\n
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- Jan. 15:<\/strong> 2026 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate<\/li>\n
- Jan. 21:<\/strong> 4-H Volunteer Connections<\/li>\n
- Feb. 1:<\/strong> Speak Up Aroostook workshop<\/li>\n
- Feb. 19:<\/strong> Speak Up Aroostook workshop<\/li>\n
- March 14:<\/strong> Speak Up Aroostook County Showcase<\/li>\n
- April 1:<\/strong> New Member Enrollment Deadline<\/li>\n
- April 11:<\/strong> Speak Up, Maine 4-H! State Public Speaking Tournament in Orono<\/li>\n
- June 30:<\/strong> Animal Approval Form Deadline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nCounty News<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nNew Year, New Projects<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Happy New Year, Aroostook 4-H\u2019ers! As we turn the calendar to 2026, it\u2019s the perfect time to think about your “spark.” Whether you\u2019ve been in the same club for years or are just starting out, the new year offers a fresh canvas to try something different.<\/p>\n
Expand Your Horizons<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Are you a pro in the show ring with your livestock? This year, why not challenge yourself by adding a STEM project like robotics or wind power? If you usually focus on indoor crafts, consider stepping outside with an Environmental Science project or exploring Maine\u2019s amazing wildlife.<\/p>\n
Trying a new project area doesn’t mean leaving your old favorites behind\u2014it’s about building a “Growth Mindset.” You might discover a hidden talent for photography while taking pictures of your animal, or learn the science of nutrition while perfecting a recipe for Healthy Lifestyles.<\/p>\n
Resources to Get Started<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has everything you need to kick off your new adventure:<\/p>\n
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- Visit Ms. Megan:<\/strong> Did you know the Houlton and Presque Isle office has a huge range of project curriculum available? Reach out to Ms. Megan to browse books, guides, and activity manuals that can help you master almost any topic you can imagine!<\/li>\n
- 4-H Project Areas:<\/strong> Explore over 120 unique project areas from photography to aerospace.<\/li>\n
- STEM Toolkits:<\/strong> Borrow a “project-in-a-box” from the Extension office to try hands-on science activities at home.<\/li>\n
- Public Speaking Guide:<\/strong> Check out tips and categories to help you prepare for the county and state tournaments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
No matter what you choose, remember the 4-H motto: “To Make the Best Better.” Here\u2019s to a year of learning, growing, and trying something new!<\/p>\n
Hide and Seek<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n
Several folks found Ms. Megan Hiding in the Ag Challenge article last month. We drew a name from a hat and the December winner is\u2026 Bailey McLaughlin. Please contact the office to claim your prize at 207.532.6548, emily.dow@maine.edu<\/a> or megan.cook@maine.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Speak Up Aroostook 4-H 2026: Showcase Your Spark!<\/strong><\/h4>\n
We are excited to invite all Aroostook 4-H members and volunteers to join the Maine 4-H Speak Up Program. Whether you\u2019re a first-timer or a pro, our upcoming workshops are designed to help you practice and polish your presentation skills.<\/p>\n
Important Dates<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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- Workshop 1:<\/strong> Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. (Location TBD)<\/li>\n
- Workshop 2:<\/strong> Thursday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. (Presque Isle Office)<\/li>\n
- County Showcase:<\/strong> Saturday, March 14 at 12 p.m. (Presque Isle Office)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Note:<\/strong> Workshops are highly recommended but not required to participate in the Showcase. Register on ZSuites at least four days before each event.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
New for 2026<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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- Performing Arts Category:<\/strong> Express yourself through music or drama! This new category includes a spoken intro, your performance, and a brief conclusion.<\/li>\n
- Better Feedback:<\/strong> We\u2019ve updated our evaluation sheets to provide clearer scoring and more room for supportive judge’s comments to help you improve.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Get Started<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Find the new guidelines and evaluation sheets at the Maine 4-H Public Speaking website<\/a>. We can\u2019t wait to see your hard work in action!<\/p>\n
\nClub and Member News<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nHomestead F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of Aroostook<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The Homestead F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of Aroostook wrapped up a fun Edible Science unit last month. During this unit, we used different foods and drinks to discover everything from the basics of density with sodas and syrups, to the cause of bioluminescence with tonic water and jell-o, to the definition of non-Newtonian fluids with our homemade Marshmallow slime. Even though some of our experiments didn’t turn out like we predicted, we had a blast.<\/p>\n
We are looking forward to our upcoming meetings, where we plan out our year, work on project record planning, and dive into a new unit on Robotics. If you are interested, we would love to have you join us! Contact Bernadette or Carrie at homesteadfriendsofaroostook@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Pathfinders<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"3](\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/aroostook\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/pathfinders-light-parade-float-2025-1-300x138.jpg\")
Pathfinders had a great time participating in the Presque Isle light parade.<\/p>\nThe Evergreens<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"9](\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/aroostook\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2026\/01\/56B92347-D2D7-446C-B67B-F517F872B791-300x212.jpeg\")
The Evergreens 4-H Club won the Non-profit float award at the Presque Isle Holiday Light Parade in December.<\/p>\n
\nState 4-H News<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nJanuary 2026<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Farm Animal Care FUNDamentals 4-H SPIN Club<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Are you interested in learning about livestock animals (such as cows, goats, or sheep)? How do we care for them? How do you know what to feed them, how do you actually do regular health checks and have proper housing? Join the 4-H Animal Science SPIN club. We will have three virtual sessions focused on what livestock need to live a healthy life and one field day that provides hands-on experience. Set yourself up for success in your 4-H project by learning the basics of animal care. Participants do not need any prior animal experience or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner\/introductory level program. This is a free opportunity for youth ages 9 to 18. Virtual sessions will be Thursdays, Jan. 22, Jan. 29, and Feb. 5, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Feb. 12 will be an optional session for youth who intend to participate in a 4-H livestock project. The final session will be geared towards youth who are beginning their journey into raising livestock. Review the program details and complete the Farm Animal Care registration form<\/a> before Jan. 9, 2026.<\/p>\n
Winter STEM Virtual Workshop Series<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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- When:<\/strong> Feb. 17, 18, 19, and 20 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n
- Where:<\/strong> This virtual series will meet on Zoom<\/li>\n
- Cost:<\/strong> Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This February, ignite a new appreciation for winter! Join our hands-on, curiosity-driven virtual science series designed for youth ages 10 and up. Through guided inquiry, investigation, and observation, we will explore all the wonders of the cold season. Get ready to transform your view of winter! Fill out the Winter STEM registration form<\/a> by Feb. 3, 2026, or contact emily.booth@maine.edu<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n
4-H Public Speaking Update<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Performing Arts demonstrations include a spoken introduction, your performance, and a spoken conclusion. Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges\u2019 support for all categories, will be available soon on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website<\/a> and through county staff. Stay tuned!<\/p>\n
Maine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available<\/strong><\/h5>\n
The 2026 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form is now available online and must be submitted by Jan. 15, 2026. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Beef Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September. Youth must be 12 to 18 years old as of Dec. 31, 2025, and have completed one year in a beef project prior to this year. Please contact Kristen Grondin at kristen.grondin@maine.edu<\/a> or 207.581.8193, or Cathy Bartlett Gray at cathy.gray@maine.edu<\/a> or 207.743.6329 with any questions.<\/p>\n
2026 Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Maple Sugaring 101 is a virtual program open to Maine youth ages 10 and older 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, one session per week, during the afternoon. Exact dates will be released in January 2026.<\/p>\n
Each week, participants will learn about the process and connect with other young maple sugar makers through online meetings led by University of Maine Cooperative Extension experts. This program will also prepare youth for a new Level 1 digital badge called 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise. Youth who complete the program will get free access to the learning modules to earn the digital badge. Independent club members or youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register!<\/p>\n
If you are interested in this program, please complete the Maple Sugaring 101 interest form<\/a> so we can follow up with you about registration. 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, Jan. 26, 2026, at andrew.hudacs@maine.edu<\/a> or 207.581.8204. For more information, please visit the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n
4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-Credential<\/strong><\/h5>\n
The University of Maine System (UMS) 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential is a 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.<\/p>\n
Students ages 14 and older may enroll in the micro-credential pathway and learn the material through an instructor-led class or by self-study. Detailed information is available on the 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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. All three levels cover learning topics for working in the woods, the sugarhouse, the kitchen, and operating a business. The three units for each digital badge and learning level are called \u201cWoods Work,\u201d \u201cThe Sugarhouse,\u201d and \u201cKitchen and Business.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 4-H Maple Sugaring 101 virtual program will prepare students for the Level 1 digital badge. The Level 1 knowledge exam is the first of three parts required to earn the full micro-credential. There is no cost to enroll and take the Level 1 assessment. After passing this test, students can then demonstrate their skills with an approved instructor to complete Levels 2 and 3.<\/p>\n
To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please contact andrew.hudacs@maine.edu<\/a> or call 207.581.8204.<\/p>\n
ESE 4-H Dairy Team Intent Forms are Due March 1, 2026<\/strong><\/h5>\n
The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form is available on the Maine 4-H Dairy website<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n
Please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu<\/a> or 207.342.5971 with any questions.<\/p>\n
\n4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks! Fuel the Spark!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nOkay, Maine 4-H volunteers\u2014we have shared information about \u201cyouth sparks\u201d in our past three editions of the 4-H Volunteer Corner. Now it\u2019s YOUR TURN\u2014tell us how YOU are helping to support or fuel a youth spark! Fill out this Youth Spark feedback form<\/a> to highlight one example of youth spark and the role you played, and your name will be entered into a drawing for some cool 4-H swag! YOU MAKE a difference! Tell us how you do it!<\/p>\n
4-H Volunteer Huddle<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Join us for a short \u201cgather and learn session\u201d to help you up your game. We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there\u2019s something for everyone. We\u2019d love to see you there! No registration required! Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android with the password: volunteer.<\/p>\n
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- Jan. 2, 2026\u2014Navigating 4-H Curriculum Resources:<\/strong> Explore the wide range of 4-H curriculum materials and learn how to access and utilize guides, activity books, and resource toolkits tailored for youth programming.<\/li>\n
- Feb. 6, 2026\u2014Igniting Youth Sparks: Hands-On Strategies for 4-H Volunteers:<\/strong> Discover how to identify and nurture the unique passions, interests, and talents\u2014\u201csparks\u201d\u2014that inspire young people to thrive. Get hands-on activities and strategies for igniting and sustaining youth sparks in their 4-H clubs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
4-H Volunteer Connections<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Jan. 21, 2026, Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free to attend, but registration is required! Complete your Volunteer Connections registration<\/a> online.<\/p>\n
This month’s Volunteer Connections, Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. is going to be lots of fun! We are featuring three amazing and inspiring 4-H volunteers from the Northeast region! We will send out invites to our Maine volunteers through ZSuite, but wanted you to have a reminder\/heads up, and we appreciate anything you can do to encourage your volunteers to attend! We know that when we build community and provide opportunities for shared experiences, it can help with volunteer retention. The Volunteer Connections landing page<\/a> provides registration access and past recordings.<\/p>\n
Your Voice is Needed! Passionate about 4-H Poultry and Rabbit Projects?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Help shape the new 4-H poultry and rabbit tracks that will debut at Eastern States in 2026! We are forming planning committees for each species and are looking for knowledgeable, enthusiastic 4-H volunteers and interested youth to join us in developing high-quality, engaging opportunities for 4-H members across the region. Join one of our upcoming drop-in virtual information sessions to learn more. We\u2019d love to have your experience, creativity, and passion at the table! Contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu<\/a> or 207.342.5971.<\/p>\n
- Feb. 6, 2026\u2014Igniting Youth Sparks: Hands-On Strategies for 4-H Volunteers:<\/strong> Discover how to identify and nurture the unique passions, interests, and talents\u2014\u201csparks\u201d\u2014that inspire young people to thrive. Get hands-on activities and strategies for igniting and sustaining youth sparks in their 4-H clubs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Where:<\/strong> This virtual series will meet on Zoom<\/li>\n
- When:<\/strong> Feb. 17, 18, 19, and 20 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n
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- Better Feedback:<\/strong> We\u2019ve updated our evaluation sheets to provide clearer scoring and more room for supportive judge’s comments to help you improve.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Performing Arts Category:<\/strong> Express yourself through music or drama! This new category includes a spoken intro, your performance, and a brief conclusion.<\/li>\n
- Workshop 2:<\/strong> Thursday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. (Presque Isle Office)<\/li>\n
- 4-H Project Areas:<\/strong> Explore over 120 unique project areas from photography to aerospace.<\/li>\n
- Jan. 21:<\/strong> 4-H Volunteer Connections<\/li>\n