4-H May Newsletter 2020
Happy Birthday to our 4-Her’s born in May
Alyssa S.
Jacklyn R.
Jasmine L.
Jolea R.
Micah C.
Shelby R.
Sidney S.
State 4-H (First Ever Virtual) Public Speaking Tournament
The Maine State 4-H Public Speaking Tournament was held virtually on April 25. Some participants recorded their demonstrations and illustrated talks and uploaded them for scoring. Others joined in small groups in ZOOM breakout rooms to present live demonstrations or illustrated talks to judges and each other. Aroostook County was wonderfully represented by Lydia Han and Allyson Bolstridge!
As a part of UMaine Cooperative Extension’s response to the changes in the world due to the novel coronavirus, we have created a weekly schedule of activities to keep youth engaged in learning:
Monday: “Mainely Dish” Mondays
Nutrition Professionals from the UMaine Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) share videos of easy and healthy snacks kids can make at home.
Tuesday: QuaranTEEN Virtual Science Cafes
Recommended for teens in grades 7-12. Join us each Tuesday where you will meet scientists, learn about how they ended up at UMaine and how they became involved in their work/research, and participate in informal discussions. So, sign up and learn some cool science! Registration is required, learn more about the topics and sign up for the cafes.
Wednesday: Wednesdays in the Woods
Join the 4-H Camps and Learning Centers for outdoor adventures. Live on Wednesdays on the UMaine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Tanglewood Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tanglewood4h/) join Hannah Raymond as she does different outdoor activities you can do in your own back yard! Activity sheets can be downloaded and printed.
Thursday: Growing Maine Gardeners
Join UMaine Extension Horticulturist Kate Garland and her kids in videos that introduce gardeners to fun projects and new techniques. New videos and activity sheets are posted every Thursday.
Friday: 4-H Friday Fun!
Each Friday, watch for a new hands-on activity that you can try out with simple materials you have at home. Watch a short video clip to see how it’s done or download our 4-H Learn from Home activity sheets. Each activity outlines materials needed, easy to follow instructions, reflection questions for discussion and activity extensions.
State 4-H News
May, 2020
- Learn at Home: Educational Resources to Use During School Closures
With novel coronavirus closing schools across Maine for several weeks, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension has assembled this collection of helpful educational resources for parents and caregivers. From science to financial literacy, whether for toddlers or teenagers, we encourage you to take advantage of these activity books, guides, and other resources to help children remain engaged in educational experiences throughout their school closure. Find resources for every age group.
- 4-H “Learn at Home” BINGO
Looking for some fun family activities you can do from your own home? Maine 4-H invites you to play 4-H Learn at Home BINGO! Register online to receive your Bingo Board.
- Deadline to Apply for National 4-H Conference and Congress has been Extended to May 22, 2020!
National 4-H Trips are excellent opportunities to meet 4-H members from across the nation. Participants learn about many career options, and learn through educational workshops at National 4-H Congress, or become a part of a team making recommendations to the National 4-H Council at Conference. Any Maine 4-H Youth, ages 14 to 18, is eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members both at the time of application and the time of the actual trip. This year based on the ongoing Covid 19 crisis and the shelter-in-home orders, we are extending the application deadline. (Thank you to all those who have already sent in applications, we have them on file.) Application packets must be sent to: State 4-H Office 491 College Avenue, Orono ME 04473 or emailed to jessica.brainerd@maine.edu by: May 22, 2020. They must be emailed by the end of the day, or postmarked by May 22, 2020. You will be called or emailed directly for a convenient interview date and time. Interviews most likely will be held via “Zoom” technology or something similar. This schedule applies to applicants who have already sent in their applications.If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Palmer at 207-310-4235 (cell) or heidi.thuotte@maine.edu. 2020 National 4-H Congress is still scheduled to take place on November 27-December 1, 2020 in Atlanta GA. (The Congress trip orientation is scheduled for October 24, 2020) and 2021 National 4-H Conference is scheduled in Washington, D.C., April 10-15, 2021. (The 2021 Conference orientation will be Feb 13, 2021).
- Camp Scholarships Available
The Maine 4-H Foundation has camp scholarships ranging from $100-$200 available for 4-H members to any one week of 4-H camp. Try one of our University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Centers at Blueberry Cove, Bryant Pond, Greenland Point and Tanglewood. Call the camps to ask for a scholarship. Scholarships are based on need and first come, first serve. - Virtual UMaine Webpage
If you’re interested in UMaine – there is a dedicated web page for students to learn more information because Accepted Student Days and Open House Programs have been canceled for the spring. - All 4-H Club Meetings and Events Canceled Until Further Notice
Given the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation in Maine, UMaine Extension is cancelling all 4-H club meetings and events until further notice (no matter what size group). - We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more information. Please contact your county office if you have specific questions.