September 2026: Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H Newsletter
Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County 4-H Newsletter
Dates to Remember | County News | Club News |State News | 4-H Volunteer Corner
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Dates to Remember
September
- September 11: Registration open for 4-H Volunteer Summit
- September 15: 2027 Ignite by 4-H applications due
- Mondays, September 19, 26 & October 5, 4:00-5:00 PM: 4-H Power Protectors STEM Challenge
- September 30: Project Records due
- September 30: Registration deadline for 4-H Super Sitters Virtual Series
October-November
- October 3: Applications for Executive Committee youth member role due
- Tuesdays, October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 4:00 – 5:30 PM: 4-H Volunteer Storytellers
- October 17, 1:00 PM: Maine 4-H Day at UMaine Football
- November 7, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM: 4-H Volunteer Summit
County News
Reminder: Project Records due to the office September 30th
Each year we look forward to seeing your project Records and hearing your 4-H Stories! Review Project Record requirements on the Project Records info page.
4-H Service Learning Opportunity
Topsham Fair 2026
Club News
Midcoast Mainers
Our 4‑H Horse Camp was an amazing weekend of horsemanship, learning, and teamwork. The kids practiced hands on Liberty, Equitation, Equine Body Work, Saddle Fitting and Mounted Shooting- that they absolutely loved. Huge thank‑you to our volunteers and clinicians for supporting the kids for a hot weekend — your generosity keeps opportunities like this thriving for our youth. We’re so proud of our campers and can’t wait for next year!
State News
Get Your Tickets: Maine 4-H Day at UMaine Football
Join Maine 4-H at the University of Maine on Saturday, October 17, as the Black Bears take on Bryant University! The game begins at 1:00 p.m.
Come early to connect with other 4-H members and families, learn about upcoming 4-H opportunities, and enjoy time together before cheering on the UMaine football team.
Tickets will be $15 per person. You can purchase your tickets on the 4-H Football Experience page. We hope you can join us!
4-H Super Sitters Virtual Series
Learn the basics of babysitting through our introductory 4-H Super Sitters Virtual Series! 4-H staff will introduce interested teens to the basics of babysitting – what questions to ask families, how to hold a baby and change a diaper, and the development stages of children. This workshop is targeted for youth ages 11-18, with a maximum of 12 youth participants. The last session, December 1, will be a hybrid model, in-person location(s) to be determined. Register by September 30, 2026.
Who: Ages 11 – 18
When: Tuesdays, October 27 – December 1, 2026, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Where: Virtual – connect from home, we will mail key materials
How: Visit the Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub, registration information is posted under Healthy Living
4-H Volunteer Storytellers
What makes someone choose to volunteer? What inspires them to keep showing up and making a difference? In this virtual 4-H SPIN club, teens will become Volunteer Storytellers, learning how to uncover and share the stories behind the people who give their time to help others. Together they will explore why volunteering matters and why recognizing volunteers is important. They’ll learn about developing thoughtful interview questions, practice interviewing skills, and conduct an interview with a real volunteer. Then use what they learn to create an engaging social media post that celebrates the volunteer and shares their story with the community.
Cost: Free
Who: Ages 14+
When: Tuesdays, October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Where: Virtual – on Zoom
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2026
How: Visit the Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub, registration information is posted under Healthy Living
Power Protectors: 4-H STEM Challenge
How much energy do we use and how can we power our world with sun, wind, and other renewable energy? Step into the role of an engineer in this hands-on challenge! We will explore basic energy concepts, figure out how much energy we use and experiment with alternative energy. We will apply problem solving, creative thinking and collaboration skills to design challenges. Register by September 3, 2026.
Who: Ages 9 – 12
When: Mondays, September 19, 26 & October 5th 4:00-5:00 pm
Where: Virtual – connect from home, we will mail key materials
How: Visit the Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub, registration information will be posted under STEAM
Apply for the 2027 Ignite by 4-H Maine Team
Applications are now open for the 2027 Ignite by 4-H Maine Team. All Maine youth ages 14–18 are eligible to apply.
Ignite by 4-H will take place March 17–21, 2027, in Washington, D.C. Youth applying for the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) track should plan to attend March 16–21, 2027. 2027 Ignite by 4-H Youth Applications are due September 15, 2026.
September 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!
September Volunteer Self-Check – Tell us How You Did!
The past couple of months we have shared information about developmental relationships- when you show an interest, create connections and offer encouragement, you are helping to build a strong relationship with youth. Take a little time this month to reflect on your developmental relationships with 4-H youth. Small actions create lasting impact. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How did I show a young person I care?
- How did I challenge them to grow?
- How did I support their goals?
Fill out this short form to answer any of the three questions by Friday, September 25th. Your name will be entered into a drawing for some cool 4-H swag! You Make a difference! Tell us how you do it!
4-H Volunteer Summit
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Registration Opens Friday, September 11, 2026
Come join us for a day of fun with your fellow 4-H volunteers and our awesome 4-H staff! YUP, we have a great line up of workshops and YES, our Discovery Zone is going to have so many 4-H programs and opportunities to learn about! From Ag Ambassadors and the Maine 4-H Foundation to a Touch Tank, Virtual Learning and more, we have something for everyone! Check out the 4-H Volunteer Summit webpage and look for the registration link! Registration Opens Friday, September 11th! We can’t wait to see you there!
Resource Spotlight
As a 4-H volunteer, protecting your own well-being is essential to prevent burnout and sustainably guide youth. Set clear boundaries on your time, share responsibilities with co-leaders or parents, take regular breaks during busy project seasons, and remember that it is okay to say no to extra tasks. For more information, take a look at this self-care resource from Mississippi State University Extension.