May 4-H Newsletter

Upcoming Dates

May 22: 4-H Honor Cord Request Deadline
May 22: Summer Learning Series Registration Opens
June 30: Animal Approval Forms Due
July 17: NM Fair Clean Up Day 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
August 5 – 9: Northern Maine Fair
September 12: County Camp Day (more info coming soon)
November 7: Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit

Free Goats

Three, 3 month old Nigerian Dwarf Bucks. If you are interested or would like to know more about this, call Jean 207-267-5505. She was hoping to find a 4-H home for them.

County News

Successful Small Ruminant Starter Weekend!

The first weekend in May was all about sheep and goats! 4-H youth and adults from around the state gathered in Aroostook County for a hands-on Small Ruminant Starter Weekend. The weekend was designed to help adults, producers, and 4-H’ers get started with sheep and goats and ensure the future of small ruminant husbandry in Maine is brighter (and healthier) than ever.

Saturday: Diving Deep into Parasite Management

Saturday was all about health and precision. Our “Parasite Intensive Day” saw adults and older youth rolling up their sleeves for a deep dive into flock and wellness. Participants didn’t just listen to lectures; they got behind the microscope to perform fecal egg counts and mastered the FAMACHA protocol for barber pole worm management on live animals. Participants left FAMACHA certified, equipped with the tools to reduce chemical resistance and keep their animals thriving.

Sunday: From Foundational Care to Show Ring Success

Sunday morning kicked off with the “Basics of Small Ruminant Care,” covering the essential of success.

Nutrition and Pasture Management
Shelter Design
Handling Techniques and Hoof Trimming

As the afternoon rolled around, the focus shifted entirely to our 4-H youth. Members received hands-on instruction from former Maine 4-H ESE Sheep team members in fitting, showmanship, and project management. Seeing these alumni return to mentor the next generation was a testament to the lasting impact of the 4-H program.

This event was a resounding success thanks to an incredible collaboration of experts and local supporters. A massive thank you to our facilitating team:

Sadee Mehuren, 4-H Animal Science Professional
Dr. Rachel White, UMaine Cooperative Extension Livestock Professor
Owen Cortner, Livestock Specialist with the DACF

We also want to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Willie Winslow and the Putnam Family. Their generosity in allowing us to use their animals for demonstrations provided the vital hands-on experience that made this weekend so impactful.

Hannaford Help Selects Aroostook 4-H as May Beneficiary

We are excited to share that Houlton Hannaford has selected Aroostook 4-H to benefit from the Community Bag Program throughout the month of May. Every time a $2.50 reusable community bag is purchased at the Hannaford located in Houlton, $1 will be donated to Aroostook 4-H. This is a great way to broaden awareness of the opportunities 4-H provides to local youth.

Let’s Get Started!

Share the news with family and friends. Call, send emails, and share our social media announcement to help get the word out. The more people who purchase a Community Bag in May, the more funds Aroostook 4-H will receive for future programs and activities.

Aroostook 4-H Spring Fling Recap

On Saturday, April 25, Aroostook 4-H hosted our annual Spring Fling. Over 50 4-H’ers from across Aroostook county came together for a day of fun and learning. Members made cheese, examined eggs, created floral arrangements, planted flowers, learned about the 4-H pledge, and moved their bodies at the different workshops. We also were visited by Officer Vining & Boris to learn more about police K-9 units and our Aroostook 4-H youth council hosted a quiz bowl.

Members who attended were able to take home buckets for their Supper From The Soil gardens as well as paper eggs for the creativity class of egg exhibits at the Northern Maine Fair. Any members who were not in attendance, and would like to receive these supplies for their exhibit entries please reach out to the office.

Additionally below are some helpful links and information for youth who are looking to review or find out more about some of the activities at Spring Fling.

National 4-H Poultry & Egg – Break Out Evaluation
National 4-H Poultry: Exterior Egg Grading
Container Garden Handout

Thank you to all of our volunteers and presenters who made this happen.

Prepare for Fair: Handbooks & Schedules

The Northern Maine Fair is right around the corner! To ensure a stress-free and rewarding experience, every 4-H family should review a few documents.

One Fair, Two Handbooks

Exhibit Hall & Special Contests: Your guide for exhibit hall entries, public speaking and other special contests.
Livestock Handbook: Your guide for exhibiting animals, requirements and rules, show classes, and other animal related events such as evaluation.

Don’t Miss the “Fine Print”

Reading the handbooks isn’t just about rules; it’s about preparation. Inside, you’ll find:

Deadlines: Important dates for animal approval forms, lease agreements, and entry deadlines for Demo Ex and shows. Many events require pre-registration. Make sure to also be checking email and upcoming newsletters for event info.
Rules & Dress Code: Ensuring your youth has the correct attire and understands protocols.
Hidden Gems: You might discover a category you didn’t know existed—like maple syrup production or robotics—sparking a brand-new interest!

Use the Schedule to Prioritize

The 4-H Fair Schedule is your best tool for mapping out the week. Use it to cross-reference show times, avoid event overlaps, and decide which activities your youth wants to prioritize.

Tips:

Treat these documents like a menu! Grab a highlighter, sit down with your 4-Her, and circle the categories and events that excite them most.
Cross reference with your club’s schedule and the larger Northern Maine Fair Schedule to avoid missing important activities.

Where to find them? The latest versions can be found by using the links below.

Hard copies can be requested from our office.

Help Us Grow The County’s Future: Become an Aroostook 4-H Volunteer

Interest in 4-H is booming! Our local youth are eager to find their “spark.” To make sure every kid in The County has a seat at the table, we need your help to build a generation that is “Beyond Ready” for whatever the future holds.

Support for Success

One of the biggest hurdles for new volunteers is the fear of doing it all alone. In Aroostook 4-H, we operate as a team. You don’t need to be an expert or a professional teacher; you just need to be a supportive mentor.

Shared Leadership: We encourage “co-leading,” meaning you can partner with a friend, neighbor, or another parent to share the responsibilities.
Extension Staff Support: Our UMaine Cooperative Extension staff are your partners. We provide the background checks, proven curriculum, and ongoing training.
The 4-H Network: You’ll be part of a tight-knit community of Maine volunteers who swap ideas, resources, and support.

Ways to Make an Impact

No matter your schedule or location we have a role that fits your life:

Club Co-Leader: Facilitate monthly meetings alongside a partner.
Project Mentor or Mini Club Leader: Share a specific skill—like robotics, woodsman skills, livestock, or cooking—for a short 4–6 week period.
Behind-the-Scenes: Help organize local fairs, judge community service projects, or assist with regional events.

By volunteering, you’re helping Aroostook youth become “Beyond Ready”—equipping them with the leadership and resilience that defines our Northern Maine community.

If you or someone you know is interested in starting the volunteer journey, reach out to Megan Cook at email megan.cook@maine.edu or via phone at 207-532-6548.

Let’s grow the next generation of County leaders together!

Member News

Aroostook 4-H’ers Attend Maine 4-H Teen Ag Symposium

Nine Aroostook 4-H Members and teens spent 3 days and two nights at the annual Maine 4-H Ag Symposium with 11 fellow Ag-Minded teens from across Maine. They were able to explore, experience, and examine multiple aspects of Maine agriculture including livestock, forestry, robotics, aquaculture, research, and food systems and connect industry professionals.

Aroostook 4-H’ers Participate in Speak Up Maine 4-H Showcase

Three Aroostook 4-H members participated in the State Speak Up Showcase at the University of Maine on April 11th.

Members Peyton H., Liam S., and Isaac W. delivered the presentations they qualified with at the county level showcase. They did a wonderful job representing Aroostook County and their clubs

State 4-H News

May, 2026

2026 4-H Summer Learning Series

It’s that time of year again – the 4-H Summer Learning Series is coming right along, and registration will open for enrolled Maine 4-H members on May 22, and for the general public on June 5, 2026. Workshops will cover all different topics – favorites like Adulting 101 and Dissect and Detect, as well as loads of new areas: Intro to Game Lab, Mission to Mars, Science, and Art! Workshops will run from July 6 – August 7, 2026. Find out more on the 4-H Summer Learning website.

The Alfond Grant

Hey there! Do you have a child or grandchild born in Maine on or after January 1, 2013? Guess what? They’ve got something special called a $500 Alfond Grant waiting for them! (The Grant was also available on a more limited basis from 2008 to 2012). The Alfond Grant is a jumpstart for a child’s education after high school. By the time they graduate high school, their Alfond Grant could be worth up to $2,000! The great part is that the Alfond Grant can be used for all sorts of education, such as college, trade school, or even certificates. And it can be used in Maine as well as outside the state. Curious to know more? Check out www.MyAlfondGrant.org to get all the details. This grant is just the beginning of exciting possibilities for your child’s future education!

Animal Science Challenge

The Maine 4-H Foundation is offering a challenge to 4-H animal science committees and programs. The Foundation will match up to $3,000 per committee to support animal science programs and educational programs. A 1 to 1 match will be made for current and past donors, and 1:2 matches for new donors. Questions can be asked by contacting Susan Jennings at 207.615.7300, or email maine4hfoundation@gmail.com.

Hancock County June Jamboree

June Jamboree is back for another exciting weekend, and you’re invited! The 2026 June Jamboree will be held on June 12-13 at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds in Hancock County. 4-Hers can plan to camp with us on the fairgrounds on the 12th, and wake ready to participate in fun-filled workshops and activities on the 13th! Workshops will include hands-on crafts, engineering, and animal science. The “Anytime Science” and “Anytime Craft” tables will run between workshops all day on Saturday, June 13 – be sure to stop by to explore! Registration will open to enrolled 4-H members on May 11th. Workshops are first-come, first-served, so don’t delay! The public may begin registering on May 18th. Registration closes June 6th, so don’t forget to sign up!

NELE- Youth Livestock Opportunity for 4-H Members!

Join the Northeast Youth Livestock Expo (NELE) for a weekend of youth livestock education at the Windsor Fairgrounds on May 16th and 17th. Saturday is packed with interactive events, including a boer goat show, working steer demonstration, and beef judging clinic. After lunch, Dr. Colt Knight brings an engaging and entertaining look at the history of pork and where various cuts come from. Saturday afternoon offers three hands-on learning paths: cattle artificial insemination training led by Dr. Colt W. Knight, public speaking seminar and contest led by John Brubaker, and a sales talk seminar and contest led by Sydney Wilson. Sunday continues with species-focused learning, featuring dairy and sheep clinics led by experienced industry leaders Elizabeth Menard, Sarah, and Alyssa Rowe. The weekend wraps up with live equipment and handling demonstrations from the Maine Sheep Breeders Association and Arrow Quip Equipment. Whether you’re looking to improve your show skills, gain industry knowledge, or try something new, NELE offers something for every level of experience. For more information or to register visit the NELE Website. For details concerning the event, please reach out to the Northeast Youth Livestock Expo at mainelivestockexpo@gmail.com or visit our Facebook Page.

Fryeburg Market Lamb Intent Forms Due June 5, 2026

Intent forms for Fryeburg Fair market lambs are now available online. Market Lambs must be owned and in possession of 4-H’er by June 1, 2026, and must be a castrated male. In order to be eligible for participation, 4-H members must meet the following requirements: Send Intent to Sell Form, original bill of sale/value of lamb statement, and pictures of your animal (front and side view) to your county office by June 5th. Animal approval forms for lambs must include the scrapie tag number and list “Fryeburg Sale” as the show class. Additional requirements as well as the fillable online form can be found online on our Fryeburg Fair information page. For more information please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971; sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or the State 4-H Office at 207.581.3877.

UMASS Vet Science Academy

Massachusetts 4-H Animal Science and UMASS Vet Science will be welcoming students, ages 13 to 18, interested in veterinary science as a potential career to the UMASS Hadley Farm. There will be two sessions to choose from: Session 1 will be Saturday, June 13th and 14th. Session 2 will be June 15th and 16th. Youth will be learning about the wide range of opportunities in this profession and will get tons of hands-on animal experience. Youth will be staying overnight in a UMASS dorm!

If you are not a MA 4-Her, you will need to create a profile. Please select “state office” as your county. Registration will stay open until all slots are filled. Fees for this program will be $175 per attendee. Visit the payment page to pay. Financial assistance is available. Got questions? Please email Andrew at asamuelson@umass.edu.

4-H Working Steer Tryout Information

The show season is fast approaching! Working steer ESE intent forms (due May 1st), volunteer interest forms, team member guidelines, and apprentice guidelines are all available one at extension.umaine.edu/4h/working-steer/. The dates for team tryouts are listed below.

ESE Working Steer Tryouts:

June 14, 2026 at Windsor Fairgrounds

July 11, 2026, Ossipee Valley Fair

August 13, 2026, Skowhegan Fair

If you have any questions, please contact Hillary Arsenault, ESE coordinator, at maineworkingsteer@gmail.com; 207.592.3320 or Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu; 207.342.5971

New 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Opportunity!

4-H members now have an exciting new opportunity to showcase their skills at The Big E’s

first 4-H Rabbit & Poultry Show! Open to youth ages 12 and above, this event is a great way to learn new skills, compete in regional 4-H shows, and connect with others who share an interest in rabbits and poultry. Participants can look forward to a variety of engaging activities, including breed shows, showmanship competitions, agility contests, and more. Whether you’re experienced or just getting started, this event offers something for everyone. Interested in participating or learning more? Be sure to complete the interest form. For more information please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971 or sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.

It’s Time to Think About Summer Camp!

Looking to take your Maine 4-H Experience to a new level? Check out the summer programs at your UMaine 4-H Camps! Opportunities for living in community, making new friends, building a sense of belonging, and honing your skills in a whole variety of program options such as, outdoor skills, shooting sports, STEM, creative arts, ecology, gardening, team work and teen leadership. Each camp has scholarship opportunities to off-set tuition costs AND your County 4-H Programs have scholarships to attend camp too. One to three-week sessions available in both day and overnight settings. We hope to see you there!

Blueberry Cove, Tenants Harbor in Knox County. Dates: June 21-August 14, 2026.
Bryant Pond, Bryant Pond in Oxford County. Dates: June 21-August 14, 2026.
Greenland Point, Princeton in Washington County. Dates: June 28-July 31, 2026.
Tanglewood, Lincolnville in Waldo County. Dates: June 21-August 21, 2026.

Bryant Pond and Greenland Point contact, Bethany: 207.665.2068
Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove contact, Emma: 207.789.5868

Early College Outdoor Intensives

The UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Greenland Point are each offering Early College programs in conjunction with the University of Maine Division of Lifelong Learning. KPE 265 is a 3-credit course focused on skills in outdoor recreation. This is an introductory course in outdoor and adventure activities, forming the foundation of anoutdoor leadership education. The course focuses primarily on participation in four different activity categories: canoeing; bouldering and climbing; hiking and orienteering; and challenge course. KPE 207 is a 1-credit course where participants become certified in wilderness first aid (WFA) and CPR.

Registration: Participants must complete enrollment with the University of Maine Early College Program. Once that is completed we will send you an invitation to enroll for the Tanglewood portion of the program.

UMaine tuition for this course is free for Maine high school students (public school & homeschoolers). Tuition for out-of-state students and Maine private school students is $149 for 2026 per credit for a total fee of $596 for 2026. (Please note there is an overnight fee for this course for all participants).

Overnight fees: $900, including all housing, meals, and certification fees, scholarships available.

Tanglewood:
Dates: July 19 – 31, 2026
Ages: 15 – 18
Visit the website for more information and registration links.
Email Tanglewood directly with any questions.

Greenland Point Dates: August 2 – 12, 2026
Ages: 16 – 18

Visit the website for more information and registration links. Email Greenland Point directly with any questions.

MAY 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!

Showcase YOUR Sense of Belonging! Okay, Maine 4-H volunteers, tell us what YOU do with your club or group members to create a sense of belonging. It can be an example that includes youth, families, and new participants. Fill out the Sense of Belonging Entry Form to highlight one example of how you and/or your 4-H youth create a sense of belonging in your club! Your name will be entered into a drawing for some cool 4-H swag! YOU MAKE a difference! Tell us how you do it!

4-H Volunteer Huddle:

Join us for the last “gather and learn session” in this year’s series. We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00-12:30 pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-Hvolunteer or just getting started, we’d love to see you there! No registration required! Please note: The Zoom link and password will be emailed to all enrolled 4-H volunteers, or you can email Tara Wood tara.a.wood@maine.edu to request it.

DID you MARK YOUR CALENDAR?

The Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit is going to be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Maine Arts Academy in Augusta! More details to come in the upcoming months, 4-H volunteers from across the state will enjoy engaging workshops, opportunities to build meaningful connections, and gain fresh ideas to enhance their impact in 4-H programs. Lunch will be provided.

Resources

With fair season just around the corner, it’s not too early to help your 4-H youth start to think about good sportsmanship! What is it? And how do you demonstrate it? Check out this Michigan 4-H Life Skills Activity: Sportsmanship: What is it? Here are some additional variations of the activity to try:

Ball Toss- Choose some of the qualities listed in the activity and write them in different sections of a beach ball. Have members toss the ball- wherever their left thumb lands, ask them to give an example of how the term connects to sportsmanship.

Gallery Walk- Hang four to six pieces of chart paper around the room- add a word from the activity to each piece of chart paper. Have pairs of youth participate in a gallery walk and add an example of how the word on each poster relates to sportsmanship. Once the pairs return to their original poster, have them share one or two ideas with the whole group.

Roll the Dice- List numbers 1-12 on a large piece of paper and list one quality by each number. During your opening circle, have everyone roll the dice- whichever number they roll, they give an example of how that quality relates to good sportsmanship.