September 2023: Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H Newsletter
Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County 4-H News
Table of contents:
Dates to Remember
- September 10, 2023: Registration for 4-H Brave Spaces virtual SPIN Club due
- September 18 & 25, 2023, 6:00-7:00 pm: Information sessions for aspiring 4-H volunteers
- October 11, 2023: Registration for Fall 2023 Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors Program due
Thank you, Cathy!
Cathy Bartlett Gray worked with 4-H in Androscoggin/Sagadahoc Counties for eight years and has been a 4-H volunteer since 2008. Over the years, Cathy led the Locke, Stock and Arrow 4-H club, supported the And/Sag Leaders Association, Maine 4-H Days, Androscoggin Teen Council, Maine 4-H Youth Council, Summer of Science, and brought 4-H programming to Lisbon area schools.
Cathy also worked with Maine and Northeast Region 4-H Public Speaking Program, which was just selected as a national award winner by NAE4HYDP.
We will miss her energy and creativity and wish her well in her new adventure with UMaine Extension’s Maine Families program!
Club News
Midcoast Mainers
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- Addyson (7) & Autumn (10) S. – “LifeSpan of a Painted Lady”
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- Madelyn L. (8) – “Friesian Horses”
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- Gabe S. (10)- “Bearded Dragons”
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- Autumn T. (9)- “Great Danes”
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- Adelyn K. (8)- “How to Find Deer Signs”
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- Margaret K. (5)- “How to Propagate Plants”
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- Kendall I. (8)- “Pig Facts”
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- Bailey S. (7)- “How to Make Elastic Bracelets”
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- Noah L. (9) – “Dirt Bikes”
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- Elizabeth B. (13) & Grace L. (12)- “Toxic Plants to Horses”
State 4-H News
UMaine Extension 4-H to offer sessions for aspiring volunteers in September
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a two-part online informational session for adults interested in becoming Maine 4-H volunteers on September 18 & 25, 2023 from 6:00-7:00 pm.
“Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey” will provide participants with information about the UMaine Extension 4-H youth development program through four short e-Learning modules. Attendees will also participate in an experimental learning activity, learn about the key aspects of positive youth development, and be introduced to ages and stages of youth.
A 4-H volunteer is many things – mentor, advisor, friend, teacher, referee, role model, pacesetter and much more. As a 4-H volunteer, participants will have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children, teach them valuable life skills, help them thrive towards a positive self-image, accomplish positive personal goals and a sense of accomplishment.
The two one-hour virtual sessions will wrap up with an outline of next steps and an introduction to a county staff contact to help with the application process if desired.
Registration is required. The sessions are free. To register, visit our website.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, visit our website or contact Jennifer Lobley, jennifer.lobley@maine.edu, 207.255.3345.
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 & 25, November 1 & 15
In-Person Meeting Dates: October 21, November 10, and December 2.
How: Interested in Joining? Register online on our website by October 11.
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:
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- 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 10. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.581.8206; sarah.sparks@maine.edu.