Four youth holding up certificates and smiling at the camera. They stand in front of a large 4-H clover background.
Our Hancock County youth at the Speak Up State Showcase! -Photo Credit: Staff, Leah M

May 2026 4-H Newsletter

May 5, 2026 4-H News

4-H Happenings

A monthly newsletter for Hancock County 4-H Members

Table of Contents

Upcoming Dates| County News | Club News | State News | Volunteer News| Leaders’ Meeting Minutes

Upcoming Dates to Remember

May 11 – June Jamboree Registration Open to Enrolled 4-H Families
May 13 – All Caught Up at the Blue Hill Public Library (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
May 18 – June Jamboree Registration Open to the Public
May 20 – Leaders Association Meeting 6:30 pm
May 22 – Summer Learning Series Registration Opens
May 25 – Office Closed for Memorial Day
June 5 – Market Lamb Intent to Sell at Fryburg Forms Due
June 6 – Last Day to Register for June Jamboree
June 12 + 13 – June Jamboree at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds!
June 30 – Animal Approval and Lease Forms Due in the Office

County News

June Jamboree

June Jamboree is back for another exciting weekend, and you’re invited! The 2026 June Jamboree will be held on June 12-13 at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds. Plan to camp with us on the fairgrounds on the 12th, and wake ready to participate in fun-filled workshops and activities on the 13th! Workshops will include hands-on crafts, engineering, and animal science. The “Anytime Science” and “Anytime Craft” tables will run between workshops all day on Saturday, June 13 – be sure to stop by to explore! Registration will open to enrolled 4-H members on May 11th. Workshops are first-come, first-served, so don’t delay! The public may begin registering on May 18th. Registration closes June 6th, so sign up soon!

The Aquaculture Builders SPIN Club

Youth ages 11 – 14

Weekly on Tuesdays:June 2 – July 7, 2026, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center

The Aquaculture Builders SPIN Club will explore how and why we grow aquatic organisms, such as oysters and kelp, through an engineering lens. Participants will learn about the diverse range of species we grow right here in Maine, and beyond! We’ll use that knowledge to help us complete a hands-on engineering challenge unique to each species. Hope to see you there!

Register for Aquaculture Builders SPIN Club

Registration deadline: May 26th

Any questions or to request a reasonable accommodation, please email Tess Hureau at tess.hureau@maine.edu or call 207.667.8212.

State 4-H Speak Up Showcase

Four youth holding up certificates and smiling at the camera. They stand in front of a large 4-H clover background.
Our Hancock County youth at the Speak Up State Showcase!
-Photo Credit: Staff, Leah M

Hancock County never fails to make the 4-H staff proud, especially when it comes to public speaking! Four of our junior qualifying presenters joined us at the State 4-H Speak Up Showcase in early April and did an amazing job. Huge shout-outs to Annabelle, Arabella, Isaac, and Kowen, for participating, and to our other qualifier, Maddy, who wanted to be there but fell sick before the event. We also want to share a big thank you to all the volunteers and parents who represented Hancock County as well. We can’t wait to see you all back next year!

Local 4-H Workshops and Events

Blue Hill Public Library

All Caught Up – May 13, 2026 (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm)

Grab your fishing nets and board the boat because it’s time to catch some fish… and hopefully nothing else! Join Leah at the Blue Hill Public Library on May 13, 2026, from 3:30 – 4:30 pm, for a fishing simulation where youth will learn all about bycatch – what it is, how it happens, and how to avoid it.

Pemetic Elementary School

Leah was so lucky to join Pemetic Elementary School for their Discovering Birds Day! Youth of all ages joined Leah for a lesson on bird safety by crafting their own window clings to help birds see where windows are and prevent collisions. This craft is super easy to recreate at home and you can visit our Canva template for the full set of instructions.

Club News

Fishing Club: In April, we only had one meeting due to the late winter storm. Denise from the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery gave us a tour of the facility and discussed the process they use to collect fish, hatch eggs, raise them, and release them. We were able to see the water intake and processing building, the trays of eggs (about 750,000) and fry, and the tanks where the larger fish are. The youth really enjoyed looking at the eggs to see if they could spot any hatching, and, of course, seeing the “big” fish!

Service Squad: This month, the Service Squad got down to business in the kitchen! This crew of youth baked plenty of cupcakes, brownies, and cookies to sell outside of Tractor Supply with the 4-H Fishing Club to draw attention to the annual spring Paper Clover campaign. Their selling skills were on point, and they raised $178 for their club. You may be asking, “What’s next for the squad?” Deciding how they want to spend it, of course!

Three youth standing by a table of baked goods they hope to sell for their fundraiser.
Helping Horses -Photo Credit: Volunteer, Elaine G

Horse of Course: The Horse of Course Club braved the April chill for a high-energy bake sale outside The Galley in Deer Isle, and the results were incredible! In just two hours, our determined members—Essie, Eva, and Elise—worked their magic to raise a fantastic $363 for the Bagaduce River Equine Rescue in Brooksville.

A massive thank you to our hardworking girls for their dedication to helping horses in need. It was a chilly morning, but their commitment to the cause truly warmed our hearts. Way to go, team!

Lock, Stock, and Barrel 4-H Club: It’s been a high-energy spring for the Lock, Stock, and Barrel 4-H Club! After sharpening our skills with archery throughout February and March, the youth transitioned in April to advanced archery and our wildlife curriculum. Through hands-on learning, members explored the ethics of hunting, wildlife management, and the mechanics of a compass—learning that it points to magnetic North, leaving the rest of the navigation up to the scout!

Two youth holding bows and shooting arrows at targets.
A snapshot of our dedicated archers in action. -Photo Credit: Volunteer, Becky A
Six youth sitting in a line, with a bow in the foreground.
Sharp minds and sharpshooters at the Lock, Stock, and Barrel 4-H Club. -Photo Credit: Volunteer, Becky A

We brought these lessons to life with interactive games that simulated the “circle of life.” In our “predator and prey” simulation, youth moved silently through rounds as rabbits and coyotes, tracking how populations shift when resources get crowded or predators thrive. We took things outside for the Deer Game, where members used hand symbols to represent food, water, and shelter. By tracking these rounds on a chart, the group saw firsthand how the balance between deer, habitat, and predators fluctuates in the real world. We are so proud of the engagement our youth have shown and look forward to starting Blackpowder this May!

Submitted by Becky and Norwood Ames, Club Leaders

State News

2026 4-H Summer Learning Series
It’s that time of year again – the 4-H Summer Learning Series is coming right along, and registration will open for enrolled Maine 4-H members on May 22, and for the general public on June 5, 2026.  Workshops will cover all different topics – favorites like Adulting 101 and Dissect and Detect, as well as loads of new areas: Intro to Game Lab, Mission to Mars, Science, and Art! Workshops will run from July 6 – August 7, 2026.  Find out more on the 4-H Summer Learning website.

The Alfond Grant
Hey there! Do you have a child or grandchild born in Maine on or after January 1, 2013? Guess what? They’ve got something special called a $500 Alfond Grant waiting for them! (The Grant was also available on a more limited basis from 2008 to 2012).

The Alfond Grant is a jumpstart for a child’s education after high school. By the time they graduate high school, their Alfond Grant could be worth up to $2,000!

The great part is that the Alfond Grant can be used for all sorts of education, such as college, trade school, or even certificates. And it can be used in Maine as well as outside the state.

Curious to know more? Check out MyAlfondGrant.org to get all the details. This grant is just the beginning of exciting possibilities for your child’s future education!

Animal Science Challenge
The Maine 4-H Foundation is offering a challenge to 4-H animal science committees and programs. The Foundation will match up to $3,000 per committee to support animal science programs and educational programs. A 1:1 match will be made for current and past donors, and 1:2 matches for new donors. Questions can be asked by contacting Susan Jennings at 207.615.7300 or emailing maine4hfoundation@gmail.com.

NELE – Youth Livestock Opportunity for 4-H Members!
Join the Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE) for a weekend of youth livestock education at the Windsor Fairgrounds on May 16th and 17th.

Saturday is packed with interactive events, including a boer goat show, working steer demonstration, and beef judging clinic. After lunch, Dr. Colt Knight will offer an engaging and entertaining look at the history of pork and the origins of various cuts. Saturday afternoon offers three hands-on learning paths: cattle artificial insemination training led by Dr. Colt W. Knight, public speaking seminar and contest led by John Brubaker, and a sales talk seminar and contest led by Sydney Wilson. 

Sunday continues with species-focused learning, featuring dairy and sheep clinics led by experienced industry leaders Elizabeth Menard, Sarah, and Alyssa Rowe. The weekend wraps up with live equipment and handling demonstrations from the Maine Sheep Breeders Association and ArrowQuip Equipment.

Whether you’re looking to improve your show skills, gain industry knowledge, or try something new, NELE offers something for every level of experience. For more information or to register, visit the NELE Website.  For details about the event, please contact the Northeast Youth Livestock Expo at mainelivestockexpo@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.

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 member by June 1, 2026, and must be a castrated male. To be eligible to participate, 4-H members must send the Intent to Sell Form, the original bill of sale/value of lamb statement, and pictures of their animal (front and side views) to their 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.

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 on June 13th and 14th. Session 2 will be June 15th and 16th. Youth will learn about the wide range of opportunities in this profession and gain 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.

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 email 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, teamwork, and teen leadership. Each camp has scholarship opportunities to offset 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

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 outdoor recreation skills. This is an introductory course in outdoor and adventure activities, laying the foundation for outdoor leadership education. The course focuses primarily on participation in four different activity categories: canoeing, bouldering and climbing, hiking and orienteering, and the 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 in the Tanglewood portion of the program.

UMaine tuition for this course is free for Maine high school students (public school & homeschoolers). Tuition for out-of-state students and Maine private school students is $149 per credit for 2026, for a total fee of $596. 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 Tanglewood 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 Greenland Point website for more information and registration links.
Email Greenland Point directly with any questions.

Volunteer News

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

Showcase YOUR Sense of Belonging! 

Okay, Maine 4-H volunteers, tell us what YOU do with your club or group members to create a sense of belonging. It can be an example that includes youth, families, and new participants. Fill out the Sense of Belonging Entry Form to highlight one example of how you and/or your 4-H youth create a sense of belonging in your club! Your name will be entered into a drawing for some cool 4-H swag! YOU MAKE a difference! Tell us how you do it! 

4-H Volunteer Huddle: 

Join us for the last “gather and learn session” in this year’s series. 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!

Please note: The Zoom link and password will be emailed to all enrolled 4-H volunteers, or you can email Tara Wood at tara.a.wood@maine.edu to request it. 

DID you MARK YOUR CALENDAR? 

The Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Maine Arts Academy in Augusta! More details to come in the upcoming months, 4-H volunteers from across the state will enjoy engaging workshops, opportunities to build meaningful connections, and gain fresh ideas to enhance their impact in 4-H programs. Lunch will be provided.

Resources

With fair season just around the corner, it’s not too early to help your 4-H youth start to think about good sportsmanship! What is it? And how do you demonstrate it? Check out this Michigan 4-H Life Skills Activity: Sportsmanship: What is it? Here are some additional variations of the activity to try:

  • Ball Toss- Choose some of the qualities listed in the activity and write them in different sections of a beach ball. Have members toss the ball- wherever their left thumb lands, ask them to give an example of how the term connects to sportsmanship. 
  • Gallery Walk- Hang four to six pieces of chart paper around the room- add a word from the activity to each piece of chart paper. Have pairs of youth participate in a gallery walk and add an example of how the word on each poster relates to sportsmanship. Once the pairs return to their original poster, have them share one or two ideas with the whole group. 
  • Roll the Dice- List numbers 1-12 on a large piece of paper and list one quality by each number. During your opening circle, have everyone roll the dice- whichever number they roll, they give an example of how that quality relates to good sportsmanship.

Leaders’ Meeting Minutes

Via Zoom. Attendees: Lisa Carney, Leah McCluskey, Elaine Gokey, Dawn Roberto, Andrea Mahoney, Terry Swazey, Joannie Jodrey, and Lee Sargent

The Treasurer’s March report was accepted as read. 

The March Leaders Association Meeting minutes were accepted as written in the newsletter.

Club Reports:

  • 4-H Fishing Club – An underwater videographer will be coming next month and will be doing a live presentation. Also visited the fish hatchery! 
  • Service Squad – Would like to help with Big Night. Bake sale at Tractor Supply on the 25th. 
  • Pine Tree Pioneers – Will be meeting in May.
  • Jolly Juniors – Joannie has finished one cooking group and will finish up the other. Brenda coordinated a Lasagna Love/Donation night. Roadside cleanup had a big crowd. Joannie announced it at the town meeting, and that probably increased participation.
  • Horse of Course – Elaine will be having a bake sale outside the Gallery in Deer Isle. Might go for a barn visit in May.

Old Business:

  • State Public Speaking – Went amazingly well! All of the kids did a great job. 
  • Insurance – Terry and Joannie will be going in person to talk to a recommended firm. 
  • Style Revue – Only one youth signed up so far. We could push it back and do it at Jamboree before lunch, or at Cloverfest. There will not be a May event.

New Business:

  • Steer – If we purchase a pig, the piglets are ready to go on Mother’s Day and will be finished weight by fair time. Terry may know someone who has some pigs (colt.knight@maine.edu, Colt Knight). Norma also has connections. Lee says Greg may have a steer we can purchase to raise next year. Maybe we can put a deposit on one? Could also do a CSA share.
  • June Jamboree – weekend of the 12th and 13th.
    • Time to start finding speakers and workshop presenters. Need to have a schedule by May 1st.
    • Percy has been confirmed for Porta Potties
    • Email template
  • In-person meeting dates: June 10th at 4:30 at the fairgrounds, July, and October
  • Scholarships – We have given out scholarships to the same person multiple times in the past.
  • Motion to give the Fishing Club $300 for a boat, some equipment, and possibly a trip. Seconded and passed.

Motion to adjourn at 7:40 pm