January 2026 4-H Newsletter

Two youth sitting at a chess board talking avidly — 4-H Staff - Leah M

January 2, 2026 4-H News

4-H Happenings

A monthly newsletter for Hancock County 4-H Members

Upcoming Dates to Remember

January 6 – Intent to Sell Beef Project at Fryeburg Fair Form Due
January 14 – Arctic Explorations at the Blue Hill Public Library (3:30 – 4:30 pm)
January 16 – 4-H Fishing Club First Meeting! (2:00 – 3:30 pm)
January 19 – Office Closed for MLK Jr Day
January 21 – 4-H Leaders’ Association Meeting – Virtual (6:30 pm)
January 25 – Speak Up Workshop (2:00 – 4:30 pm) DATE CHANGE!

County News

Local 4-H Workshops and Events

Arctic Explorations – January 14, 2026 (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
Do you know how our polar friends stay warm on chilly days? On January 14 from 3:30 – 4:30, youth will get to experience the magic of Arctic animal adaptations through an interactive icy experiment at the Blue Hill Public Library. We’ll get creative and discover how our blubbery friends protect themselves from the cold, and how some animals can waterproof themselves!

Speak Up, Maine 4-H! Public Speaking Workshop – January 25, 2026 (2:00 pm – 4:30 pm) DATE CHANGE!

Hancock County will be hosting a public speaking workshop on Sunday, January 25th, from 2:00 – 4:30 pm. By attending this workshop, youth will begin to learn what it takes to give a good presentation and get the chance to practice the skills they learn in small groups! Small snacks and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so sign up today on the Hancock County Public Speaking website to reserve your place or contact the Extension Office at 207.667.8212.

4-H Fishing Club

Public Speaking youth holding up sewn stuffed fish to demonstrate fishing safety — 4-H Staff - Leah M“Casting off on a new adventure.”

We are so happy to announce that a new club is joining the party in Hancock County! The 4-H Fishing Club’s goal is to introduce and equip young anglers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy fishing safely and responsibly. Through hands-on experiences – from ice fishing to open water adventures – members will learn about Maine’s fish species, waterways, gear, laws, and conservation practices. The club aims to foster responsible stewardship of Maine’s natural resources and a love for the outdoors, all while teaching the tools needed for a lifetime of successful fishing!

This club is for youth ages 9+ and will meet in Orland for their first session on Friday, January 16, 2026. For more information about joining, please reach out to Leah at leah.mccluskey@maine.edu or call 207.667.8212.

Public Speaking!

Attention Hancock County! Do you have youth who LOVE to talk? Or maybe some kids who want to step out of their comfort zone? Join us for a wonderful showcase of everyone’s sparks through our Speak Up Showcase!

This year, we’ve made a few exciting changes to our program, and we can’t wait to see what our 4-Her’s make of them. First, our judging sheets have received a little update. These new sheets have ample space for judges’ feedback and include a few new aspects for judging presentations. Be sure to check them over as you begin to prepare for the showcase this year.

In addition to the new feedback forms, we also have a new category! Youth asked and we heard loud and clear that they were in need of additional avenues to share their sparks. This year, we are launching the Performing Arts category – it’s time for our musicians, dancers, actors, singers, and more to shine!

Save the Date: All of our 4-H youth are invited to prepare for this year’s Hancock County 4-H Speak Up Showcase, which will be held on Saturday, March 14, time and location TBD. The state Speak Up Showcase will be held on Saturday, April 11th at the University of Maine in Orono. The snow date is Sunday, April 12. Stay tuned for events and details on our website soon.

Club News

Two youth posing with their veggie board — 4-H Staff - Leah MVeggie board prep for Game Night!

Service Squad: This month, the Service Squad planned and hosted a game night for Hancock County 4-H. We had a few familiar faces join us, as well as some new friends, which was a fun surprise! We played loads of games and had a great time hanging out before the holiday season. Hopefully next time we host one, more 4-H friends will come!

Horse of Course: The Horse of Course meeting this month consisted of making Christmas ornaments with pipe cleaners and decorative beads. The members took home what they made to share with friends and family.

Lock, Stock, & Barrel: Our club is currently meeting every Wednesday to wrap up our Basic Rifle Skills training. Following this, we are excited to enter the Postal League beginning Wednesday, January 7th.

This five-week statewide competition allows our members to test their skills against various youth clubs across the state. Each week, scores are mailed in for ranking, with the club receiving updates on our standing. We will also be looking to see who takes home the individual high-score honors for both boys and girls!

Looking ahead, Archery will begin in mid-February. If you aren’t currently signed up but would like to join the archery program, please contact the office or call Becky Ames at 567-3066 to leave a message.

: These youth are locked in on their targets!

: Success on the range starts with a commitment to safety.

State News

Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club: 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 conduct regular health checks and ensure 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 – 18. Virtual sessions will be Thursdays, January 22, 29th, February 5, 2026, 4:00-5:15 pm. February 12th 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. Learn More and Register Here before January 9, 2026.

Winter STEM Virtual Workshop Series: 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! Register here by February 3, 2026 or contact emily.booth@maine.edu for more information.

When: February 17, 18, 19, 20 from 10 am to 11:15 am
Where: This virtual series will meet on Zoom
Cost: Free

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

The state Speak Up Showcase will be held on Saturday, April 11th at the University of Maine in Orono. The snow date is Sunday, April 12.

Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges’ support for all categories, will be available soon on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website and through county staff. Stay tuned!

Maine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available: The 2026 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form is now available online and must be submitted by January 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 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2025 and have completed one year in a beef project prior to this year. Please contact Kristen Grondin, kristen.grondin@maine.edu, 207-581-8193, or Cathy Bartlett Gray, cathy.gray@maine.edu, 207-743-6329 with any questions.

2026 Maple Sugaring 101 – From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales: Maple Sugaring 101 is a virtual program for Maine youth ages 10+ interested in learning about the maple sugaring process. Participants will learn about forest management, tapping trees, transporting sap, using an evaporator, grading and storing syrup, and what it takes to run a maple sugaring business.

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.

The program will take place over three one-hour Zoom sessions. Exact dates will be released in January 2026. 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 Andrew Hudacs by Monday, January 26, 2026, at andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or (207) 581-8204.

4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-Credential: The 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-Credential is a learning pathway for teenage youth (14+) 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.

To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please email andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or by phone, 207.581.8204.

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.

Volunteer News

4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!
Fuel the Spark!
Okay, Maine 4-H volunteers- we have shared information about “youth sparks” in our past three editions of the 4-H Volunteer Corner. Now it’s YOUR TURN- tell us how YOU are helping to support or fuel a youth spark! Fill out this short form 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! https://forms.gle/NwK6oqSqzu6Ryfeh8

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!

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
maine.zoom.us/j/82015703524?pwd=QkT05bDbaaDIeYAQ8aGUd4eco5c6Rd.1
Password: volunteer

January 2, 2026 – Navigating 4-H Curriculum Resources
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.

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.

4-H Volunteer Connections
January 21, 2026 – Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth
6:30 – 8:00 pm. Free to attend, but registration is required! Register here!

Your Voice is Needed! Passionate about 4-H Poultry & Rabbit Projects: 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’d love to have your experience, creativity, and passion at the table! Contact Sadee Mehuren, sadee.mehuren@maine.edu 207.342.5971

Info Session Dates: Jan 6, 2026, 6:00 PM, Jan 22, 2026, 6:00 PM
Zoom Link: https://maine.zoom.us/j/84571900345?pwd=r3r8fH1VVWNHu7AtR6h2MIam8b9oPw.1
Password: 058775

Resource Spotlight: 4-H Club Leader Handbook is a resource designed to help new club leaders get off to a strong start, containing specific information for facilitating the 4-H club model. Check out this amazing resource online https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/volunteers/club-leader-handbook/ or contact your county office for a printed copy.

Leaders’ Meeting Minutes

The 4-H Leaders’ Association is on a holiday break! January minutes will be shared in the February newsletter.

Cooperative Extension in Hancock County