April 4-H Newsletter 2026

Dates To Know: 

April 11: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! State Public Speaking Tournament in Orono
April 17: Sheep ESE Intent Forms due
April 17-May 3:  Tractor Supply Paper Clover campaign
April 19 – 21: Maine 4-H Teen Ag Symposium  
April 29: Maine 4-H Ag Ambassador Cohort Sessions NEW DATES
April 25: Aroostook 4-H Spring Fling 
May 1: Wilma Winslow Scholarship application due
May 1: Wild Mustangs Scholarship application due
May 1: Equine ESE Intent Forms Due
May 2 – 3: Small Ruminant Starter Weekend
June 30th: Animal Approval Forms Due
August 5th – 9th: Northern Maine Fair

County News

graphic for Aroostook 4-H Spring Fling

Aroostook 4-H Spring Fling is Back: April 25th
Registration is open! 

Mark your calendars! We are beyond thrilled to announce the return of the Aroostook 4-H Spring Fling. This isn’t just another meeting; it’s a fun-filled day designed to help you dive into new hobbies, sharpen your skills, and reconnect with friends from across the county.

Whether you’re a 4-H veteran or brand new to 4-H, this event is for you.

This year, we’ve gathered a fantastic lineup of local experts and volunteers to lead hands-on workshops that pack a punch. Whether you stay for the whole day or just pop in for a session or two, you’re guaranteed to leave inspired.

Check out this sneak peek of what’s in store:

    • Supper from the Soil 🧀 Ever wondered how soil leads to a delicious dinner? Join Quimby Acre Farms to learn the art of making farmer’s cheese! It’s a perfect skill for the “Supper From The Soil” contest at the Northern Maine Fair—or just for your next snack.
    • Excellent Eggs 🥚 Think you know your way around a carton? Lisa McKenna will teach you how to evaluate and produce market-ready eggs. It’s a must for poultry projects, but essential for any savvy consumer!
    • Floriculture & Horticulture 🌻 Get your hands dirty and your heart happy. Create a floral piece to take home while learning the science behind what makes plants thrive.
  • K9 Unit Demonstration 👮🏼‍♂️Local K9 unit will share how dogs aid our law enforcement. 
  • Quizbowl Challenge 🏆 Think you’re a 4-H expert? Put your knowledge to the test! The Aroostook 4-H Youth Council is hosting a quizbowl with awesome prizes up for grabs.

Bring a Buddy

4-H is even better with friends! Do you have a neighbor, classmate, or cousin who wants to see what we’re all about? Bring them along! This is the perfect “all-access pass” for newcomers to jump into the fun.

We are providing all workshop materials and lunch at no cost for both members and guests. Our staff and volunteers will be on-site all day to answer questions about projects, earning achievements, and how your friends can officially join the 4-H family.

Grab Your Spot (and one for a friend!)

Because we’re providing lunch and supplies for everyone, registration is required. Use the link below or visit the events section of zsuite to claim your spot by April 20th. https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/47259
We can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll create, learn, and discover at this year’s Spring Fling. See you there!

Aim High: Become a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor!

Are you looking for a way to make a lasting impact on Maine’s youth while sharing your passion for the outdoors? Maine 4-H is calling on parents, community members and volunteers to join our community of certified Shooting Sports instructors.

Shooting sports teaches young people essential life skills like focus, discipline, and safety. To keep these programs growing, we need dedicated leaders! Whether you are looking to get certified for the first time or need a 7-year recertification, we have three convenient dates this spring to get you range-ready.

Choose Your Training Session

We are offering specialized tracks in Archery and Rifle. Each session runs from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at a cost of $85.00. Please remember to pack your own lunch and snacks for the day!

Date Location Discipline(s)
Saturday, April 25 Bryant Pond 4-H Camp Rifle
Tuesday, May 5 Bryant Pond 4-H Camp Archery
Saturday, May 30 Greenland Point 4-H Camp Archery

Note: Your certification remains valid for 7 years, making this a fantastic long-term investment in your volunteer journey.

If you are interested please reach out to your county staff person to assist you with registration. 

Join us in providing a safe, educational, and fun environment for Maine’s youth to explore this unique sport.  

Level Up Your Livestock Skills: Small Ruminant Starter Weekend! 🐑🐐

Are you ready to take your sheep or goat project to the next level? Whether you’re just starting your flock or you’re a seasoned shepherd, this hands-on weekend is designed to help 4-H members and adults master the art of small ruminant care.

Join us May 2–3, 2026, at the Aroostook County Extension Office in Presque Isle for two days of mud-on-your-boots learning!

What To Expect…
We’ve packed the weekend with skills to help learners of all ages and experience level up. 

Saturday: The Parasite Intensive

  • Get technical! Learn how to perform fecal egg counts, get your official FAMACHA certification, and learn the best ways to keep your animals healthy and parasite-free.

Sunday Morning: Husbandry 101

  • Master the essentials of nutrition, shelter, and handling. We’ll even have a hands-on session on hoof trimming—an essential skill for every shepherd.

Sunday Afternoon: 4-H Clinic

This session is just for the youth! We’ll dive deep into:

  • Selecting the perfect market lamb.
  • Daily care and nutrition for peak performance.
  • Showmanship & Fitting: Learn the tricks to making your animal stand out in the ring.

Here is the best part: 4-H Youth attend for FREE! We want to make sure our members have the best resources possible, so we are even providing lunch both days. If your parents or other adult farmers want to join, they can register on a sliding scale ($50–$120).

Reserve Your Spot
Ready to lead the flock? Registration is required by April 24th. 

Register here:
https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000005ayyr

Speak Up Showcase 

Members from across the county gathered at UMPI on March 14th to share presentations at the Aroostook 4-H Speak Up showcase. Despite the late season snow, members, families, and volunteers showed up to make this the largest turnout for the county level showcase we’ve had in quite some time.  

10 members were on hand to share their sparks, and 2 additional members participated a few days later due to weather conditions, for a total of twelve participants. Presentations included a variety of topics and interests including…

Austin Q. – Youth in Agriculture
Brooke Q. – Maine Law Enforcement
Bailey M. – Beef Byproducts
Ainsley P. – Hand Lettering
Peyton H. – PFAS
Liam Sa. – Prehistoric Creatures
Liam Si. – How to Make a Salad
Issac W. – Chickens
Ellie C. – How to Make a Paper Airplane
Phineus P. – Comic Villans
Isabella S. – How to Bathe a Dog
Henry C. – How to Make Hot Cocoa 

Congratulations to each member on a job well done, and best wishes to those who will be moving on to the State 4-H Speak Up Showcase on April 11th.

woman with a pig, patting itCompanion Hog Available for Adoption

Meet Willy, a charming three-year-old neutered Red Wattle, Berkshire, and Mangalitsa mix looking for a new family to join. He is a trainable and intelligent pet who knows his name and genuinely enjoys human interaction. Willy’s favorite pastime involves snacks and listening to his favorite songs. 

His current owners are relocating and want to ensure Willy finds a pet-only home where he will be cherished for his sweet nature. This lovable guy is looking for a lifetime of friendship, not a spot on a menu. To learn more about adopting Willy, please reach out to Rhonda MacLeod by calling 774-262-0795 or emailing ronnieleemac@gmail.com.

Club & Member News

Council Corner

seventeen youth representing 4h and ffa at youth policy day in augusta maineThree Aroostook 4-H Youth Council members were able to attend Ag Policy Day in Augusta on March 25th.  Ainsley P., Bailey M., and Brooke Q. were able to get a first hand look at the legislative process, participate in a round table discussion with the joint standing committee of Ag, Conservation & Forestry, meet with the commissioner of Agriculture, and network with various stakeholders from around the state. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pathfinders 4-H Club

youth and adults working on craft sitting at tables

Last month the Pathfinders built bird house kits. The members learned about all the different ways this one simple activity could be turned into a 4-H project (woodworking, art, wildlife etc…). We discussed the County Speak Up Showcase and were excited to have several of our members participate and move on to the State Showcase.

 

 

 

 

 

Bridgewater 4-H Club 

seven youth getting a lesson on saving moneyfour youth and adult getting a lesson on moneyIn March the Bridgewater 4-H club learned about Money Matters. We made a club budget, and started deciding how we would spend our fundraising money. We talked about wants vs. needs, and practiced earning, spending and saving money. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easton 4-H Afterschool

Youth celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with Colcannon for this month’s Global Grub trip.  The Irish potato dish was a huge hit with our kids who know their way around a spud!  We also had a great afternoon learning about bugs in the garden.  We made butterfly crafts, had a tag game all about the theme and enjoyed a “bug” snack.

 

happy birthday to our 4H'ers born in april Colton s, Laurel G, Oakley P, Nesmee B, Mylah G, Aubree W

State 4-H News
April, 2026

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.

NEW DATES: Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors – Spring 2026

Maine 4-H is now accepting registrations for the spring 2026 Agriculture Ambassadors cohort! The program is designed for youth ages 13-18 who are interested in any aspect of agriculture.  Youth spend time getting to know each other and learn both online and in-person in sessions facilitated by UMaine 4-H Staff and community partners. Sessions will
focus on career exploration, exploring the Maine Food System with farm and production visits around the state, and building relationships with industry professionals. This season we will visit local Maine Ag businesses like Libby Maple, Yeti Ridge Farm and more. Transportation assistance for these events may be available upon request.  In addition to the multi-week session, youth will serve in their ambassador role with Maine 4-H for at least 1 year. Youth will pick an agricultural area to focus on (ex. livestock, ag literacy/food systems, environmental stewardship, ag and health) during their term and explore leadership opportunities locally, statewide, and even nationally. Register today!  Spring 2026 Dates
Online: April 26, May 6, May 13, May 20, and May 27
Maine Agriculture Symposium at the University of Maine: April 19-21 (two nights), we try to offer transportation as best we can.
To register visit the Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassador Program page. For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Alisha Targonski at alisha.targonski@maine.edu or 207.622.7546.

Maine 4-H Agriculture Symposium

Dates: April 19 – 21, 2026
Location: University of Maine, Orono
Ages: 13 – 18

The 5th annual 4-H Agriculture Symposium is an overnight experience for Maine youth ages 13-18. Participants will take part in hands-on learning opportunities, engage with industry professionals on the University of Maine Orono campus, develop leadership skills, and make friendships with teens from around the state.  Youth will participate in interactive learning experiences like blueberry research, animal science, engineering challenge, industry panel and so much more.  Current 4-H membership is not required. Assistance with transportation may be available upon request.  Cost: $40 (a family cap of $50)  To help offset the cost of meals, lodging, and transportation for this inclusive 2-night, 3-day event. If cost is a barrier, please contact  extension.4hagleadership@maine.edu   scholarships are available. 

Registration is required for Ag Symposium; Register Here.

4-H Dairy Judging Contest

The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be held on May 2nd at BrookRidge Organic Dairy Farm in Lyman, ME. The event is open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members and will serve as the official tryouts for the 2026 Maine 4-H Eastern States Dairy Judging Team. For a complete schedule for the day please visit the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest page. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971.

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!

Register for Session One.
Register for Session Two.

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

Livestock Judging Contest and Maine Team Tryout:

Livestock judging is back! For the first time in a long time Maine 4-H is sending a livestock judging team to The Big E and we want you to be a part of it! Tryouts for the team will take place at The Cross Insurance Center on May 2nd in partnership with the FFA Livestock Judging Contest. In order to be eligible for the Eastern States team 4-H members must be at least 12 years old by December 31, 2025 and have completed one year in 4-H. All 4-H members are invited to participate in the tryout event and the practice events regardless of their intent to try out for the Eastern States Team. More information on the tryout process will be available soon.  Looking to sharpen your judging skills? Join us for the following practice events: 

April 18th at 10:00am- Swine and sheep Judging at Quimby Family Farms (566 Sandy River Rd. Starks, ME 04911). If you plan on attending please notify Sadee Mehuren via email at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu so that we can prepare for the event.

April 22rd at 9:00am- Beef cattle judging clinic and contest at the Fryeburg Youth Show. For more information visit the Fryeburg Youth Show page. 

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

Equine ESE Intent Forms Due May 1, 2026

The 2026 Eastern States (ESE) Horse Intent Form is now live and online.  The form is to indicate your interest in participating in the Eastern States Team Tryout event this summer, which will be on July 31- Aug 1st, 2026, at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds.  The event this year will offer an overnight opportunity for youth to qualify and to learn and grow while getting to know other youth who are also interested in trying out. Youth can participate in one of the tracks below:
Teen Leader (4-H age 12 and up)
Rider or Driver (4-H age 13 and up)
Groom track (which is a learning track only)
If youth would like to come and learn about the team, help, and observe (especially if they aren’t old enough to qualify for the team yet), they can also come to tryouts as a “Groom” and will need to fill out the intent form.  Youth interested in any of the track options need to fill out the intent form. We use this info to contact and update interested families and youth. Here is the ESE intent form to be filled out by May 1st.  Approval forms must also be filled out and sent to your county office by May 1st as well.  More details will be included in the tryout application packet on the UMaine 4-H Horse Website.  The intent form does not bind you to the tryout event. Applications will be used to determine the event roster and final schedule. If you have any questions, please reach out to: Tara Marble, tara.marble@maine.edu, or 207.778.4650.

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 an outdoor 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 and 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.

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 September (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.

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

4-H is Family being part of a group with goals, expectations and responsibilities that focuses on relationships, and celebrating and supporting one another can feel like family. As one 4-H member shared: “When I’m at 4-H, I feel like I’m part of something bigger. That’s what the sense of belonging looks like in action. While the youth members may act as the “primary” family members in your group don’t forget about the other adults who provide their primary care: parents, guardians, and/or grandparents. 4-H volunteers should consider parents, grandparents, and other adult family members as assets. Consider the following strategies to help them feel a part your club as well:  Tell parents/guardians/grandparents they are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings.  Have a meeting for parents/guardians/grandparents at the beginning of the year.  Schedule a 4-H event in which all family members are invited to participate. Communicate directly with parents/guardians/grandparents by talking with them face to face, through social media, phone calls, and club meeting notes/agendas/minutes.  Invite parents/guardians/grandparents to help. Share the list of tasks and find out  what each parent is willing to do to assist.

Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit- IN PERSON! Saturday, November 7th!

More details to come in the upcoming months, but we promise food, fun, connection, and learning! Our planning committee is working hard to put together an awesome experience for you all. You won’t want to miss it! 4-H Volunteer Huddle: Join us for a short “gather and learn session”! 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, we’d love to see you there! No registration required! April 3, 2026- Doing to Understanding: Applying Experiential Learning in 4-H Clubs  Learn how to guide youth through hands-on experiences followed by purposeful reflection, helping them build confidence, critical thinking, and leadership skills.  May 1, 2026- Understanding the Danish System: More than Just a Ribbon Explore how the Danish judging system works and what your ribbon really means. This workshop will help you understand the focus on individual achievement, learning, and growth in 4-H project evaluation.  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.