{"id":30539,"date":"2026-04-01T17:50:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T21:50:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/?page_id=30539"},"modified":"2026-09-16T17:23:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T21:23:03","slug":"volunteer-summit","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/volunteer-summit\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 4-H Volunteer Summit"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>A Learning and Connection Conference for 4-H Volunteers<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>November 7, 2026<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>8:30 a.m.\u20133:30 p.m.<\/strong><br \/>\nMaine Arts Academy<br \/>\n310 Cony Road, Augusta, Maine 04330 (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ug1tawGqKqvqxR596\">Google Maps<\/a>)<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"registration\"><strong>Registration<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Registration is now open!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cost:<\/strong> $0\u2013$30 (sliding scale)<br \/>\nLunch is included in the cost of registration.<\/p>\n<p>All 4-H volunteers who register and attend for the entire day will receive a Maine 4-H picnic blanket! We can&#8217;t wait to see you there!<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/umaine-extension.formtitan.com\/ftproject\/events?eventid=a1cUy000006jRWr\" style=\"text-transform:none;\" ><span class=\"button\"> Register Online <\/span><\/a>\n<p>You must register by Friday, October 23, 2026 to participate.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"schedule\"><strong>Schedule for the day<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>8:30\u20139:00 a.m. \u2013 Arrival<br \/>\n<\/strong>Check in, get your bearings, and settle in!<\/li>\n<li><strong>9:00\u20139:30 a.m. \u2013 Kickoff and Welcome<\/strong><br \/>\nDr. Hannah Carter, University of Maine Deputy Provost and Dean of Extension<\/li>\n<li><strong>9:30\u201311:30 a.m. \u2013 Beyond Ready: Purposeful Programming for Future-Ready Youth<br \/>\n<\/strong>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\u2019ve been leading a club for 20 years or 20 minutes, you\u2019ll 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.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>11:30 a.m.\u201312:30 p.m. \u2013 Lunch, Link, and Learn<\/strong><br \/>\nTake 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>12:30\u201312:55 p.m. \u2013 Volunteer Impacts: You Make a Difference!<\/strong><br \/>\nTake a moment to celebrate and hear some success stories from Maine 4-H!<\/li>\n<li><strong>1:00\u20131:50 p.m. \u2013 Workshop Sessions<\/strong><br \/>\nChoose from a variety of workshops that will offer tips, tools, and resources to help you in your role as a 4-H volunteer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1:50\u20132:15 p.m. \u2013 Afternoon Energizer<\/strong><br \/>\nJoin us for an active, fun \u201cpartici-take\u201d activity that you can take home and replicate with your youth, or use the break to catch your breath.<\/li>\n<li><strong>2:15\u20133:00 p.m. \u2013 Listen, Learn, and Share Sessions<\/strong><br \/>\nThese 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>3:05\u20133:30 p.m. \u2013 Wrap-Up<\/strong><br \/>\nFinal remarks and door prizes. Must be present to win!<\/li>\n<li><strong>3:30 p.m. \u2013 Safe travels home<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"workshops\"><strong>Workshops<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Workshop sessions will offer tips, tools, and resources for 4-H volunteers. Full session details are below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4 id=\"exceptional-youth-supporting-neurodiversity\"><strong>Exceptional Youth: Supporting Neurodiversity<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Presenter:<\/strong> Dr. Audrey Bartholomew, University of New England Associate Professor and Coordinator of Special Education Programs in the School of Education.<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4 id=\"prepare-for-the-fair\"><strong>Prepare for the Fair: Preparing Youth for Livestock Shows<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Presenter:<\/strong> Owen Cortner, Livestock Specialist, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4 id=\"supporting-cloverbuds\"><strong>Supporting Cloverbuds with Confidence: Ages, Stages, and Real-World Strategies<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Presenter:<\/strong> Emily Bishop, 4-H Community Education Assistant in Penobscot County.<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4 id=\"club-start-up-101\"><strong>Club Start-Up 101<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Presenter:<\/strong> Megan Cook, Aroostook County 4-H Professional.<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4 id=\"communicating-through-conflict\"><strong>Communicating Through Conflict<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Presenter:<\/strong> Alisha Targonski, Kennebec County 4-H Professional.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"listen-learn-share\"><strong>Listen, Learn, and Share Sessions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>These interactive sessions will begin with a brief overview followed by facilitated discussion. Topics currently include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Robotics<\/li>\n<li>Cloverbuds<\/li>\n<li>Livestock and animal science<\/li>\n<li>Horse<\/li>\n<li>STEM<\/li>\n<li>Leaders associations<\/li>\n<li>Teen engagement and retention<\/li>\n<li>General clubs<\/li>\n<li>Coffee with State 4-H program leaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"lunch\"><strong>Lunch<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"discovery-zone\"><strong>Discovery Zone<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ag Ambassadors<\/li>\n<li>4-H Camp and Learning Centers<\/li>\n<li>Collegiate 4-H<\/li>\n<li>Eastern States Exposition<\/li>\n<li>Maine 4-H Foundation<\/li>\n<li>4-H National Trips<\/li>\n<li>Shooting Sports<\/li>\n<li>Speak Up Maine!<\/li>\n<li>STEM Concierge Table<\/li>\n<li>STEM toolkits<\/li>\n<li>Touch Tank<\/li>\n<li>Virtual Learning<\/li>\n<li>Youth Council<\/li>\n<li>ZSuite<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"additional-activities\"><strong>Additional Activities<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 id=\"volunteer-impact-station\"><strong>Volunteer Impact Station<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"clover-photo-corner\"><strong>Clover Photo Corner<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Grab a group photo or a selfie in front of the giant clover. Share your photo for a chance to win a prize.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"4h-pop-up-swag-shop\"><strong>4-H Pop-Up Swag Shop<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Pick up fun gear, show your 4-H pride, and take home a little something to remember the day.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"sticky-wall\"><strong>Interactive Feedback Wall<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Jennifer Lobley, <a href=\"mailto:jennifer.lobley@maine.edu\">jennifer.lobley@maine.edu<\/a>, by November 1, 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Learning and Connection Conference for 4-H Volunteers November 7, 2026 8:30 a.m.\u20133:30 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":206,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/page-withsidebar.php","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-30539","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>2026 4-H Volunteer Summit - Cooperative Extension: 4-H - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/volunteer-summit\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"2026 4-H Volunteer Summit - Cooperative Extension: 4-H - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A Learning and Connection Conference for 4-H Volunteers November 7, 2026 8:30 a.m.\u20133:30 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. 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