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Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n January 2026:<\/p>\n February-March 2026:<\/p>\n Public Speaking\u00a0<\/i>Updates<\/i><\/p>\n Open House Planning<\/em><\/p>\n Looking for a rewarding, active, and valuable career? Eager to learn the skills needed to work on a local farm? Get paid to learn through this job training program in Spring 2026!<\/p>\n Merrymeeting Food Council is accepting applications for a Farm Skills Training Program, a paid, part-time program that runs from late-March to early June. Participants must live in, or be able to travel to, the Bath\/Brunswick region of Maine. Participants will also receive individual support from a Career Advisor.<\/p>\n Learn more and apply on the Merrymeeting Food Council website<\/a>. Applications due February 1st, 2026.<\/p>\n No club updates this month, stay tuned for February!<\/p>\n Are you interested in learning about livestock\u00a0animals\u00a0(such as cows, goats, or sheep)? How do we care for them? How do you know what to feed them, how do you actually do regular health checks and have proper housing? Join the 4-H\u00a0Animal\u00a0Science\u00a0SPIN\u00a0club. We will have 3 virtual sessions focused on what livestock need to live a healthy life and one field day that provides hands-on experience. Set yourself up for success in your 4-H project by learning the basics of\u00a0animal\u00a0care. Participants do not need any prior\u00a0animal\u00a0experience or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner\/introductory level program.<\/p>\n This is a free opportunity for youth ages 9 \u2013 18. \u00a0<\/strong>Virtual sessions will be Thursdays, January 22, 29th, February 5, 2026, 4:00-5:15 pm.\u00a0 February 12th will be an optional session for youth who intend to participate in a 4-H livestock project. The final session will be geared towards youth who are beginning their journey into raising livestock. Learn More and Register on the UMaine 4-H Website<\/a> before January 9, 2026.<\/p>\n When: <\/strong>February 17, 18, 19, 20 from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM<\/p>\n Where:\u00a0<\/strong>This virtual series will meet on zoom<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong>\u00a0Free<\/p>\n This February, ignite a new appreciation for winter! Join our hands-on, curiosity-driven virtual science series designed for youth ages 10 and up. Through guided inquiry, investigation, and observation, we will explore all the wonders of the cold season. Get ready to transform your view of winter!\u00a0Register on the UMaine 4-H Website<\/a>\u00a0by February 3, 2026 or contact\u00a0emily.booth@maine.edu<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n You asked, we’re excited! Performing Arts demonstrations will now be part of\u00a0Speak Up, Maine 4-H\u00a0<\/em>the statewide\u00a0Public\u00a0Speaking\u00a0Program.<\/p>\n From dramatic monologues to musical performances, this creative category is your time to express yourself and share your spark center stage.<\/p>\n Performing Arts demonstrations include: Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges\u2019 support for all categories, will be available soon on the\u00a0Speak Up, Maine 4-H<\/em>\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0and through county staff. Stay tuned!<\/p>\n The 2026 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form is\u00a0now available online<\/a>\u00a0and must be submitted by\u00a0January 15, 2025<\/strong>. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Beef Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September. Youth must be 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2025 and have completed one year in a beef project prior to this year. Please contact Kristen Grondin,\u00a0kristen.grondin@maine.edu<\/a>, 207-581-8193, or Cathy Bartlett Gray,\u00a0cathy.gray@maine.edu<\/a>, 207-743-6329\u00a0 with any questions.<\/p>\n Maple Sugaring 101 is a virtual program open to Maine youth ages 10+ who are interested in learning about the entire maple sugaring process and how to create a commercial grade syrup. Participants will learn about forest management, tapping trees, transporting sap, using an evaporator, grading and storing syrup, and operating a maple sugaring business. The program will be three one-hour sessions on Zoom, one session per week, during the afternoon. Exact dates will be released in January 2026.<\/p>\n Each week, participants will learn about the process and connect with other young maple sugar makers through online meetings led by University of Maine Cooperative Extension experts.\u00a0 This program will also prepare youth for a new Level 1 digital badge called 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise. Youth who complete the program will get free access to the learning modules to earn the digital badge.<\/p>\n Independent club members or youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register!<\/p>\n If you are interested in this program, please complete the interest form at this link<\/a> so we can follow up with you about registration.<\/p>\n Club leaders who would like to have their club participate in this program, please contact your 4-H County Professional or Andrew Hudacs by Monday, January 26, 2026: andrew.hudacs@maine.edu<\/a>, (207) 581-8204. For more information, please visit the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n The University of Maine System (UMS)<\/a> 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential<\/strong><\/a> is a learning pathway for teenage youth to learn the essential aspects of the maple industry. Students completing the program demonstrate the foundational knowledge and skills to work in a maple forest, sugarhouse, and produce commercial-grade maple syrup and value-added food products. Additionally, participants understand how skills and traits gained during work in the maple industry are transferable to other workplace situations.<\/p>\n Students ages 14+ may enroll in the micro-credential pathway and learn the material through an instructor-led class or by self-study.<\/p>\n Link to 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential<\/strong> webpage: https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/micro-credentials\/4h-foundations-maple-sugaring-enterprise\/<\/a><\/p>\n Students progressing along the micro-credential pathway will earn and receive a digital badge at each milestone they achieve. There are three digital badge levels of knowledge and skills on the pathway that must be completed before proceeding to the next level. All three levels cover learning topics for working in the woods, the sugarhouse, the kitchen, and operating a business.\u00a0 The three units for each digital badge and learning level are called \u201cWoods Work\u201d, \u201cThe Sugarhouse\u201d, and \u201cKitchen and Business\u201d.<\/p>\n The 4-H Maple Sugaring 101<\/a> virtual program will prepare students for the Level 1 digital badge.<\/p>\n The Level 1 knowledge exam is the first of three parts required to earn the full micro-credential. There is no cost to enroll and take the Level 1 assessment. After passing this test, students can then demonstrate their skills with an approved instructor to complete Levels 2 and 3.<\/p>\n To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please email andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or by phone, 207.581.8204. The 2026 Maine 4-H\u00a0Dairy\u00a0Eastern States intent to participate form is available online at\u00a0https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/dairy\/<\/a>. In order to be eligible for participation on the Maine 4-H\u00a0Dairy\u00a0Eastern States Team next fall, 4-H members must submit their completed intent form online or to the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office before March 1, 2026.<\/p>\n Please contact Sadee Mehuren at\u00a0sadee.mehuren@maine.edu<\/a>\u00a0or 207.342.5971 with any questions.<\/p>\n Fuel the Spark! 4-H Volunteer Huddle: February 6, 2026-<\/strong> Igniting Youth Sparks: Hands-On Strategies for 4-H Volunteers <\/em><\/strong>Discover how to identify and nurture the unique passions, interests, and\u00a0talents\u2014\u201csparks\u201d\u2014that inspire young people to thrive. Get hands-on activities and\u00a0strategies for igniting and sustaining youth sparks in their 4-H clubs.<\/p>\n 4-H Volunteer Connections Help shape the new 4-H poultry and rabbit tracks that will debut at Eastern States in 2026! We are forming planning committees for each species and are looking for knowledgeable, enthusiastic 4-H volunteers and interested youth to join us in developing high-quality, engaging opportunities for 4-H members across the region. Join one of our upcoming drop-in virtual information sessions to learn more. We\u2019d love to have your experience, creativity, and passion at the table! Contact Sadee Mehuren, sadee.mehuren@maine.edu\u00a0 207.342.5971<\/p>\n Zoom Link: https:\/\/maine.zoom.us\/j\/84571900345?pwd=r3r8fH1VVWNHu7AtR6h2MIam8b9oPw.1<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Dates to Remember<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/a>County News<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Welcome, 2026!<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\nThe office will be hosting an open house this spring – an opportunity for club members to connect with one another, share their 4-H projects, and welcome folks interested in joining 4-H. If you or your family would be interested in helping to plan the event or participate, please let Laura know.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFarm Skills Training Workshop<\/h3>\n
![\"Farm](\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/androscoggin-sagadahoc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/11\/1-300x300.png\")
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\n<\/div>\n<\/a>Club News<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n<\/a>State News<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club<\/h3>\n
Winter STEM Virtual Workshop Series<\/h3>\n
4-H Public Speaking Update<\/h3>\n
\n– a spoken introduction
\n– your performance
\n– and a spoken conclusion<\/p>\nMaine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available<\/h3>\n
2026 Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales<\/h3>\n
4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-Credential<\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nESE 4-H Dairy Team Intent Forms are Due March 1, 2026<\/h3>\n
\n<\/a>4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong>Okay, Maine 4-H volunteers- we have shared information about \u201cyouth sparks\u201d in our past three editions of the 4-H Volunteer Corner. Now it\u2019s YOUR TURN- tell us how YOU are helping to support or fuel a youth spark! Fill out this short form<\/a> to highlight one example of youth spark and the role you played, and your name will be entered into a drawing for some cool 4-H swag! YOU MAKE a difference! Tell us how you do it! https:\/\/forms.gle\/NwK6oqSqzu6Ryfeh8<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Join us for a short \u201cgather and learn session\u201d to help you up your game. We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00-12:30 pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there\u2019s something for everyone. We\u2019d love to see you there! No registration required!
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\n<\/em><\/strong>Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
\nzoom.us\/j\/82015703524?pwd=QkT05bDbaaDIeYAQ8aGUd4eco5c6Rd.1
\n<\/a>Password: volunteer
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\nJanuary 2, 2026– Navigating 4-H Curriculum Resources- <\/em><\/strong>Explore the wide range of 4-H curriculum materials and learn how to access and utilize guides, activity books, and resource toolkits tailored for youth programming.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>January 21, 2026 Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth<\/em><\/strong>
\n6:30-8:00pm. Free to attend, but registration is required! Register via Zoom!<\/a>
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\nYour Voice is Needed! Passionate about 4-H Poultry & Rabbit Projects?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nInfo Session Dates:<\/strong> Jan 6, 2026 06:00 PM,\u00a0 Jan 22, 2026 06:00 PM<\/p>\n