2026 4-H Volunteer Summit

A Learning and Connection Conference for 4-H Volunteers
November 7, 2026
8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Maine Arts Academy
310 Cony Road, Augusta, Maine 04330 (Google Maps)

Join 4-H volunteers from across Maine for a day of connection, practical learning, youth development resources, and shared ideas to bring back to your club or county.

Registration

Registration is now open!

Cost: $0–$30 (sliding scale)
Lunch is included in the cost of registration.

All 4-H volunteers who register and attend for the entire day will receive a Maine 4-H picnic blanket! We can’t wait to see you there!

Register Online

You must register by Friday, October 23, 2026 to participate.

Schedule for the day

  • 8:30–9:00 a.m. – Arrival
    Check in, get your bearings, and settle in!
  • 9:00–9:30 a.m. – Kickoff and Welcome
    Dr. Hannah Carter, University of Maine Deputy Provost and Dean of Extension
  • 9:30–11:30 a.m. – Beyond Ready: Purposeful Programming for Future-Ready Youth
    Join fellow 4-H volunteers from across Maine for an interactive deep dive into youth sparks and how to connect these interests, talents, and passions with meaningful 4-H opportunities. Whether you’ve been leading a club for 20 years or 20 minutes, you’ll walk away with new connections, knowledge, skills, and practical strategies for helping youth discover, grow, and follow their sparks to help prepare them for a thriving future.
  • 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Lunch, Link, and Learn
    Take this hour to refuel with lunch, visit informational booths in the Discovery Zone, step outside for fresh air, and network with 4-H volunteers and staff. Lunch will be provided.
  • 12:30–12:55 p.m. – Volunteer Impacts: You Make a Difference!
    Take a moment to celebrate and hear some success stories from Maine 4-H!
  • 1:00–1:50 p.m. – Workshop Sessions
    Choose from a variety of workshops that will offer tips, tools, and resources to help you in your role as a 4-H volunteer.
  • 1:50–2:15 p.m. – Afternoon Energizer
    Join us for an active, fun “partici-take” activity that you can take home and replicate with your youth, or use the break to catch your breath.
  • 2:15–3:00 p.m. – Listen, Learn, and Share Sessions
    These sessions are designed as interactive conversations where you can explore key topics with fellow volunteers, starting with a brief overview to spark ideas and discussion. Come ready to ask questions, exchange experiences, and learn from one another in a collaborative, participant-driven setting.
  • 3:05–3:30 p.m. – Wrap-Up
    Final remarks and door prizes. Must be present to win!
  • 3:30 p.m. – Safe travels home

Workshops

Workshop sessions will offer tips, tools, and resources for 4-H volunteers. Full session details are below.

  • Exceptional Youth: Supporting Neurodiversity

    This workshop will provide an introduction to neurodiversity, exploring how the brain and social environments can impact learning and engagement. Participants will learn practical strategies for supporting youth and helping make their participation in 4-H clubs and programs welcoming and supportive for all.

    Presenter: Dr. Audrey Bartholomew, University of New England Associate Professor and Coordinator of Special Education Programs in the School of Education.

  • Prepare for the Fair: Preparing Youth for Livestock Shows

    This workshop is designed to help 4-H volunteers confidently prepare youth for successful livestock show experiences. Participants will learn practical strategies for fair preparation and ring readiness across a variety of livestock species. The session will also cover how to support youth in building confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills while creating positive and educational club experiences.

    Presenter: Owen Cortner, Livestock Specialist, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

  • Supporting Cloverbuds with Confidence: Ages, Stages, and Real-World Strategies

    Young learners bring energy, curiosity, and the occasional unexpected moment. This workshop gives a quick overview of ages and stages for 5- to 8-year-olds, then moves into real-life scenarios and common challenges volunteers face. Together, participants will practice adapting curriculum, adjusting activities on the fly, and building a toolkit of ideas that help Cloverbuds stay engaged and successful.

    Presenter: Emily Bishop, 4-H Community Education Assistant in Penobscot County.

  • Club Start-Up 101

    Are you a volunteer who is beginning the journey of starting a 4-H club, or thinking about it and wanting to know what is involved? This session is for you. Learn the basics about 4-H clubs and what club leaders do behind the scenes.

    Presenter: Megan Cook, Aroostook County 4-H Professional.

  • Communicating Through Conflict

    Having crucial conversations can feel overwhelming when the stakes, stress, and emotions are running high. Join us for easy-to-navigate communication tools that can lower the temperature and keep everyone focused on shared goals.

    Presenter: Alisha Targonski, Kennebec County 4-H Professional.

Listen, Learn, and Share Sessions

These interactive sessions will begin with a brief overview followed by facilitated discussion. Topics currently include:

  • Robotics
  • Cloverbuds
  • Livestock and animal science
  • Horse
  • STEM
  • Leaders associations
  • Teen engagement and retention
  • General clubs
  • Coffee with State 4-H program leaders

Lunch

Lunch will be provided. During the lunch break, participants can refuel, network with 4-H volunteers and staff, visit informational booths, step outside for fresh air, and explore additional summit activities.

Discovery Zone

Visit interactive tables to explore programs, meet the people behind key 4-H opportunities, and gather resources to bring back to your club or county. Stop by the topics that interest you most and leave with fresh ideas and connections.

  • Ag Ambassadors
  • 4-H Camp and Learning Centers
  • Collegiate 4-H
  • Eastern States Exposition
  • Maine 4-H Foundation
  • 4-H National Trips
  • Shooting Sports
  • Speak Up Maine!
  • STEM Concierge Table
  • STEM toolkits
  • Touch Tank
  • Virtual Learning
  • Youth Council
  • ZSuite

Additional Activities

Volunteer Impact Station

Stop by and share what being a 4-H volunteer has meant to you. Why do you love it? What has the experience taught you about yourself? We want to hear from you.

Clover Photo Corner

Grab a group photo or a selfie in front of the giant clover. Share your photo for a chance to win a prize.

4-H Pop-Up Swag Shop

Pick up fun gear, show your 4-H pride, and take home a little something to remember the day.

Interactive Feedback Wall

Share what you wish you knew when you started, what you would tell other volunteers about the 4-H volunteer experience, and what you need to be successful in your role.

If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Jennifer Lobley, jennifer.lobley@maine.edu, by November 1, 2026.