February 4-H Newsletter 2026
Upcoming Dates:
February 13th: Pathfinders’ Club Shooting Sports info meeting, Houlton UMCE Office 2:45 pm
February 14th: Pathfinders’ Club Shooting Sports info meeting, Easton Rec Hall @ 8:00 am
February 19th: Speak Up Workshop Register on Zsuite
February 21st: 4-H Skate Night at Presque Isle Forum – open to all members (sponsored by Pathfinders’ Club)
March 14th: County Speak Up 4-H Showcase Register on Zsuite
April 1st: New Member Enrollment Deadline
April 11: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! State Public Speaking Tournament in Orono
April 25th: Aroostook 4-H Spring Fling (more information coming soon)
May 2nd and 3rd: 4-H Sheep Project Clinic (more information coming soon)
June 30: Animal Approval Form Deadline
County News
Speak Up Aroostook 4-H
The Maine 4-H Speak Up Program is back, and 2026 is bringing some of the most exciting updates yet! We are calling on all Aroostook 4-H members and volunteers to join us for a season of growth, creativity, and confidence-building.
Mark Your Calendars & Register Today
To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, registration is required for all events via ZSuite. Please note that registrations for each event are due 4 days prior to the date.
- Workshop: Thursday, Feb 19 @ 3:00 PM (Presque Isle Office)
- County Showcase: Saturday, March 14 @ 12:00 PM (Presque Isle Office)
REGISTER ON ZSUITE or email megan.cook@maine.edu
Why Attend a Workshop This Year?
While workshops are optional, attending one is more important than ever for 2026. With significant changes to the program format and evaluation process, these sessions are the best way to:
- Master the New Rules: Get a hands-on walkthrough of the updated guidelines.
- Navigate the New Category: Learn how to structure a winning intro and closing for the brand-new Performing Arts category.
- Understand the Score: See the new evaluation sheets first-hand so you know exactly what the judges are looking for.
What’s New for 2026?
- Performing Arts Category: For the first time, you can express yourself through music or drama! This category combines your talent with a formal spoken intro and conclusion.
- Enhanced Feedback: We’ve overhauled our evaluation sheets to provide clearer scoring and more space for supportive, constructive comments from our judges.
Get Started
Ready to prep? You can find the updated 2026 guidelines and evaluation sheets at the Maine 4-H Public Speaking website.
We can’t wait to see you step into the spotlight and showcase your spark!
Youth in Ag Leadership Day
Aroostook County 4-H teens made the trip to the Augusta Civic Center for the Maine 4-H & FFA Youth in Ag Leadership Day at the annual Maine Agricultural Trade Show. It was an inspiring day of growth and connection, with 5 of our Aroostook members joining a crowd of over 30 youth from all across the state.
They had the opportunity to network with fellow ag-minded teens, practice leadership and advocacy skills, and engage with producers and leaders in the industry from around the state.
A highlight of the event was the Alumni Panel, which featured two Aroostook 4-H Alumni. UMaine Cooperative Extension Dean Hannah Carter, and Club Leader Taylor Putnam did an incredible job sharing how the programs impacted their personal journeys and career paths, offering advice while answering questions from current members.
Seeing so many passionate young people gathered in one place to sharpen their leadership skills, shows the future of Maine agriculture is in excellent hands!
4-H Sheep Clinic – Hold The Date Saturday and Sunday, May 2nd and 3rd
We are excited to announce a Spring 4-H Sheep Clinic right here in Aroostook County!
Are you interested in learning more about small ruminant 4-H Projects? Then this is the event for you!
Youth and families are invited to join us to learn more about the 4-H Sheep projects. Sheep make great introductory livestock projects and we will walk you through getting started and answer your questions. More details to come.
Club & Member News
Council Corner
Check back each month for an article from one of Aroostook 4-H Youth Council members!
We are so excited to bring back the 4-H Youth Council, which has been absent for several years. The Youth Council’s purpose is to encourage and promote 4-H involvement in Aroostook County and plan events. Members are given leadership training and become mentors to younger, less experienced members.
In January, four members joined other youth across the state at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show at the Augusta Civic Center. They interacted and made connections with business owners across the state, as well as participated in a 4-H/ FFA discussion panel. Coming up in the month of April, organized by the Ag Ambassadors, is the Ag Symposium: an overnight enrichment opportunity in Orono, available to youth ages 14 and up. Watch upcoming newsletters for more information.
-Submitted by Ainsley Putnam
Skating & Shooting Sports with Pathfinders Club!
All Aroostook 4-H families are invited to join us Saturday, February 21st, 5:45 to 6:45pm for a skating party at the Presque Isle Forum. The cost is $2 per person skating, skate rentals included! All members and 4-H families welcome!
Interested in shooting sports? Join Pathfinders for an Archery and Rifle informational meeting. For more information contact Taylor Putnam treystarfarm@gmail.com
To participate in the Pathfinder’s Shooting Sports activities for the 2026 4-H year, members must attend one of the following sessions:
- Friday, Feb. 13 @ 2:45 PM: Houlton Cooperative Extension Office
- Saturday, Feb. 14 @ 8:00 AM: Easton Rec Center
Eligibility Requirements:
- Archery: Ages 9–18
- Rifle: Ages 10–18
Easton After School Club
Members involved in the Easton Afterschool program continued their exploration of the plant world and began a new adventure in learning about agriculture around the world.
Members examined the “eye” of the potato, painted with them, and even did an engineering project. We also played a few rounds of “hot potato” just for fun. Youth also made the first stop in the Global Grub program in Italy and learned about olive oil and balsamic vinegar while making caprese salad.
If you would like to bring these programs to your community, school or club reach out to Ms. Megan or Ms. Carrie.
The Evergreens 4-H Club
Club members recently had a germ lab, using glow germ lotion and black lights. They also made a no-bake dessert, chopped up cucumbers, and made stove top skillet individual pizzas. Lots of eating and laughs were had!
Maine 4-H Foundation Post-Secondary Education Scholarships
These scholarships are available to participants in the 4-H Program, pursuing higher education. Deadlines to apply is: Monday, March 2, 2026, to your local UMaine Extension county office or to the one of our 4-H Learning Centers by email; Monday, March 9, 2026, by email documents to the Maine 4-H Foundation. Please note: all written applications for the 4-H story and resume should be original work and not created by AI to be considered.
- 2026 4-H Foundation Scholarship Application (Word)
- 2026 Rubric/Evaluation Sheet for Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarship Applications (Word)
- 4-H Resumé – Draft (Word)
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!
State 4-H News
February, 2026
4-H Intro to Artificial Intelligence Club
The 4-H Intro to Artificial Intelligence Club will provide an introduction to what artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are. This will be a 6 session series for ages 9+ that focuses on the foundations of AI, including introduction to AI, pattern recognition, human versus machine learning, AI in daily life and ethical awareness. Participants will take a closer look at how these are currently being used, learn about what AI does well and what it does not do well and considerations for using AI. Artificial Intelligence has incredible capabilities. This series will reveal some opportunities and challenges of this emerging technology in a safe learning environment. In this club, youth will explore this emerging powerful technology with guidance and support from 4-H staff.
– Ages: Youth ages 9-18
– Dates/Times: Wednesdays, February 25 – April 1 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm
– Capacity: Limited to 10 youth
– Registration deadline: February 12, 2026
– Register here: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/virtual-learning-hub/steam-2/
4-H Maine App Challenge Series
The 4-H Maine App Challenge series will provide an introduction to Tyler Technologies’ Maine App Challenge and provide guided support for developing an app. This will be a series for ages 13+ that focuses on the foundations of developing a web-based application, including introduction to the Maine App Challenge. Participants will engage in design thinking, prototyping, and problem solving all while going through the process of developing their own app. At the end of the series, participants, if they choose, will be able to submit their application to the Maine App Challenge for the chance to earn valuable prizes, including scholarships totaling $10,000. In this series, youth will engage in hands-on learning, computer programming, and design with guidance and support from experts at Tyler Technologies and 4-H. Participants must be Maine residents. Participants will need access to a computer and be required to create a code.org login. Devices need to be one per participant (sharing a device is not advisable for this session). Tablets and mobile devices do not work with this platform. Participants must be Maine residents.
– Ages: 13-18
– Dates/Times: Tuesdays, March 3 – 24, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm
– Registration Deadline: February 12, 2026
– Capacity: Limited to 12 youth
– Register here: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/virtual-learning-hub/steam-2/
Note – the Maine App Challenge is open to 4-Hers regardless of participation in this series.
Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarships
Every year, the Maine 4-H Foundation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to participants in the Maine 4-H Program pursuing higher education, this participation includes traditional club membership, as well as the many other ways youth can engage with 4-H, including at our Camp and Learning Centers. Dozens of different scholarships are available to applicants, and a single application is used for all. To find out more about available scholarships, and access the application and templates, visit the Maine 4-H Foundation website. Applications are due to your local UMaine Extension county office or one of our 4-H Learning Centers by March 2, 2026.
Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl- Save the Date!
The 2026 Maine 4-H dairy quizbowl tryouts will be held on March 7th at Maine Farm Bureau building in Augusta, ME. The contest will start at 10:00 AM with the written exam, followed by the individual questions portion and then the buzzer rounds. This event will serve as the official tryout for the Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Team. The top four eligible 4-H members will be selected to represent Maine 4-H at The Big E in the regional dairy quizbowl contest in September. Maine 4-H dairy quizbowl tryouts are open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members ages 9-18. Youth will be divided into two age categories, Jr. ages 9-11 and Sr. ages 12-18. If you plan on attending please notify Sadee Mehuren via email at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu so that we can prepare for the event. More information is available online at extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy/dairy-quizbowl/. For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971 or sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.
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, are now available on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website and through county staff.
Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form Now Available
The 2026 Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form is now available online and must be submitted by April 17th, 2026. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Sheep Team at the Eastern States Exposition in the fall (including teen leads). The Eastern States Exhibition (Big E) 4-H Sheep Program brings together 4-H members from six states in Springfield, MA for three days of events that showcase their animals, knowledge and skills. Members must be 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2025 and have completed at least one year in a sheep project. Please contact Megan Cook with any questions or for more information at megan.cook@maine.edu or 207-532-6548.
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.
February 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!
Young people thrive when they feel safe, accepted, and valued. Belonging gives them the confidence to try new things, take healthy risks, and grow. All youth need to feel included a meaningful way. When youth feel like they belong, it can help reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression by providing supportive relationships and a sense of community. When youth feel that their ideas matter and they are an important part of a team, it builds their self-confidence and self-worth. 4-H programs emphasize teamwork, cooperation, and communication, which helps members develop strong social skills and build lasting friendships. Belonging to a supportive group helps youth navigate life’s challenges by encouraging them to persevere through adversity, grow from failure and demonstrate resiliency. For adolescents, a sense of belonging is essential for healthy development and helps shape their identity and how they connect with others.
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!
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.
March 6, 2026- Prepare for the Fair
This 4-H volunteer information session will highlight how mentors can guide youth in preparing their animals and themselves for a successful fair experience. Volunteers will learn ways to support members with showmanship skills, animal care, and confidence in the show ring. 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.
4-H Volunteer Connections
AI for 4-H: What to Know and How to Use It
February 18, 2026 6:30 – 8 p.m.
The webinar will share an introduction to artificial intelligence, ideas for 4-H volunteers, and pitfalls to avoid. No matter your current level of experience, there will be information for you. You will learn what generative AI is and what it is not through real examples of how it might support your 4-H work. Register here!
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars and save the date! We are hosting a conference for Maine 4-H Volunteers on Saturday, November 7th! You are not going to want to miss it! More details to come in the upcoming months!
Maine 4-H’ers Trip to National 4-H Congress
Each fall, teens from across the country get selected as state delegates to gather in Atlanta, Georgia, for National 4H Congress. This year, I had the privilege of chaperoning four Maine delegates, and I’d like to share what the experience was like for myself and our four Maine youth who attended.
What Makes National 4H Congress Special
Congress brings together hundreds of motivated teens for 5 days of leadership development, community service, cultural exploration, and connection-building. It’s fast-paced, energizing, and full of opportunities for youth to stretch themselves.
By the end of day one, two delegates reported:
“I loved getting to listen to the teen performances today. They picked great songs and are really talented.”
“Even though I am exhausted from traveling, I had an absolute blast!”
What Youth Experience During the Trip
Throughout the week, delegates participate in workshops, service projects, keynote sessions, and cultural events. Some of the highlights for our group included:
- Hands on workshops, one of which was led by Georgia College and State University, where youth explored activities that depended on communication skills
- Inspiring keynote speakers like Dr. Layman Hicks and John Beede
- Community service project at Sandy Springs Parks
- Cultural events: International Dinner, Atlanta History Center, and Gala
- Opportunities to meet teens from across the country
- Field trips to Truist Park, Georgia Aquarium, and Zoo Atlanta
One youth shared: “It was so nice to get outside today. Doing clean-up at the park made me feel like I was back home.”
Another said: “I got to talk to someone about lamb projects today! She gave me some ideas that I am going to take back to my club.”
What the Experience was Like for Emily
As a chaperone, I had the joy of watching our delegates grow more confident each day. As they all opened up, I got to know them as individuals both within and outside of 4-H. As I encouraged them to take advantage of every opportunity, I got to see them as team players and leaders. By the end of the trip, we all gained some new close friends.
From my perspective: “There were some really great keynote speakers that I wish I had gotten to hear when I was a teenager. They were inspiring and motivational to all, young and old.”
Who Should Consider Applying
- Congress is a great fit for youth who are:
- Interested in leadership or service
- Excited to meet new people
- Ready for a structured, fast paced environment
- Curious about new ideas and cultures
- Looking to deepen their 4H involvement
One delegate put it simply: “As Dr. Hicks said, ‘Get off you but!’ The one with one t, not two.”
How Families Can Prepare
If your child is considering applying, it can help to:
- Connect with 4-H staff and previous attendees
- Review application materials together
- Talk about goals and interests
- Practice interview skills
Even the application process itself helps youth grow.
Final Thoughts
National 4H Congress is more than a trip; it’s an experience that stays with youth long after they return home. They come back inspired, connected, and ready to take on new challenges with a newfound “Courage to Grow and Heart to Serve”.
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:
- Virtual Session – Unit 1: Woods Work, Monday, February 23, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Virtual Session – Unit 2: Sugarhouse, Monday, March 2, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Virtual Session – Unit 3: Kitchen and Business, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
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 FREE 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. The 4-H Maple Sugaring 101 virtual program will prepare students for the Level 1 digital badge.
To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please email andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or by phone, 207.581.8204.