January 4-H Newsletter
Upcoming Dates:
January 15: 2026 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate
January 21: 4-H Volunteer Connections
February 1: Speak Up Aroostook workshop
February 19: Speak Up Aroostook workshop
March 14: Speak Up Aroostook County Showcase
April 1st: New Member Enrollment Deadline
April 11: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! State Public Speaking Tournament in Orono
June 30: Animal Approval Form Deadline
County News
New Year, New Projects
Happy New Year, Aroostook 4-H’ers! As we turn the calendar to 2026, it’s the perfect time to think about your “spark.” Whether you’ve been in the same club for years or are just starting out, the new year offers a fresh canvas to try something different.
Expand Your Horizons
Are you a pro in the show ring with your livestock? This year, why not challenge yourself by adding a STEM project like robotics or wind power? If you usually focus on indoor crafts, consider stepping outside with an Environmental Science project or exploring Maine’s amazing wildlife.
Trying a new project area doesn’t mean leaving your old favorites behind—it’s about building a “Growth Mindset.” You might discover a hidden talent for photography while taking pictures of your animal, or learn the science of nutrition while perfecting a recipe for Healthy Lifestyles.
Resources to Get Started
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has everything you need to kick off your new adventure:
- Visit Ms. Megan : Did you know the Houlton and Presque Isle office has a huge range of project curriculum available? Reach out to Ms. Megan to browse books, guides, and activity manuals that can help you master almost any topic you can imagine!
- 4-H Project Areas: Explore over 120 unique project areas from photography to aerospace.
- STEM Toolkits: Borrow a “project-in-a-box” from the Extension office to try hands-on science activities at home.
- Public Speaking Guide: Check out tips and categories to help you prepare for the county and state tournaments.
No matter what you choose, remember the 4-H motto: “To Make the Best Better.” Here’s to a year of learning, growing, and trying something new!
Hide & Seek
Mini Ms. Megan will be hiding in each edition of our Monthly 4-H Newsletter. If you find me, send an email to emily.dow@maine.edu with a screenshot or description of my location to be entered in a monthly drawing for a piece of 4-H Swag. The winner of the drawing will be announced in the following edition of the newsletter. Happy Hunting!
Several folks found Ms. Megan Hiding in the Ag Challenge article last month. We drew a name from a hat and the December winner is… BAILEY MCLAUGHLIN. Please contact the office to claim your prize! 532-6548; emily.dow@maine.edu megan.cook@maine.edu
Speak Up Aroostook 4-H 2026: Showcase Your Spark!
We are excited to invite all Aroostook 4-H members and volunteers to join the Maine 4-H Speak Up Program. Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro, our upcoming workshops are designed to help you practice and polish your presentation skills.
🗓️ Important Dates
- Workshop #1: Sunday, Feb 1 @ 2:00 PM (Location TBD)
- Workshop #2: Thursday, Feb 19 @ 3:00 PM (Presque Isle Office)
- County Showcase: Saturday, March 14 @ 12:00 PM (Presque Isle Office)
Note: Workshops are highly recommended but not required to participate in the Showcase. Register on ZSuites at least 4 days before each event.
🌟 New for 2026
- Performing Arts Category: Express yourself through music or drama! This new category includes a spoken intro, your performance, and a brief conclusion.
- Better Feedback: We’ve updated our evaluation sheets to provide clearer scoring and more room for supportive judge’s comments to help you improve.
🔗 Get Started
Find the new guidelines and evaluation sheets at the Maine 4-H Public Speaking website. We can’t wait to see your hard work in action!
Club and Member News
Homestead F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of Aroostook
Pathfinders
Pathfinders had a great time participating in the Presque Isle light parade.
The Evergreens
The Evergreens 4-H Club won the Non-profit float award at the Presque Isle Holiday Light Parade in December.
State 4-H News
January, 2026
Farm Animal Care FUNDamentals 4-H SPIN Club
Are you interested in learning about livestock animals (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 Animal Science SPIN club. 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 animal care. Participants do not need any prior animal experience or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner/introductory level program. This is a free opportunity for youth ages 9 – 18. Virtual sessions will be Thursdays, January 22, 29th, February 5, 2026, 4:00-5:15 pm. 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 Here before January 9, 2026.
Winter STEM Virtual Workshop Series
When: February 17, 18, 19, 20 from 10am to 11:15am
Where: This virtual series will meet on zoom
Cost: Free
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! Register here by February 3, 2026 or contact emily.booth@maine.edu for more information.
4-H Public Speaking Update
You asked, we’re excited! Performing Arts demonstrations will now be part of Speak Up, Maine 4-H the statewide Public Speaking Program. From dramatic monologues to musical performances, this creative category is your time to express yourself and share your spark center stage.
Performing Arts demonstrations include: – a spoken introduction – your performance – and a spoken conclusion Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges’ support for all categories, will be available soon on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website and through county staff. Stay tuned!
Maine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available
The 2026 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form is now available online and must be submitted by January 15, 2026. 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, kristen.grondin@maine.edu, 207-581-8193, or Cathy Bartlett Gray, cathy.gray@maine.edu, 207-743-6329 with any questions.
2026 Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales
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.
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. 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. Independent club members or youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register!
If you are interested in this program, please complete the interest form at this link so we can follow up with you about registration: https://forms.gle/JwNiYnPtU1ihXN2G9 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, (207) 581-8204. For more information, please visit the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/annual-events/maple-sugaring-101/
4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-Credential
The University of Maine System (UMS) 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential 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.
Students ages 14+ may enroll in the micro-credential pathway and learn the material through an instructor-led class or by self-study.
Link to 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential webpage: https://extension.umaine.edu/micro-credentials/4h-foundations-maple-sugaring-enterprise/
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. The three units for each digital badge and learning level are called “Woods Work”, “The Sugarhouse”, and “Kitchen and Business”.
The 4-H Maple Sugaring 101 virtual program will prepare students for the Level 1 digital badge.
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.
To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please email andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or by phone, 207.581.8204.
ESE 4-H Dairy Team Intent Forms are Due March 1, 2026
The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form is available online at https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy/. In order to be eligible for participation on the Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern 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.
Please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971 with any questions.
4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks! Fuel the Spark!
Okay, Maine 4-H volunteers- we have shared information about “youth sparks” in our past three editions of the 4-H Volunteer Corner. Now it’s YOUR TURN- tell us how YOU are helping to support or fuel a youth spark! Fill out this short form 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
4-H Volunteer Huddle:
Join us for a short “gather and learn session” 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’s something for everyone. We’d love to see you there! No registration required! Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
Password: volunteer
January 2, 2026- Navigating 4-H Curriculum Resources– 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.
February 6, 2026- Igniting Youth Sparks: Hands-On Strategies for 4-H Volunteers
Discover how to identify and nurture the unique passions, interests, and talents—“sparks”—that inspire young people to thrive. Get hands-on activities and strategies for igniting and sustaining youth sparks in their 4-H clubs.
4-H Volunteer Connections
January 21, 2026 Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth 6:30-8:00pm. Free to attend, but registration is required! Register here!
This month’s Volunteer Connections, Wednesday, January 21 at 6:30pm is going to be lots of fun (see below)! We are featuring three amazing and inspiring 4-H volunteers from the Northeast region! We will send out invites to our Maine volunteers through ZSuite, but wanted you to have a reminder/heads up, and we appreciate anything you can do to encourage your volunteers to attend! We know that when we build community and provide opportunities for shared experiences, it can help with volunteer retention. The included link/QR code below will lead volunteers to the landing page with registration and past recordings.
Your Voice is Needed! Passionate about 4-H Poultry & Rabbit Projects?
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’d love to have your experience, creativity, and passion at the table! Contact Sadee Mehuren, sadee.mehuren@maine.edu 207.342.5971
Info Session Dates: Jan 6, 2026 06:00 PM, Jan 22, 2026 06:00 PM
4-H Club Leader Handbook is a resource designed to help new club leaders get off to a strong start, containing specific information for facilitating the 4-H club model. Check out this amazing resource online https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/volunteers/club-leader-handbook/ or contact your county office for a printed copy.
