Maryland 4-H School Enrichment Program
Students who are part of a 4-H experience in a classroom setting meet more learner focused objectives and
demonstrate subject matter retention.
Dear Mrs. Smith,
Frederick County 4-H Youth Development Program offers school
enrichment programs allowing your school to engage in hands-on
learning activities that enhance the core curriculum standards and
objectives. 4-H school enrichment utilize curriculum that is grounded in
University of Maryland Extension research-driven programs. These
signature programs include STEM, Healthy Living, Workforce Readiness,
and Science of Maryland Agriculture.
4-H Programs are designed to shape future leaders and create
innovators by teaching leadership, citizenship and life skills in your
classroom. Young people in 4-H report better grades, higher levels of
academic competence, and an elevated level of engagement at school.1
We look forward to providing 4-H experiences during the upcoming
school year and invite you to join the 4-H program and see all the
wonderful benefits it has to offer.
Frederick County is currently offering STEM, Health Rocks, and Up for
the Challenge programs, specifically designed to meet the needs of
High School students.
The 4-H STEM curricula is designed to meet a wide variety of needs and
interests. Students participate in hands-on learning experiences that
enhance High School Science and Math course objectives. Activities
vary from “Junk Drawer Robotics” to lessons in friction, air circulation,
buoyancy, and engineering.
Health Rocks!® is curricula for a healthy living program targeted at
young people ages 8 to 14. Teen and adult facilitators share hands-on
activities that educate youth on the consequences of tobacco, alcohol
and drug use. Analysis from 2011 shows that the Health Rocks!
program was highly successful in educating youth.


Frederick County Office
330 Montevue Lane
Frederick, MD 21702
301-600-1589
http://frederick.umd.edu
Donielle Axline
4-H Educator
301-600-1590
dinskeep@umd.edu
Samantha Murdock
4-H FEA
301-600-3583
smurdock@umd.edu
Frederick County 4-H
Signature Programs
STEM
 Junk Drawer Robotics
Healthy Living
 Health Rocks!
 Up for the Challenge
96% of youth participants gained increased knowledge of the
risks and consequences associated with tobacco usage
93% of youth participants gained increased knowledge about
other risky behaviors
The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation,
physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.


95% of youth participants learned social personal, social and/or
resistance skills
96% of youth participants said that they personally disapprove
of tobacco products2
"Up for the Challenge" is a fitness, nutrition and health curriculum for
school-aged, middle school and teen youth. It was written for military
afterschool programs but is easily adaptable to any afterschool or 4-H
club setting. The 290-page curriculum is divided into five chapters with
each chapter containing multiple lessons in physical activity, nutrition
and healthy decision making. Lessons range in scope and length from
30-60 minute nutrition and/or physical activities to a multi-week
wellness event. Each lesson provides expected youth outcomes,
instructor essential information, preparation instructions, supplies,
lesson time, handouts and opportunities for reflection.3
We would be glad to meet with you to discuss these opportunities. Our
programs can be tailored to meet your classrooms needs.
Please contact Samantha Murdock at your convenience. To learn more
about 4-H in Frederick County, please visit our website at
http://extension.umd.edu/frederick-county/4h-and-youthdevelopment .
Sincerely,
Samantha Murdock
4-H Faculty Extension Assistant