Fairs
also share with the community what 4-H activities are taking place in
their area. Every fair has a different set of rules that need to be carefully
reviewed. If you would like to participate in your local fair, please
be sure to request the rules from your
Extension
office ahead of time. Dates of the fairs can be found at
www.maineagriculturalfairs.org.
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Interstate and Intrastate 4-H
Teen Exchanges
Interstate and Intrastate 4-H Teen Exchanges provide a series of learning
experiences in which a club or individuals within a club visit another
4-H group within the country and then host that 4-H group in return. This
gives 4-H members a chance to explore different ways of life, even within
their own state. For more information, contact your
local
Extension office.
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National 4-H Conference
The overall purpose of National 4-H Conference is to provide an opportunity
for youth, adult volunteer leaders and Extension staff to work together
in addressing the issues of youth and how the 4-H Youth Development program
can best meet the needs of youth at the local, state and national levels
through educational programming. National 4-H Conference has long been
a model of youth/adult partnerships. Everyone attending Conference is
a delegate with equal voice in the matters of Conference: consulting groups,
operations committees and development of recommendations. National 4-H
Conference is held in late March or early April at the National 4-H
Center in Chevy Chase, MD. Maine selects several participants annually based on records of their
4-H and community involvement and candidate interviews. To apply
to attend National 4-H Conference, a 4-H youth must 1) submit an
application along with
their 4-H story and
resume [please see sample
resume #1, and sample
resume #2] 2) be invited to the State 4-H National Trips interviews;
and 3) be selected by the State 4-H National Trips Selection committee.
Click
here for information about applying for National 4-H Conference.
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National 4-H Congress
National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program. Congress
provides youth ages 14-19 a quality, educational, and cross-cultural experience
that exceeds what any state independently provides. It is designed to
address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable,
competent and caring citizens. Congress focuses on issues and trends in
agriculture, cultural diversity, group dynamics and community service.
The program is designed to help young people develop the knowledge base
and leadership skills to positively affect change in our world. National
4-H Congress is held in Atlanta, GA, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, beginning
the Friday after Thanksgiving. More than 1,300 youth from small towns,
suburbs, farming communities, and cities will come together for 5-6 days
of discussion groups and workshops. They also have the opportunity to
explore the sights of Atlanta, attend formal dinners and dances, meet
with corporate sponsors of Congress and take part in a community services
activity. To apply to attend National 4-H Congress, a 4-H youth must 1)
submit an application
along with their 4-H story
and resume [please see
sample resume #1, and
sample resume #2] 2) be invited to the State 4-H National
Trips interviews;
and 3) be selected by the State 4-H National Trips Selection committee. Each youth
who is chosen to attend will be asked to pay a nonrefundable deposit.
Remaining expenses are paid by the
Pine
Tree State 4-H Foundation. For more information, visit
www.national4-hcongress.com
and contact your local Extension office.
Click
here for information about applying for National 4-H Congress.
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Maine 4-H Teen Conference on
Wheels
July 14 - 17, 2008. This year
we are including a series of sessions at different locations.
We are hoping this will introduce you to community leaders, business
persons, environmental issues and citizen science. Wait
until you see the wonderful assortment of workshops and activities
we have for you this year! We are excited to bring this opportunity
to our Maine 4-H members.
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Maine 4-H Teen Conference
Maine 4-H Teen Conference is usually held on a weekend in late June.
Teen Conference is an educational, learn-by-doing process from start to
finish. Those involved plan and schedule the activities, which range from
dances and movies to workshops on trust and diversity. In addition to
the fun activities and workshops, the teens also add community service
to the experience. Teen Conference gives teens a chance to meet other
teens, learn to organize an event, and help the community. For more information
on the Maine
4-H Teen Conference, contact the State 4-H office at 1-800-287-0274.
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For more information on educational programs in your area,
contact your county Extension office
