June 2024: Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H Newsletter
Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County 4-H News
Table of contents:
Dates to Remember
- June 10, 2024: Summer Learning Series registration opens for the public
- June 15, 2024, 12:00-2:30 P.M.: 4-H at Portland Pride
- July 19 – July 20, 2024: Maine 4-H Days
- July 19 – July 21, 2024: Animal Science tracks
- June 22, 2024: Swine Judging Clinic with Randy Shipley!
- June 30, 2024: Last day to complete the 4-H Annual Index Survey
4-H Annual Index Survey
The National 4-H Council has published its annual survey for 13-19 year-olds along with the message below. If you haven’t already, please consider taking this survey and representing Maine 4-H! Take the survey here.
Hi 4-H Families,
The mission of the National 4-H Council is to empower youth in 4-H programs to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. To assess our success in this endeavor, we are conducting an annual study to measure the impact of 4-H on youth and we invite your 4-H’er(s) to respond. This study is also being replicated by 4-H programs in other states nationwide and is described in greater detail below.
You are voluntarily deciding whether or not to allow your child to participate in this study. By allowing your child to complete and submit their survey response, you have given your permission for your child to participate. Your child can withdraw from the study at any time.
If participating, please complete the survey by June 30,2024. The survey link can be found at the bottom of this e-mail.
If you have any questions about this survey, please contact your local 4-H Office or contact (Dr. Kristy L Ouellette, 207-581-8021) with the Maine 4-H Program. Thank you for your time and interest, it is greatly appreciated.
Update to MALE Insurance Notification
FYI from our State 4-H Program Leader.
The following activities are NOT INCLUDED OR COVERED:
- Equines – horses, ponies, mules, donkeys
- Any and all rides, wagon, scoot and hay rides
- Contests of strength, timed events, hauling mobile equipment – cart, scoot, drag, wagon
- Dogs and sheep dog activities
- Vendors
Subject to policy conditions.This means that horse and working steer events are not covered under MALE insurance. 4-H will not be responsible for coordinating livestock insurance, this is something that families need to procure on an individual basis to meet their own needs. Working steer participants can purchase insurance through membership with New England Steer and Ox Association if they would like to look into it to see if it meets the needs of their family. There are no recommendations for equine policies.
Adulting 101: Adulting in a Digital World
Part of the Maine 4-H Summer Learning Series. Registration opens June 3 for Maine 4-Hers, and June 10 for all Maine youth! Find more on the Summer Learning Series in the Sate News section below.
County News
Congrats, Grads!
Congratulations to all our 4-H members finishing their high school studies!
Aisha A.
Claudia C.
Gabrielle M.
Hamza I.
Jade D.
Paige R.
Rebecca K.
Regina P.
Sahra I.
Samantha B.
Community Central
On May 23rd, Claudia C. was awarded a post-secondary scholarship from the Maine 4-H Foundation. Claudia has participated in 4-H for three years, as a Summer of Science Teen Teacher, member of the Community Central club at Lewiston High School, and is a member of the Maine 4-H State Youth Council. Congratulations, Claudia!
Midcoast Mainers
The Midcoast Mainers volunteered at the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals. They got a lovely tour of the property and the horses who reside there. We really enjoyed hearing all the success stories that have resulted from the hard work of this non-profit! The kids were busy washing buckets, feed pans and brush totes. Afterwards, we made a $200 donation from the club to the organization by purchasing each 4-H’er a MSSPA shirt to remember the day!
State News
Maine 4-H Days: Register Now!
Where: Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, Maine
When: Friday evening, July 19 – Saturday, July 20. Animal Science tracks are being scheduled from Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 21.
Registration is now open for 2024 Maine 4-H Days! There will be livestock events through the weekend, and dozens of enrichment workshops to choose from during the day on Saturday. Friday night will be a blast with a Youth Council Dance for youth ages 12 and up, and then a Move and Groove Family Movie Night for the rest! Camping space is available at no additional charge. Visit the website to learn more about the different activities, and to register now!
4-H Summer Learning Series
2024 marks the FIFTH year Maine 4-H is offering a Summer Learning Series! This year, workshops will run from July 5 – August 10, and there is something for everyone. Registration opens June 3 for enrolled 4-Hers, and opens June 10 for all other youth.
There is a lot of diversity in the offerings for this year – you can learn about rocks or how to start your own fish tank! Would you like to explore the world of animals, or get cozy with festive winter holiday crafts? From Cloverbuds to Teens, there are experiences available for all ages. Dive into the different workshop options! To register or learn more, head to our website!
UMaine 4-H Invites You to be a Part of Pride 2024
4-H will be participating in Pride festivities in Portland on June 15, 2024. A pride event is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, the rights won, and recognition of these individuals as existing and loved members of our communities. 4-H will participate in the parade portion by walking with a banner. Participants should plan on being at the event from noon – 2:30pm.
This event is open to any 4-H member or 4-H volunteer. Friends, family, and 4-H alumni are welcome but must have a 4-H member/volunteer hosting them.
To register or for more information, go to this webpage. If you have questions you can email 4-hpride@maine.edu.
Summer at 4-H Camps at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove
The UMaine 4-H Camps at Blueberry Cove and Tanglewood have summer camp openings and scholarships to support Maine youth to attend. We are excited to connect 4-Hers to our programs.
Overnight camps and Discovery Trips, ages 8-15: Week-long programs at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove or adventures along the Appalachian Trail or Downeast Farm Camp with Painted Pepper Farm.
Teen Leadership programs, ages 14-17: Two and three-week immersion trips to build leadership skills while exploring Maine’s beautiful natural areas via canoeing and backpacking.
We have scholarships available to cover up to 75% of the tuition for these programs. Funding is also available for first-time campers from National 4-H via CAMP III funds!
Check out programs online at umaine.edu/tanglewood, email emma.beaudry@maine.edu, or call 207.789.5868.
4-H Swine Judging Clinic with Randy Shipley!
On June 22nd Maine 4-H will be hosting a 4-H swine judging clinic at the Cumberland Fairgrounds. Instructed by Randy Shipley of Shipley Swine Genetics, participants will learn how to visually evaluate swine, gain confidence in comparing animals against breed standards, and practice explaining logical reasons for opinion. Whether you are new to 4-H swine projects or have been doing them for years, don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert.
Pre-registration is required. To sign up for the event please visit our webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971 or sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.
4-H Tick Project
The 4-H Tick Project is a community science project engaging K-12 youth and educators, made possible through a partnership between 4-H Youth Development, UMaine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab, Maine Forest Tick Survey, and members of the Learning Ecosystems Northeast partnership. The project provides youth an opportunity to explore ticks and tick-borne diseases, which is a connected story of climate, ecosystem change, and public health.
All educators interested in teaching about ticks in Maine are encouraged to participate in the project at no cost to you. This is a great project for 4-H clubs, SPIN clubs, homeschool groups, and more. For more information and to register, visit the 4-H Tick Project webpage.