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University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers resources on many topics of interest.

4-H Opportunities

Citizenship Washington Focus
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a 4-H leadership program for high school youth, ages 15-19, from across the country. Every summer thousands of young people stay at the National 4-H Conference Center, near Washington, D.C., to participate in this week-long program. For 39 years, CWF has enriched young people's lives by providing opportunities for them to: broaden appreciation and practice respect for themselves and others in their world; increase individual commitment to citizen involvement; understand the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the development of better citizens and leaders; practice fitness and have fun! Participants in Citizenship Washington Focus will have unique, exciting experiences that will lead to becoming "Better Citizens Today. Better Leaders Tomorrow", including interacting with their state senators and representatives. For more information, visit www.cwf.n4h.org and contact your local Extension office.

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.

Equine Fun Day

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 http://www.getrealmaine.com/visit/maine_fairs.html.

International 4-H Foreign Youth Exchange
International 4-H Foreign Youth Exchange (IFYE) is Extension's major international exchange for youth. The IFYE program offers youth the potential for exciting adventures into foreign nations, including both developed and third world countries. Generally, IFYE is for 4-H members 15 years and older. Experiences range from three weeks to 2-3 months. The cost of trips can range from a few hundred dollars to $3,000. Partial scholarships are sometimes available, and individuals can seek sponsors to support their trip. There are also opportunities for 4-H families to host an international student for short- and long-term periods. More information on these programs can be found at 4-H International Exchange, or at your county Extension office. The IFYE web site can be found at www.ifyeusa.org.

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.

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 April at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD. Maine selects four participants annually based on records of their 4-H and community involvement and candidate interviews.

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 attend National 4-H Congress, a 4-H youth must: 1) submit a State 4-H portfolio; 2) be invited to the State 4-H Awards interviews; and 3) be selected by the State 4-H Awards 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.

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 1-877-444-8623.

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Last Modified: 08/06/08
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