ORONO — University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Learning Centers will play a role in the education plans of kindergarten through grade 12 schools in Maine this fall by providing venues for outdoor learning and experiential STEM and outdoor education lessons that add depth to standard grade-level curriculum.
“Outdoor learning centers are playing a significant role in the reopening of schools across the country,” said Ryder Scott, state director of UMaine Extension 4-H Camps and Learning Centers. “With strong community relationships, program-ready facilities and talented education staff, the UMaine 4-H Centers are rapidly becoming leaders in partnerships between outdoor learning centers and public school districts in Maine.”
In Oxford County at UMaine’s 4-H Center at Bryant Pond, Extension staff are preparing for a busy fall, partnering closely with several western Maine districts. In particular, in MSAD 17, the Oxford Hills district, principals have the option to bring students to the 4-H Center for outdoor learning, allowing the schools to space students out and giving them an opportunity to experience all the facility has to offer.
In addition, for the sixth consecutive year, the Bryant Pond 4-H Center and SAD 44 are working together to host the Telstar Freshman Academy, an interdisciplinary, project-based learning program for the ninth grade from Telstar High School, in Bethel All Telstar ninth-graders spend a portion of their school day at the 4-H Center, where a team of teachers works with them on project-based units that meet standards in English language arts, science and social studies.
