Aroostook 4-H March and April Newsletter 2021
Happy Birthday to our 4-H’ers born in March and April.
| March | April |
| Mia C. | Macie B. |
| Soloman F. | Molly S. |
| Gracie L. | Mallory W. |
| Evan M. | |
| Nicholas M. | |
| Reid M. | |
| Baileigh M. | |
| Walker M. | |
| Annastasia S. |
STEAM Kits
The Aroostook County 4-H Program was thrilled to build 50 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Kits that will be distributed to foster children through Aroostook. Our colleagues in this endeavor are a local non-profit organization called Partners in the Arts. This group will help bring the STEAM Kits to the foster families. Each kit has eleven hands-on activities that will also introduce the children to great 4-H information and positive youth development components. We are so thankful for this opportunity to be involved with our communities.
National Volunteer Week
April 18-24, 2021
Each year we take a week in April to focus on all of the wonderful work that our 4-H volunteers do. The 4-H program in Aroostook county could not exist without all of the amazing teens and adults who give of their time and talents to our youth to develop and thrive. This past year has been incredibly challenging but we still commend you for your perseverance and dedication. Thank you 4-H volunteers!
Virtual Teen Science Cafes
Maine 4-H Virtual Teen Science cafes will take place on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 4:45 pm. Pre-registration is required, and registration links are online.
- April 6 – Let’s Talk About Sharks – join Dr. Scarlett Tudor for a fascinating talk about shark feeding and social behaviors.
- April 13 – Bogged Down with Dr. Erin McDonald – From wooden trackways to human remains (including hair and nails!), rare archaeological artifacts are often found preserved in the dark, wet bogs of Ireland. Come learn about the preservation powers of Ireland’s peatlands and the stories of the bog bodies found within them.
- April 27 – Learn about Ocean Acidification’s Impact on Lobster with Dr. Heather Hamlin.
4-H Public Speaking Tournament
The 2021 4-H Public Speaking Tournament will take place virtually over the weekend of April 17 – 18, 2021. If you are interested in participating in the Maine 4-H Public Speaking Program and need assistance in any way, please contact us to discuss your needs. We are committed to making 4-H programs accessible to all youth, regardless of internet or technology access.
Family, friends, and the general public who wish to support youth can join us for the Awards Ceremony! The Awards Ceremony will be streamed live via Facebook Live, YouTube, and Zoom on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 4:00pm. We encourage you to invite anyone you’d like — there is no limit on attendees!
Questions about the Maine 4-H Public Speaking Program? Contact Sheila Norman, 207.942.7396.
Update Regarding Maine 4-H Days
The in-person event: Maine 4-H Days has been canceled for 2021. Information will be shared later in the spring about upcoming 4-H activities for the summer.
4-H Passport Around the World SPIN Club
Join Maine 4-H and Greenheart Exchange as we travel around the world virtually and meet other teens from across the globe! Meetings will include a brief presentation from a Greenheart Exchange Student, an activity, and Q & A. This SPIN Club is best for ages 12-18 and open to all youth. A minimal supply list will be provided for each activity. Dates are Saturdays April 24th Lebanon, May 8th Armenia, May 22nd Slovakia, from 9:30-10:30 AM and Thursdays, April 29th Moldova, May 13th Romania and 27th Czech Republic from 4:00-5:00 PM register online.
4-H Citizen Science Club
University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H will offer a citizen science club for grades 4–8 meeting weekly 3:30–4:30 p.m. from May 5–June 9.
This virtual 4-H citizen scientists club encourages youth to practice citizen science in their own backyard, with a variety of citizen science opportunities to consider, and report their observations while making connections with fellow citizen scientists in their community and around the state. Youth will need online access and the ability to take and share photos.
The club is free to join; enrollment is limited to 15 members. Register on the 4-H club webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.581.8206 or sarah.sparks@maine.edu.