October 2025: Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H Newsletter

October 9, 2025 4-H News, News

Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County 4-H Newsletter

Dates to Remember | County News | Club News |State News

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Dates to Remember

  • October 11, 2025: Fall open house in Orono
  • October 15, 2025: State Youth Council nominations due
  • October 15, 2025, 6:00-7:00 PM: Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey
  • October 16, 2025, 3:00-4:00 PM: Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey
  • October 18-19, 2025: ADGA National Convention in Danvers, MA
  • November 4, 2025: Last day to register for Robotics Training for Educators
  • November 15, 2025: 4-H National Trip Applications Due

See the State News section for more events for 4-H volunteers!

County News

October 2025 Newsletter header featuring photo of a Midcoast Mainer leading horse

 

Happy 4-H New Year!

4-H Go Green National 4-H Week logo

Yes, it’s that time again. A new 4-H year is upon us, so I’m sending along a few specific updates for everyone.
Project Records – please make sure your project records are on their way to the office. A completed record is required for members to receive their project pin, etc. at their club’s achievement celebration.
Re-enrollment – Now open for the 2025-2026 4-H year. Please submit your enrollment in ZSuite as soon as possible.
National 4-H Week  – Follow along October 5th-11th as we celebrate National 4-H week! We’ll be posting throughout the week on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Club News

Midcoast Mainers

Midcoast Mainers wrapped up their 4H year with a family and friends showcase. The kids presented their projects and then we all shared a Taco dinner together!

Eastern States Equestrian Show

This September three of the Midcoast Mainers drove down to Massachusetts with our horses to participate in the 2025 Eastern States Equestrian show as part of the eight member Maine Equestrian Team. While at the Big E we competed in many classes with our horses. Ranging from Open English, Western, Ranch Pleasure and a creative costume class.  The classes consisted of 12-18 riders as we were told this was the largest turnout they had in quite a few years.  We all earned multiple ribbons in our classes and had fun doing it.  As well as our riding classes, we earned ribbons in judging and general knowledge.  We also got to experience parts of the fair. There’s no doubt that many memories were made! It’s safe to say by the end of the weekend everyone including the horses were exhausted. Go Team Maine!!

— Liz B.

State News

Apply Now: Ignite by 4-H 2026

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and eager to learn alongside 4-H youth from across the country? Ignite by 4-H 2026 is your chance to grow as a leader, deepen your knowledge in an area that excites you, and make your mark on the future of 4-H in Maine.

We’re seeking motivated Maine 4-H youth (ages 14–18) to represent our state at the Ignite by 4-H Summit in Washington, D.C. Delegates will:

    • Work in a focus area group
    • Participate in planning meetings
    • Attend the national summit
    • Collaborate to create a resource for younger Maine 4-Hers

Track Options & Positions Available (apply for one track; rank your top two choices)

  • Agriscience
  • Animal Science
  • Community Activators
  • Healthy Living
  • STEM
  • Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

Applications are due by November 15, 2025. Apply Online.

Applicants must be enrolled in 4-H and between 14–18 at the time of the trip.

Robotics Training for Educators

Friday, November 7, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm at the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center in Orono. This workshop is designed to teach adults how to build and program with Lego® SPIKE Prime robot kits. We focus on using the skills learned from these workshops to teach robotics at schools and on robot teams. It is also great for anyone interested in learning something about robots, programming, or computers! We will be using the LEGO SPIKE robot controller, and programming it using the LEGO Education SPIKE App.

Register online by November 4, and limited to 12 attendees.

4-H National Trip Applications are Open

Exciting news! Applications are now open for the 2026 4-H National Trips, featuring 4-H Conference and 4-H Congress. These events offer incredible opportunities for leadership development and national networking. Any Maine 4-H Youth, ages 14 to 18 is eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members at the time of application and the time of the actual trip.

  • 4-H Conference: April 10 – 15, 2026 in Washington DC
  • 4-H Congress: November 27 – December 1, 2026 in Georgia

Find out more and apply online.

Fall Open House

The Fall Open House will be held Saturday, October 11th from 10am – 2pm at the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center (491 College Ave, Orono ME).  Come join us for a fall inspired Open House event! If this is your first time, come learn about the opportunities 4-H has to offer, check out our space, meet our staff, and take part in some fun hands-on activities: Mad Scientist Experiments, Seaweed Squishies, Touch Tank, Tissue Paper Painting, and more!  We encourage everyone to come in costume! For more information please go to our website or contact Meg Begley-Irish at megan.begley@maine.edu.

Build. Create. Innovate.

This event, run by the Girl Scouts of Maine, will be held at the Cole Land Transportation Museum (405 Perry Rd, Bangor ME) on Saturday, October 18th from 10am – 2pm. This is a FREE family-friendly event open to the entire community. This dynamic STEM and innovation event is designed for families, offering a hands-on experience that brings science, technology, engineering, and creativity to life. For more information visit the Girl Scouts of Maine website.

Dairy Goat Educational Opportunity for 4-H Members

Calling all 4-Hers! Don’t miss the exciting Youth Program at the ADGA National Convention, happening October 18–19 in Danvers, MA. This is your chance to connect with fellow youth goat enthusiasts and dive into hands-on learning and fun.

Activities include a Skillathon, Ultrasounding demonstrations, a goat milk product activity, and much more!

Whether you’re new to dairy goats or a seasoned showman, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills and make new friends. We hope to see you there! Learn more about the Youth Program at convention.adga.org. For more information, contact Heidi Vanderloop at hvanderloop@adga.org.

Tanglewood Fall Family Day

Tanglewood’s Fall Family Day is on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM.

Located at the UMaine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Tanglewood, 184 Tanglewood Road, Lincolnville, ME 04849.

Join us during the best season at Tanglewood, the Fall, as we celebrate autumnal changes. This is a free family event open to all ages and abilities. Activities may include apple pressing, pumpkin painting, and a campfire with s’mores. This is a great opportunity to explore the woods and grounds at Tanglewood.

For more information visit our website or call 207.789.5868.

State Youth Council

The Maine 4-H State Youth Council nomination form is now open!

The Maine 4-H Youth Council is a chance to step up, speak out, and represent 4-H across our state. As part of this leadership group you’ll connect local and state programs, amplify youth voice in 4-H, and promote 4-H events from Maine to the national stage.

Nominees must be between the ages of 16-24 years of age and must have participated in 4-H for at least 2 years (club, independent, after school, school-based, mentoring or camp program). Nominations are now accepted from 4-H staff and directly from members.

If selected, the requirements of the Youth Council are that members be an active participant (participate in 80% of meetings) and participate in the youth council project chosen for the year. The council meets a total of 6 times per year, 4 on zoom and 2 in person.

Nominations from Extension staff and self-nominations will be accepted.

We are currently looking for youth representation from all counties plus 4-H Camps and Learning Centers and CYFAR/Northstar/OhYea programs.

Nominations are due October 15th via the Nomination Google Form.

National 4-H Week — Get Involved!!

Day 1 – Beyond Ready: Go Green
Monday, October 6, 2025

On Monday of National 4-H Week, Go GREEN and show your 4-H state spirit! A simple, cohesive way for youth, professionals, volunteers, alumni & supporters across the country to celebrate their 4-H program being Beyond Ready. Wear a green hat, clothing, face paint – anything green goes. Let’s paint the nation GREEN, on Monday, October 6!

Share your Go Green moment on social and tag National 4-H, The Maine 4-H program, and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek

Day 2 – Beyond Ready: 4-H For Good
Thursday, October 9, 2025

On Thursday of National 4-H Week, help us shine a light on all the good that 4-H does! A day to recognize all 4-H’ers who are doing good and making positive impact by helping their communities and beyond. Share your own story or celebrate someone who is making a difference – another 4-H’er, volunteer or educator We want to know, on Thursday, October 9!

Share on social, tag others in your 4-H community, tag National 4-H and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek

4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips and tricks

Positive Youth Development – What is a Spark?
A spark is that special interest, skill, or passion that lights a fire in a young person’s life. Sparks give youth energy, joy, and purpose—and when volunteers help identify them, youth thrive! While sparks are self-discovered and self-identified, volunteers can assist by introducing youth to new topics and exposing them to new experiences. A 4-H “spark” differs from a typical hobby by focusing on a deeper sense of purpose and contribution, while a hobby is primarily a leisure activity pursued for personal pleasure. Check back next month for more information about sparks!

4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar
We have SO many great 4-H volunteer opportunities available this year! CLICK HERE to find our calendar of events- scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!

4-H Volunteer Huddle
Come to the sideline for a quick “gather-learn-discuss” and then get back into the game of 4-H. A variety of topics will help you improve your strategy- you pick which ones interest you! We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00-12:30pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there’s something for everyone.

We’d love to see you there!

No registration required!

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://maine.zoom.us/j/82015703524?pwd=QkT05bDbaaDIeYAQ8aGUd4eco5c6Rd.1

Password: volunteer

Oct. 3- Start Strong: Get Organized for a Great 4-H Year!

Nov. 7- Getting Started with 4-H Market Animals

Check it Out – This Month
Virtual Workshop Series offered by UConn 4-H

Oct 22, 29, Nov 5, 12 7-8:00pm Stewarding Human and Animal Health Through Effective Biosecurity Practices

Free! Register by Oct 10th

Complete the series and get a certificate!

Know someone who you think would make a GREAT 4-H volunteer? The Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey sessions will give individuals an overview of 4-H, the key points of positive youth development, and a variety of ways to help in 4-H! Invite someone to register for a one-hour session to learn more on

Oct 15, 6-7:00pm or Oct 16, 3-4:00pm

Resource Spotlight
Check out 4-H Volunteer Ventures! These 30-minute episodes examine the fun, but sometimes confusing role of the 4-H volunteer.
THIS ONE will help you get organized for the new 4-H year ahead! 4-H Volunteer Ventures can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio. Special thanks to our 4-H friends at Rutgers University! go.rutgers.edu/awotzzkr