KL 4-H Newsletter—December 2024
Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
November 29–Dec.15 4-H Paper Clover Campaign at Tractor Supply Co. Stores
December 10 “ZSuite How-To” training for Club Leaders via Zoom, 6:00–7:00 pm
December 12 NEW DATE Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association Annual Meeting, 6:00 pm, Extension office, Waldoboro
December 15 4-H Re-enrollments due (see article about ZSuite below)
December 23 Applications due for Ignite by 4-H, Washington, D.C. (age 14-18)
January 6 Fryeburg Fair Beef Intent to Sell form due
January 22–March 19 Volunteer Connections Virtual Workshops, 6:30–8:00 pm (see article below)
January 15 ESE Beef Team Intent to Participate form due
January 7 Deadline to register for KL 4-H Public Speaking Workshop (1/11)
January 7 Deadline to register for Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club
January 11 KL 4-H Public Speaking Workshop, 9am–noon, Extension office, Waldoboro, snow date 1/12
January 13 Deadline to register for 4-H Climate Civic Action SPIN Club (age 12–18)
January 22 Preparing for Youth Engagement: first of three Volunteer Connections sessions, 6:30–8:30 pm
January 27 Deadline to register for Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise (Maple Sugaring 101)
January 31 Oxton Trust Applications due
December Birthdays
Happy Birthday to Izzy B., Sylvia C., Caroline P., and Josee W.!
4-H Public Speaking Workshop—Hold the Date!
There will be a 4-H Public Speaking Workshop on Saturday, January 11, 9am-noon at Knox-Lincoln UMaine Extension (snow date January 12). Come try some fun activities that will get you ready to confidently speak to a group! This workshop, open to all ages and levels of public speaking experience, is great preparation for participating in the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Public Speaking Tournament in March, and the State 4-H Public Speaking Tournament in April. If you have competed in the tournament before and want to hone your skills. New to public speaking? This workshop is for you, too! Register for this workshop by January 7 by contacting Pamela Doherty at 207.832.0343, Pamela.doherty@maine.edu.
Re-enroll by December 15!
ZSuite is the 4-H enrollment option available for families for the new 4-H Year. Current families can log into their ZSuite account and complete their re-enrollment, as well as all required forms, online. If you enrolled yourself last fall for the 2022-2023 year, you can simply visit the ZSuite 4-H Database and use the password you set at that time. If you DID NOT use ZSuite to enroll in 2022-23, visit the ZSuite 4-H Database, click “Forgot Password?” and complete the prompts using the email address where you receive your 4-H communications.
Once you are in ZSuite, reenrollment is just a few clicks away:
- Login at https://4h.zsuite.org
- Click on the PRIMARY profile and enter your 4-character PIN.
- Click on the name of the youth member you wish to enroll.
- Click on ENROLL MEMBER NOW.
- Review/update the requested member information. When you are done with that, click NEXT
- Here you will read and electronically sign the 4-H participation waiver(s), click NEXT
- Here is where you will select your club or clubs and desired projects. There may be clubs and projects listed that carried over from your enrollment during the last program year.
- To add clubs, select your county. This defaults to the county submitted when you created your account. You may need to select another county to find your desired club.
- Select your Club from the drop-down menu. Select ADD CLUB.
- To add projects for any of the clubs, select ADD PROJECT for the desired clubs. Select the desired project from the drop-down menu. Select ADD PROJECT and selection will be added to the club. Feel free to add additional clubs or projects. If you make a mistake or wish to remove a project, select the X and confirm you wish to delete the project.
- When done making your selections, click Submit.
Enrollment records need to be active/green status before engaging in 4-H activities and to register for events.
ZSuite has a help menu that offers step-by-step instructions in the system, as well as live chat for questions. You are also welcome to reach out to your county staff. Re-enrollments are due December 15.
ZSuite – A Tool for 4-H Volunteers
By now you have heard of ZSuite, but how can it help YOU as a 4-H volunteer? If you are a club leader, ZSuite has features that you can use to help keep you organized and communicating clearly with your club members and families! Join us for a “ZSuite How-To” training via Zoom on Tuesday, December 10 from 6:00–7:00 pm. To register, log into ZSuite in your volunteer profile and and scroll down to ZSuite—A Tool for 4-H Volunteers.
Questions? Reach out to Jessy Brainerd jessica.brainerd@maine.edu or Jen Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu.
4-H Volunteer Connections: Register Today!
We are offering THREE virtual interactive sessions this winter for all 4-H volunteers! Join us for regional training and networking opportunities with 4-H volunteers from our 13 states in the North East Region! Session topics include the following:
- Preparing for Youth Engagement – January 22, 2025 6:30 – 8:30 pm
- Building Connections for Success – February 19, 2025 6:30 – 8:00 pm
- Growing Beyond the Ribbon – March 19, 2025 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Learn more and register for 4-H Volunteer Connections sessions.
Sign up for one, two, or all three! Sessions are free, but you must register! Questions? Reach out to Jen Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu We hope to see you there!
Oxton Trust Applications Due January 30 for All of 2025
Through the generosity and foresight of Robert Oxton, the Oxton Trust Fund was established to support 4-H youth development programs and activities in Knox and Lincoln Counties. The funds are available annually. Clubs, volunteers, and members should anticipate what funds they expect to request for the entire 2025 calendar year and apply for funds to the Oxton Trust Committee by January 30, 2025.
If a club, volunteer, or member discovers a need for funds later in 2025, a special meeting of the committee can be called, and an application considered at any time. Funds available for mid-year requests, however, will be more limited.
Grants may be awarded for 4-H youth development programs and projects falling into one of the following areas: leadership, youth development and special programs. Applications can be submitted by 4-H staff, volunteers or members enrolled in the Knox and Lincoln Counties 4-H program. The Oxton Trust Application is available online or can be requested by contacting the Knox-Lincoln Extension office.
Explore Maine’s Aquaculture Industry with Virtual Field Trips from 4-H
Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) are an innovative way for youth to explore and learn about places and people that would otherwise be infeasible! These immersive, online experiences bring Maine’s thriving aquaculture industry to life—no travel required.
Accessible at no cost, the Virtual Field Trips are designed to break down geographical and financial barriers, making high-quality, hands-on learning available to all. Register online to receive a link to the VFTs. Each field trip also comes with complementary 4-H activity guides and lesson plans to help facilitate meaningful engagement with youth.
The first VFT currently available features the University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR), a large-scale, land-based aquaculture facility in Franklin, Maine. Additional virtual field trips are in development and will be rolled out throughout 2025 and 2026. These experiences offer insight into seafood production, workforce development, career exploration, and STEM concepts related to aquaculture technologies.
Register for a Virtual Aquaculture Field Trip online. For more information: contact Carla Scocchi, 4-H Youth Development Professional, carla.scocchi@maine.edu.
Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign Through December 15
This season’s Paper Clover campaign is happening now and will run through December 15, showcasing 4-H during the busiest retail period of the year! Funds raised through the campaign are used to support 4-H Leadership activities and camp scholarships. Also limited edition, collectible 4-H holiday ornaments are also available in Tractor Supply stores nationwide. Featuring three unique designs, 100% of the funds raised from ornament sales will benefit 4-H.
Ignite by 4-H
Who is eligible: All 4-H enrolled youth of high school age (14-18)
When is the event: March 12-16, 2025
Where: Washington DC metro area at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
Timeline: Applications need to be completed by December 23
Cost: The Maine 4-H Foundation has graciously funded the majority of the registration and travel costs for youth. Youth will be responsible for $300 towards the cost of the trip. We encourage youth to reach out to the County offices and programs to seek out additional funding support. If youth need help or assistance, please have them contact tara.marble@maine.edu.
Spark your imagination and passion! Join us from across the U.S. in Washington, D.C. for Ignite by 4-H! The four-day interactive summit helps teens find their spark through inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, off-site experiences, career exploration, and connecting with peers as an inclusive teen event in March 2025.
Ignite by 4-H is a step forward in the journey of becoming beyond ready. At Ignite, teens collaborate, create and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world—becoming resilient and READY for everything life has to offer. The possibilities are endless at Ignite by 4-H. Ignite will include:
- High impact programming featuring immersive workshops and experiences, renowned speakers and industry leaders
- Career exploration and work readiness opportunities
- Networking and connection with like-minded peers
- Skills to drive community impact
- C. area experiences and activities
Apply for Ignite by 4-H online. If there are any questions or concerns please contact tara.marble@maine.edu.
Maine 4-H Public Speaking – Save the Date!
The Maine 4-H Public Speaking event will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the University of Maine in Orono. The snow date is Sunday, April 6. Stay tuned for events and details on our website soon. Please contact your local county office for information about your local events happening soon.
4-H Climate Civic Action SPIN Club
This is a 3-part series for youth ages 12-18 that will dive into real world issues and what we can actually do about them. Together we will learn about climate change from a global perspective, a local perspective and explore opportunities for individual action to make a difference. This will involve hands-on, minds-on learning to unpack this big topic.
This is a free opportunity for youth ages 12 – 18, and will take place over Zoom on Mondays January 27, February 3, and February 10, from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Register for 4-H Climate Civic Action SPIN Club before January 13, 2025.
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 actually do regular health checks and have proper housing? Join the 4-H Animal Science SPIN club. We will have 3 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, and will meet over Zoom from 4:00 – 5:15 pm on Wednesdays, January 22, 29th, and February 5, 2025, 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. Parents are encouraged to attend this session with their child. Register for 4-H Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals before January 7, 2025 online.
4-H Science Toolkits
Maine 4-H has a lending library of 4-H Science toolkits. These come with activities and materials around a variety of topics. Recent additions include:
- eBird Explorers, exploring Ornithology for Cloverbuds
- Harmful and Shifting Species, which examines species impacting the Maine coast
- Power Protectors, which involves exploring energy use and an introduction to renewable energy through engineering design challenges.
Reach out to your local 4-H staff person or email 4-HScience@maine.edu to make a reservation or with any questions.
4-H Dairy Quizbowl – Save the Date!
The 2025 Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl tryouts will be held on March 1 at the Randall Student Center at the University of Maine Augusta. The contest will start at 10:00 am with the written exam, followed by the individual questions portion and then the buzzer rounds.
This event will serve as the official tryout for the Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Team. The top four eligible 4-H members will be selected to represent Maine 4-H at Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA in the regional dairy quizbowl contest in September.
Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl tryouts are open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members ages 9—18. Youth will be divided into two age categories, Jr. ages 9-11 and Sr. ages 12-18. If you plan on attending please notify Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu so that we can prepare for the event.
ESE 4-H Dairy Intent Forms Available Now!
The 2025 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States Exposition Intent to Participate form is available online. 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, 2025. Please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971 with any questions.
Maine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available
The 2025 Maine 4-H Beef Eastern States Exposition Intent to Participate form is now available online and must be submitted by January 15, 2025. 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, 2024 and have completed one year in a beef project prior to this year. Please contact Kristen Grondin, kristen.grondin@maine.edu, 207-581-8193, with any questions.
Market Beef at Fryeburg Fair
The 2025 Maine 4-H Intent to Sell a Market Beef at Fryeburg Fair is now available for eligible youth. The animal must be owned and in the youth’s possession, and the youth must be enrolled in their county by December 31, 2024. More information and the form are available on the Maine 4-H Beef page. Online forms must be submitted, and paper copies must be postmarked by January 6, 2025.
Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarships
Every year, the Maine 4-H Foundation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to participants in the Maine 4-H Program pursuing higher education, this participation includes traditional club membership, as well as the many other ways youth can engage with 4-H, including at our Camp and Learning Centers. Dozens of different scholarships are available to applicants, and a single application is used for all.
To find out more about available scholarships, and access the application and templates, visit the Maine 4-H Foundation website. Applications are due to your local UMaine Extension county office or one of our 4-H Learning Centers by March 3, 2025.
Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales
Maple Sugaring 101, also known as Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise, is a 7-week hybrid program open to Maine youth ages 9 to 18 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.
Each week, participants will learn about the process and connect with other young maple sugar makers through online meetings and in-person workshops led by University of Maine Cooperative Extension experts. Online meetings are scheduled for weekday evenings, 5:00–6:00 pm in February and March. On-site workshops will be held at participating sugarhouses following the virtual sessions. Exact dates will be released in January 2025.
This program will also prepare youth for a new Level 1 digital badge called Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise. Youth who complete the program will get free access to the learning modules to earn the digital badge.
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, January 27, 2024: andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, 207.581.8204.
Youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register. Travel beyond their home county may be required to attend onsite sessions if a sugarhouse is not available locally.
Save the Date: Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE)
The Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE) will take place from May 16–18, 2025 at the Windsor Fairgrounds in Windsor, Maine. More information can be found on their website, and entry forms and schedules will be available in 2025.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).