October 4-H Newsletter
Upcoming Dates 
Re-Enrollment Open: October 1st – December 31st, returning members must re-enroll on zsuite.
National 4-H Week: Oct 5th – 11th
Aroostook 4-H Teen Council Enrollment: October 1st – 31st, via zsuites club.
Aroostook Leaders Assoc. Meeting: November 3rd @ 6:00 pm
4-H Super Sitter Program (SAD #1 Adult Ed): Nov 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, & 19
Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign: November 29th – December 15th
Check the Aroostook 4-H Calendar for the most up to date event information.
County News
Super Sitters – 4-H Babysitting Course
Are you interested in babysitting? Do you have younger siblings or family members? Do you want to feel more confident working with kids? This is the perfect 4-H program for you!
The Super Sitter Babysitting Course is designed to prepare youth ages 12-16 for babysitting responsibilities. Participants will discover what is what it takes to be a responsible, caring, trustworthy, competent, capable, and safe babysitter. Teens will learn basic safety measures and how to respond to emergency situations when caring for young children.
*This is not a first aid or cpr certificate course.
MSAD #1 Adult Ed:
Nov 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, & 19
3:15pm – 4:45pm
$30 registration fee paid to Adult Ed
Please register HERE, or contact MSAD #1 Adult Ed.
JOIN Aroostook 4-H Youth Council, October 2025
We are excited to announce the return of a great leadership opportunity for our older members: the Aroostook 4-H Youth Council! This council will be a group of engaged 4-H members from across the county who will work together to plan events, provide input on county-level programming, mentor younger members and develop valuable leadership skills.
This is a fantastic way for teens to have their voices heard and take an active role in shaping the future of 4-H in Aroostook County.
Who can join? Any 4-H member who will be 12 years old or older as of January 1, 2026 and has completed at least one year in 4-H, is eligible and encouraged to participate.
How to get involved: When you enroll for the 2025-2026 4-H year this October, simply select “Aroostook 4-H Youth Council” as an additional club. Joining the Youth Council is a supplement to your regular participation, so you should choose it in addition to your primary club or independent membership.
Due date for enrolling in Aroostook 4-H Youth Council is October 31st (via zsuite), more information about the council’s first meetings and activities will be shared after that date.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms. Megan.
Club & Member News
Welcoming and re-welcoming NEW CLUBS & Volunteers
The Bridgewater 4-H Club will hold their first meeting on October 21st. The club will be led by Angel King, Angie Bubar, and Olivia Cyr and meet once a month to work with kids on various projects and skills.
The Wild Mustang 4-H Club will be accepting new members under the leadership of Carmen Kimball, Katie Sloat, and Sara Tidd.
Welcome and welcome back to our newest volunteers!
Aroostook 4-H’er Attends Big E
Aroostook Valley Baby Beef & Treystar Pathfinder member, Bailey McLaughlin, attended Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA in September as part of the Maine 4-H Beef Team. She reports.. It was a very fun experience and I learned a lot of cool stuff, and will definitely be going back. It truly is a great experience. I made it into the top 10 showmen, 2nd overall individual judging, 1st place overall team judging, and 2nd overall sweepstakes. It was overall a very fun event and I benefited a lot from attending. I was nervous at first but I made a ton of friends and learned lots.
State 4-H News
October, 2025
Apply Now: Ignite by 4-H 2026
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and eager to learn alongside 4-H youth from across the country? Ignite by 4-H 2026 is your chance to grow as a leader, deepen your knowledge in an area that excites you, and make your mark on the future of 4-H in Maine. We’re seeking motivated Maine 4-H youth (ages 14–18) to represent our state at the Ignite by 4-H Summit in Washington, D.C. Delegates will:
- Work in a focus area group
- Participate in planning meetings
- Attend the national summit
- Collaborate to create a resource for younger Maine 4-Hers
Track Options & Positions Available (apply for one track; rank your top two choices)
- Agriscience
- Animal Science
- Community Activators
- Healthy Living
- STEM
- Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)
Applications are due by November 15, 2025. Apply Online.
Applicants must be enrolled in 4-H and between 14–18 at the time of the trip.
Robotics Training for Educators
Friday, November 7, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm at the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center in Orono. This workshop is designed to teach adults how to build and program with Lego® SPIKE Prime robot kits. We focus on using the skills learned from these workshops to teach robotics at schools and on robot teams. It is also great for anyone interested in learning something about robots, programming, or computers! We will be using the LEGO SPIKE robot controller, and programming it using the LEGO Education SPIKE App.
Register online by November 4, and limited to 12 attendees.4-H National Trip Applications are Open
Exciting news! Applications are now open for the 2026 4-H National Trips, featuring 4-H Conference and 4-H Congress.
These events offer incredible opportunities for leadership development and national networking. Any Maine 4-H Youth, ages 14 to 18 is eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members at the time of application and the time of the actual trip.
4-H Conference: April 10 – 15, 2026 in Washington DC
4-H Congress: November 27 – December 1, 2026 in Georgia
Find out more and apply online.
Build. Create. Innovate.
This event, run by the Girl Scouts of Maine, will be held at the Cole Land Transportation Museum (405 Perry Rd, Bangor ME) on Saturday, October 18th from 10am – 2pm. This is a FREE family-friendly event open to the entire community. This dynamic STEM and innovation event is designed for families, offering a hands-on experience that brings science, technology, engineering, and creativity to life. For more information visit: https://www.girlscoutsofmaine.org/en/discover/activities/build-create-innovate-stem-event.html
Dairy Goat Educational Opportunity for 4-H Members
Calling all 4-Hers! Don’t miss the exciting Youth Program at the ADGA National Convention, happening October 18–19 in Danvers, MA. This is your chance to connect with fellow youth goat enthusiasts and dive into hands-on learning and fun. Activities include a Skillathon, Ultrasounding demonstrations, a goat milk product activity, and much more!
Whether you’re new to dairy goats or a seasoned showman, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills and make new friends. We hope to see you there! Learn more about the Youth Program at convention.adga.org. For more information, contact Heidi Vanderloop at hvanderloop@adga.org.
State Youth Council
The Maine 4-H State Youth Council nomination form is now open!
The Maine 4-H Youth Council is a chance to step up, speak out, and represent 4-H across our state. As part of this leadership group you’ll connect local and state programs, amplify youth voice in 4-H, and promote 4-H events from Maine to the national stage.
Nominees must be between the ages of 16-24 years of age and must have participated in 4-H for at least 2 years (club, independent, after school, school-based, mentoring or camp program). Nominations are now accepted from 4-H staff and directly from members. If selected, the requirements of the Youth Council are that members be an active participant (participate in 80% of meetings) and participate in the youth council project chosen for the year. The council meets a total of 6 times per year, 4 on zoom and 2 in person.
Nominations from Extension staff and self-nominations will be accepted.
We are currently looking for youth representation from all counties plus 4-H Camps and Learning Centers and CYFAR/Northstar/OhYea programs.
Nominations are due October 15th. Nomination Google Form: https://forms.gle/aVrdVavUU6JJVCCL7
National 4-H Week Get Involved!!
Day 1 – Beyond Ready: Go Green Monday, October 6, 2025
On Monday of National 4-H Week, Go GREEN and show your 4-H state spirit! A simple, cohesive way for youth, professionals, volunteers, alumni & supporters across the country to celebrate their 4-H program being Beyond Ready. Wear a green hat, clothing, face paint– anything green goes. Let’s paint the nation GREEN, on Monday, October 6! Share your Go Green moment on social and tag National 4-H, The Maine 4-H program, and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek
Day 2 – Beyond Ready: 4-H For Good, Thursday, October 9, 2025
On Thursday of National 4-H Week, help us shine a light on all the good that 4-H does! A day to recognize all 4-H’ers who are doing good and making positive impact by helping their communities and beyond. Share your own story or celebrate someone who is making a difference – another 4-H’er, volunteer or educator We want to know, on Thursday, October 9! Share on social, tag others in your 4-H community, tag National 4-H and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek
4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips and tricks
Positive Youth Development – What is a Spark?
A spark is that special interest, skill, or passion that lights a fire in a young person’s life. Sparks give youth energy, joy, and purpose—and when volunteers help identify them, youth thrive! While sparks are self-discovered and self-identified, volunteers can assist by introducing youth to new topics and exposing them to new experiences. A 4-H spark differs from a typical hobby by focusing on a deeper sense of purpose and contribution, while a hobby is primarily a leisure activity pursued for personal pleasure. Check back next month for more information about sparks!
4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar
We have SO many great 4-H volunteer opportunities available this year! CLICK HERE to find our calendar of events- scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!
4-H Volunteer Huddle
Come to the sideline for a quick “gather-learn-discuss” and then get back into the game of 4-H. A variety of topics will help you improve your strategy- you pick which ones interest you! We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00-12:30pm 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: https://maine.zoom.us/j/82015703524?pwd=QkT05bDbaaDIeYAQ8aGUd4eco5c6Rd.1
Password: volunteer
Oct. 3– Start Strong: Get Organized for a Great 4-H Year!
Nov. 7– Getting Started with 4-H Market Animals
Check it Out – This Month
Virtual Workshop Series offered by UConn 4-H
Oct 22, 29, Nov 5, 12 7-8:00pm
Stewarding Human and Animal Health Through Effective Biosecurity Practices
Free! Register by Oct 10th
Complete the series and get a certificate!
Know someone who you think would make a GREAT 4-H volunteer?
The Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey sessions will give individuals an overview of 4-H, the key points of positive youth development, and a variety of ways to help in 4-H! Invite someone to register for a one-hour session to learn more on Oct 15, 6-7:00pm or Oct 16, 3-4:00pm
Resource Spotlight
Check out 4-H Volunteer Ventures! These 30-minute episodes examine the fun, but sometimes confusing role of the 4-H volunteer.
THIS ONE will help you get organized for the new 4-H year ahead! 4-H Volunteer Ventures can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio. Special thanks to our 4-H friends at Rutgers University! go.rutgers.edu/awotzzkr
Pumpkins: More Than Just a Jack-O-Lantern
— By Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Pumpkins are a type of winter squash and are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is what gives them their deep yellow to deep orange color. Vitamin A is important for keeping your skin healthy, preventing eye problems, and promoting a strong immune system.
Pumpkins grown in Maine have a shorter season and are typically available in September and October. If you are thinking about growing pumpkins next year, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Bulletin #2190 lists varieties that can be successfully grown in Maine, including:
- Mini: Jack-Be-Little, Munchkin, Baby Boo (white), Wee-B-Little
- Small: Mystic Plus, Baby Pam, New England Pie, Neon, Baby Bear, Hybrid Pam
- Medium: Magic Lantern, Merlin, Rocket, Racer, Phantom
- Large: Howden, Sorcerer, Rock Star
- Giant: Prizewinner, Atlantic Giant