X = cooperative eXtension

Today’s letter “X” in this A-to-Z Challenge is not an easy one to utilize. I’m “cheating” a bit by throwing a vowel in the front, as you can see. The Cooperative Extension is a nationwide service, but it feels Maine-made! Their array of programs is extensive, but for this post I want to mention 4-H.

Most Mainers probably have some familiarity with this youth education program. Perhaps, as I did, you grew up in one of their clubs or attended summer camp. If you’re not aware, the 4 “H”s include head, heart, hands, and health. Emphasis is placed on leadership and citizenship development, along with various life skills. The program is best understand through its slogan: “Learn by Doing.”

On my last trip to a Maine agricultural fair, I was happy to see the 4-H displays and to know that the programs are still in existence. According to their website, tens of thousands of Maine youth participate in 4-H. One of the more visible aspects of the organization here in Maine is in raising and showing animals at the local fairs. Rather than use a lot of my own words to explain this, I’m including this video below. Not only does it illustrate the diligence and hard work two young people invested in this process, but it also highlights so much of what I love about Maine. A local farm, the values many families instill in their children, our agricultural fairs, some of our accents. If you’re not familiar with our state and want a peek into our way of life, this is great…

This post is part of my A to Z Challenge Series with the overall theme, “This Maine Life.” I am covering a Maine-related topic with a different letter of the alphabet every day except Sundays throughout the month of April 2020.