August 2023: Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H Newsletter
Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County 4-H News
Table of contents:
Dates to Remember
- August 30, 2023: Registration for 4-H Ecological Studies (4Est) SPIN Club due
- September 10, 2023: Registration for 4-H Brave Spaces virtual SPIN Club due
- October 11, 2023: Registration for Fall 2023 Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors Program due
Totally Thrilling Science!
Looking for some fun science activities to try with your club or at home? Check out these 10-minute activities inspired by the graphic ads in comics of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s on the Ohio State University 4-H Website. Unlike the products in those advertisements, these actually do work!
Club News
4-H Foundation Annual Conference
Scout and Summit W. were asked to present on the entrepreneurship project Chickswell and Beans Sunflowers. They spoke about getting started with their business, what they have learned, challenges, and how they have given back to the community.
4-H Summer of Science
This summer youth across Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties helped solve a science mystery! Did you know animals and plants leave behind clues for scientists in the water, on land, and in the air? Scientists can examine these clues using genetic material: Environmental DNA.
During weekly activities at 15 host sites, our teen teacher and college interns led youth through hands-on science activities that sharpened investigation skills, uncovered eDNA clues, and led our budding scientists to solve our summer mystery!
G.L.E.E. of Maine
Treat Memorial Garden Library
Members have committed to maintaining the gardens Treat Memorial Library in Livermore Falls. Today we did spring cleanup, weeding and planted a succulent/fairy garden!
ESE Equine Team Tryout
Summit and Gabrielle earned their spot on the 2023 ESE Equine Team as Teen Leader and Driver! They competed in two days of tryouts at the Cumberland and Windsor Fair Grounds. Both Summit and Gabrielle will travel with the 2023 ESE Equine Team to The Big E in September. Congrats from GLEE OF MAINE!
Midcoast Mainers
Plant Sale Fundraiser
At our April meeting, the 4H group planted various seeds of flowers and basil in peat pellet greenhouses donated by Lowe’s. Over the last couple of months they let them grow and transplanted them to pots. They sold the seedlings at the Leeds Farmers Market to help raise money for the club!
Moxie Festival Parade
The Midcoast Mainers showed their 4H spirit in the Moxie Festival Parade!
Cowboy Mounted Shooting Event
Members from the Midcoast Mainers 4H club went out to Brunswick to attend the Cowboy Mounted shooting on July 15th. While there they happily ran back and forth to put balloons up for the mounted shooters to shoot. Watching this event was incredible; it varied from very fast and experienced horses, to horses that were very green and just going through the course. We also spent time with the farms donkey! By participating in this event our club was able to earn money through donations.
Pink Spurs
Two of our club members had their last eastern states tryout. Ruby got high point equitation and placed 4th on the team. Molly got high point showmanship and placed 2nd on the team.
State 4-H News
4-H Brave Spaces
- Cost: Free
- Ages: Youth in grades 6 – 12
- Dates/Time: Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm, September 14, 21, 28, October 5 & 19, 2023
- Register Now:
- For currently enrolled 4-Hers (be sure to be logged into ZSuite)
- For youth not currently enrolled in 4-H.
4-H Brave Spaces is a five-session series designed to provide a safe place for youth to have important conversations about gender identity. This series demonstrates to LGBTQ+ youth that they are valued and welcomed by 4-H and gives all youth the tools to be supportive and effective allies. The peer-reviewed curriculum was created by Minnesota 4-H youth alongside regional and local Extension educators. Session highlights include: gender identity basics, a panel of LGBTQ+ and ally 4-H alumni, and tools to interrupt harassment and bias.
Session topics will include:
- Words and Culture Matter
- A Walk in Their Shoes
- What Can I Do?
- Global Cafe
Limited to 12 participants. Register by September 10th. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.581.8206; sarah.sparks@maine.edu.
4-H Ecological Studies (4Est) SPIN Club
Did you know that YOU are a scientist and can contribute to the science community?!? This virtual 4-H citizen scientists club encourages youth to practice citizen science in their own backyard, with a variety of citizen science opportunities to consider, and report their observations while making connections with fellow citizen scientists in their community and around the state. Along the way, we’ll learn about Maine ecology and how you can participate in research by just taking a picture.
Tuesdays September 12 – October 17, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. via zoom. This SPIN club is open to up to 12 youth ages 12 – 18. Please register by August 30 so we have time to mail the materials to you home. To learn more or sign up, visit our webpage.
Fall 2023 Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors Program
Who: This program is for all Maine youth ages 14 – 18.
What: This hybrid program will provide youth with an opportunity to connect to local agriculture, build relationships with industry professionals, develop professional and advocacy skills, and explore careers in agriculture. The 2023 fall cohort will explore careers and local agriculture through in-person field trips (limited transportation available), and by attending virtual meetings to grow their professional skill set (e.g. resume writing and interviewing skills). Additionally, youth will complete a personal reflective project exploring the role of agriculture and their future. This program includes mentoring in post-secondary opportunities as well as exploring current issues around food systems, livestock, crop sciences, aquaculture, climate issues impacting food systems, food equity, and more.
Why: The goal of the Maine 4-H Ag Ambassador Program is to provide experiences for youth to explore their interest in agriculture. The program focuses on:
- connecting youth with their local food systems and industries
- exploring the richness and diversity of the Maine food system
- developing “ag-vocacy” skills
- increasing access to career and post-secondary opportunities in agri-science and food systems.
Where: Virtually and in-person throughout Maine.
When:
Virtual Meeting Dates: October 18 and 25, November 1 and 15.
In-Person Meeting Dates: October 21, November 10, and December 2.
How: Interested in Joining? Register Online by October 11.