{"id":17761,"date":"2026-01-02T10:25:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T15:25:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/hancock\/?p=17761"},"modified":"2026-04-13T17:15:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T21:15:56","slug":"january-2026-4-h-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/hancock\/2026\/01\/02\/january-2026-4-h-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"January 2026 4-H Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

4-H Happenings<\/h3>\n

A monthly newsletter for Hancock County 4-H Members<\/em><\/h4>\n
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Table of Contents<\/h3>\n

Upcoming Dates<\/a>| County News<\/a> | Club News<\/a> | State News<\/a> | Volunteer News<\/a>| Leaders’ Meeting Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/a>Upcoming Dates to Remember<\/h3>\n

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

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<\/a>County News<\/h3>\n

Local 4-H Workshops and Events<\/h4>\n

Arctic Explorations<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 January 14, 2026 (3:30 pm \u2013 4:30 pm)
\nDo you know how our polar friends stay warm on chilly days? On January 14 from 3:30 \u2013 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\u2019ll get creative and discover how our blubbery friends protect themselves from the cold, and how some animals can waterproof themselves!<\/p>\n

Speak Up, Maine 4-H! Public Speaking Workshop<\/strong> \u2013 January 25, 2026 (2:00 pm – 4:30 pm) DATE CHANGE!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/a>\u00a0to reserve your place or contact the Extension Office at 207.667.8212.<\/p>\n

4-H Fishing Club<\/h4>\n
\"Public
“Casting off on a new adventure.”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We are so happy to announce that a new club is joining the party in Hancock County! The 4-H Fishing Club\u2019s goal is to introduce and equip young anglers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy fishing safely and responsibly. Through hands-on experiences \u2013 from ice fishing to open water adventures \u2013 members will learn about Maine\u2019s fish species, waterways, gear, laws, and conservation practices. The club aims to foster responsible stewardship of Maine\u2019s natural resources and a love for the outdoors, all while teaching the tools needed for a lifetime of successful fishing!<\/p>\n

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<\/a> or call 207.667.8212.<\/p>\n

Public Speaking!<\/h4>\n

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!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Save the Date<\/strong>: All of our 4-H youth are invited to prepare for this year\u2019s Hancock County 4-H Speak Up Showcase, which will be held on Saturday, March 14, time and location TBD. <\/span>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 State Speak Up, Maine 4-H! website<\/a> soon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>Club News<\/h3>\n
\"Two
Veggie board prep for Game Night!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Service Squad: <\/strong>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!<\/p>\n

Horse of Course: <\/strong>The Horse of Course meeting this month consisted of making Christmas ornaments with pipe cleaners and decorative beads.\u00a0 The members took home\u00a0what they made to share with friends\u00a0and family.<\/p>\n

Lock, Stock, & Barrel: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\t\t