May 2025 4-H Newsletter
Table of Contents
Upcoming in Cumberland County 4-H
- May 1:
- Paul Merrill 4-H Memorial Fund Applications Due
- ESE Dairy and Horse Animal Approval Forms Due
- Working Steer Animal Approval Forms Due
- May 15: CC 4-H Leaders and Volunteers Meeting, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Online and Gorham Public
Works, 80 Huston Road, Gorham - May 21: FUN WITH 4-H, 2:00-3:00 PM, Grade: K-6th, Windham Public Library, 217 Windham
Center Road, Windham - June 5: Fryeburg Fair Market Lamb Intent due
- June 7: June Jamboree
Animal Approvals
Anyone wishing to show animals at any 4-H shows/events at fairs this year must have a valid Animal Approval Form. All forms must be filled out, signed by the club leader (on the line directly after the last animal listed), and signed and embossed by the county office. 4-Hers will receive a signed and embossed copy in the mail within approximately two weeks of the form being received in our office. The sooner they arrive, the sooner you will have them back.
Please pay special attention to the second side of the form, which lists the proper identification needed for each species of animal. It is very important that this information, along with a signed lease form for any animal that you lease, is sent with your animal approval form. Forms will not be signed if there are leased animals on the form and no lease form, or if there is no extra identification for species of animals that need it. Please also note that each animal may only be leased by one 4-Her and listed on only one 4-Her’s animal approval form. The only exception is that one horse may be leased by two 4-H members and listed on two 4-Her’s animal approval forms. A maximum of 20 animals per species that require an animal approval form may be leased by a member.
Please note if you would like your Animal Approvals back to you in order to participate in some of the earlier fairs, please get them to me sooner rather than later. This allows time for review, processing, and return mailing. Please plan accordingly!
Forms can be found online on the General Volunteer Resources – Forms page.
If you have any questions or would like blank forms sent to you please email or call Allison at allison.pollock@maine.edu or 207.781.6099.
Maker Series
One Wednesday afternoon each month January – May, we will offer a themed hands-on activity for youth ages 5-12 that will include crafts or science. 5-8 year-olds must have an adult present for assistance and some projects encourage adult assistance for all ages. Current 4-H enrollment is not necessary for participation in the Maker Series program. Registration ends one week prior to each class or when full (maximum of 10). The same theme will be provided at both locations for each month.
Fun With 4-H
Dates: Wednesday, May 21
Time: 2:00-3:00 PM
Grades: K-6
Location: Windham Public Library, 217 Windham Center Rd, Windham
Cost: Free drop-in program; no registrations are needed for these sessions.
Location: Windham Public Library, 217 Windham Center Rd, Windham
Cost: Free drop-in program; no registrations are needed for these sessions.
Have questions? Contact Allison by email allison.pollock@maine.edu or phone 207.781.6099.
CC 4-H Leaders Association Meeting – May 15, 7:00 p.m.
Join us on Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. in person at the Gorham Public Works Building (80 Huston Road, Gorham). These meetings are a chance to meet volunteers, and to offer input on 4-H programming in Cumberland County! All volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend! If you would like the Zoom link, please email Allison, allison.pollock@maine.edu.
Fryeburg Fair 4-H Market Lamb Intents Due June 5
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, 2025, 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 here.
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.
June Jamboree – June 7, 2025
June Jamboree is once again right around the corner. It is a time for 4-H members to see what others are doing in their 4-H projects, with a chance to learn new things, to see old friends and to make new ones. June Jamboree will also assist 4-H members in preparing for the Cumberland County Fair in September. 4-H club members have the opportunity to participate in many animal clinics, shows, and workshops.
You can find more information on our website.
Beach Clean Up Day
Where: Willard Beach, South Portland, Maine
When: Friday, June 20, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Teen Council has planned a county-wide Community Service Activity for all 4-H Clubs. We are hoping to have as many people participate in this event as possible.
We’re helping Friends of Casco Bay keep our coastal waters clean! The litter and marine debris that wind up on our shores come from many sources. Some debris is the result of careless beachgoers, boaters, fishing vessels, and ships. Some are carried by stormwater as debris flows from our yards and parking lots into storm drains that empty into Casco Bay. This debris degrades the environmental health of our waters and reduces the quality of life of those who live, work, and play on Casco Bay. We will provide all the tools and information you need.
Friends of Casco Bay requires everyone to complete a Volunteer Release and Waiver to participate in this event. Please RSVP to Allison at allison.pollock@maine.edu, 207.781.6099, so she can send you the Volunteer Release and Waiver to fill out.
2025 ESE Working Steer Information
The 2025 4-H ESE Working Steer Tryout information as well as updated team information can be found online here. New this year are ESE Working Steer Intent forms, updated tryout requirements, team apprentice guidelines, and volunteer interest forms. 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.
Skip the Stress – Get Into College with 4-H Direct Admissions!
Great news for Maine 4-H high school juniors and seniors: applying to college just got a whole lot easier. With 4-H Direct Admissions, you can be automatically considered for admission to all seven of Maine’s Public Universities—no Common App, no test scores, no essays, no recommendations, and no application fees required!
If you’re enrolled in any 4-H program in Maine, you’re eligible. Just click to opt in, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Click here to opt in. We will do the rest.
Click here to learn more about 4-H Direct Admissions.
This is your future—made simple. #BeyondReady
Make Your Voice Heard – 4-H Annual Index Survey Now Open!
We’re inviting youth ages 12–18 to take part in the National 4-H Annual Index Survey—a brief, 8-minute survey that helps measure the impact of 4-H across the country. By participating, your child’s voice will help shape the future of 4-H in Maine and beyond.
Survey Deadline: June 30, 2025
Take the survey here. By submitting the survey, you’re giving permission for your child to participate. Youth can choose to stop the survey at any time. Let’s make sure Maine youth are represented—thank you for supporting this important effort!
Club Happenings
Your 4-H Club Happenings could be featured here!
Your 4-H Club Happenings could be featured here! Just email Zsuzsa at zsuzsanna.romanne@maine.edu by the 28th of each month with information about your club meetings, events, or fundraisers. Pictures are always a plus!
State 4-H News
4-H Dairy Judging May 10
The 2025 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be held on May 10 at Lambert Run Farm in Norridgewock, ME. The event is open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members and will serve as the official tryouts for the 2025 Maine 4-H Eastern States Dairy Judging Team. For a complete schedule for the day please visit the 4-H Dairy Judging Contest webpage.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971.
Save the Date: Maine 4-H State Dairy Show July 18 – 20
The Maine State 4-H Dairy Show will be held on July 18-20 at the Windsor Fairgrounds. All 4-H dairy project members are invited to attend. There will be a grilled cheese cookoff, a milkshake making contest, and a fitting contest on Saturday followed by a show on Sunday. For more information visit the 4-H State Dairy Show webpage or contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971; sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.
Tri-County 4-H Sampler
Do you know someone who may be interested in 4-H? Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset County staff are hosting workshops on the last Tuesday of each month from April to September. There will be different workshops for youth to attend each month; this month, it will be Aquatic Touch Tank. Guardians will have a chance to talk to 4-H staff about youth enrollment and volunteer opportunities. Check back each month for the activity and location.
This is a free event. Registration is required via ZSuites, for 4-H members and non-4-H members.
Location: Newport Cultural Center, 54 Main St, Newport, ME
Date: May 27, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Emily Pigeon at emily.pigeon@maine.edu or 207.942.7396.
4-H Tick Project
The 4-H Tick Project is a community science project engaging K-12 youth and educators, made possible through a partnership between 4-H Youth Development, UMaine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab, Maine Forest Tick Survey, and members of the Learning Ecosystems Northeast partnership. The project provides youth an opportunity to explore ticks and tick-borne diseases, which is a connected story of climate, ecosystem change, and public health.
All educators interested in teaching about ticks in Maine are encouraged to participate in the project at no cost to you. This is a great project for 4-H clubs, SPIN clubs, homeschool groups, and more. For more information and to register, visit the 4-H Tick Project webpage.
Important Announcement: Maine 4-H Days Update
We want to let you know that Maine 4-H Days will not be held in 2025. While we know this event is a cherished tradition for many, we’re taking this time to restructure and reinvent the experience to better serve our 4-H community in the future.
Our goal is to create an event that is more engaging, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving needs and interests of Maine youth and families. We appreciate your patience and continued support as we work behind the scenes to reimagine what Maine 4-H Days can be.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to share your ideas—we’re excited for what’s ahead!
Maine Delegates Represented at National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C.
This April, three outstanding youth—Sabrinnah, Kaylee, and Kai—and a chaperone, traveled from Bangor to Washington, D.C., to represent Maine at the National 4-H Conference. Over six packed days, delegates from across the U.S. and its territories gathered for roundtable discussions, leadership development, cultural exchange, and connection with federal agencies. Highlights included the high-energy pin trade, a powerful multilingual recitation of the 4-H Pledge, and engaging presentations from collegiate facilitators. The Maine group quickly bonded with delegates from other states and territories, exchanging ideas, stories, and plenty of state-themed pins. Youth explored topics ranging from youth mental health to artificial intelligence and public land access.
The delegation also toured Washington’s historic monuments by night, danced with Coyaba Dance Theater performers, and visited both Maine senators’ offices on Capitol Hill. A behind-the-scenes Capitol tour, a walk through the U.S. Botanic Garden, and a brush with American history at the Smithsonian made for unforgettable memories. The week culminated in youth-led presentations to agencies including NASA, the CDC, the USDA, and the Pentagon, showcasing real-world applications of 4-H leadership. Wrapping up the conference, delegates attended a career expo at the Smithsonian and a celebration dance where music, laughter, and new friendships filled the ballroom. From pin trading to policy discussions, Maine’s 4-H youth made a lasting impression and returned home inspired, empowered, and eager to share their experiences.
National 4-H Conference is one of several different opportunities Maine 4-H Members have to travel around the country and represent Maine on the national stage. Learn about applying for National 4-H Conference and Congress.
Save the Date! 4-H Sheep and Goat Clinic
Maine 4-H is hosting a sheep and goat clinic on June 8! Join us at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds for a day of hands-on learning. Workshops will be for both new and experienced project members and you don’t need an animal to participate. Registration details will be available soon.
Save the Date – 4-H Summer Learning Series
This year, the 4-H Summer Learning Series will take place from July 7 to August 8. Volunteers and staff work together to provide high-quality, hands-on, experiential learning experiences via Zoom. For most workshops, materials are mailed to participants beforehand, making participation even easier (and less expensive)! Workshops and Registration will go live on May 23, 2025. Information will be updated in early March for volunteers interested in presenting workshops. Sign up for updates on our website.
Maine Summer Transportation Institute (MSTI)
MSTI is a FREE residential camp offered at the University of Maine for current 6 th – 8 th graders from July 6 – 11, 2025. The camp focuses on transportation-related activities and fields. MSTI is a week- long residential program to allow students from all over the state to participate.
This includes space, roads and bridges, ports, air, and environmental impacts. Activities include building rockets, cars, and bridges; field trips to the Bangor International Airport, Cole Transportation Museum, and Maine Maritime Academy; participating in shows from the Planetarium and the Physics Roadshow; 3D-printing activity (including a tour of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center to see the World’s largest 3D-Printer and the 3D-printed house); Soil/erosion and surveying activities; a Touch-a-truck event, and more. (Activities are subject to change based on weather and availability of funds.) Additionally, students will learn about the different career opportunities within the transportation field, including engineers (environmental, geotechnical, civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.), technicians, communications and media, human resources, and so much more.
Visit the MSTI website for more information about the program and registration. Applications will be accepted through May 23, 2025.
Smithsonian 4-History Project and 4-H Youth Have A Voice!
We currently have openings for the Smithsonian 4-History Project as part of the 4-H program Youth Have A Voice. In this project, 4-H’ers will conduct research and interviews to learn more about their community and share their findings through a video project with support from 4-H leaders and the Smithsonian team. The project will last from August 2025 to March 2026. See the attached flyer for more information!
Additionally, we have openings in the “traditional” 4-H Youth Have a Voice program for Maine teens (14 -19 years old or entering high school in the fall) who are interested in taking a more active role in serving their local communities, the state, or the country. Participants will learn leadership skills and ways to take part in civic action by completing a service project in a topic of their interest. Topics can range from agriculture, aquaculture, STEM education, animal care, renewable energies, disaster preparation, environmental conservation, food security, and more.
Interested teens should be ready to work both independently and with groups of peers and adults. High school teens can register for the program by completing a non-competitive application found on the program webpage. A three credit Early College course at UMaine in leadership development may also be available for interested students.
If you have any questions, please free to contact Andrew Hudacs, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, (207) 581-8204, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu.
2025 UMass 4-H Cattle Academy
Registration for the 2025 UMASS 4-H Cattle Academy is now open! This event will take place from June 20-22 at the Three County Fairgrounds, Northampton, Massachusetts. Youth who have a beef, dairy, or working steer project or are thinking about trying out a cattle project are invited to experience hands-on learning in washing, fitting, clipping, showmanship and more! Please register by June 1, 2025. See you at the academy!
Speak Up, Maine 4-H!
We need your ideas! We are hoping to add a new category to the Speak Up, Maine 4-H Public Speaking program and State Showcase in 2026. Members and families can fill out our idea form here.
Questions? Please contact the planning committee at speakup4h@maine.edu or Laura Personette at (207) 581-8213.
Other UMaine Extension Cumberland County News
UMaine Extension Cumberland County offers many different workshops throughout the year. To learn more about our workshop offerings please visit the Cumberland County Calendar of Events.
The Cumberland County 4-H Newsletter is published monthly.
For questions or more information, contact Allison Pollock at allison.pollock@maine.edu or Zsuzsanna Romanne at zsuzsanna.romanne@maine.edu.
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