PARIS – Oxford County 4-H has received five 4-H Youth in Action grants, awarded by the National 4-H Council and funded by Cumberland Farms.

The Oxford County 4-H program, including the 4-H Respect Team, Telstar Leadership Club and the 4-H Peru/Rumford Leadership Team, will use the grants to implement a service-learning project in the Oxford County area.

“Our five leadership teams across Oxford County will do amazing work with these grants from park clean-up, youth character education, to supporting backpacks for school and young people in need.” said Susan Jennings, Extension educator.

“This grant from Cumberland Farms will allow 4-H clubs across the country to make a positive impact on their communities. Thousands of 4-H youth will have a chance to work with caring adults while learning new skills,” said Donald T. Floyd Jr., president and chief executive officer of National 4 H Council.

The 4-H program would like to expand its general clubs in Oxford County. The general club leader helps to organize and bring together 4-H members in a variety of projects, including arts, crafts, livestock, community service and leadership. Many clubs focus on independent youth projects.

Clubs can be started at any time during the year with re-enrollment in October and can be general clubs small in size or with a large enrollment or clubs that specialize in specific project areas. Those interested in organizing a club should contact Susan Jennings, Extension educator, at 1-800-287-1482 or 743-6329.

4-H is open to all youths ages 5 to 17 and does not require any national, state or county dues and does not have fundraising requirements. Project materials cover a large variety of topics from art, drama and photography to rocketry and science.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4husa.org.