KL 4-H Newsletter—March 2024
Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
March 9 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Public Speaking Tournament, 1 – 4 pm, Extension office, Waldoboro, snow date 3/16
March 10 & 17 The Byre Clan 4-H Club Open House, 10 am, Bristol
March 12 Meet & Greet at Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association Meeting, 5:30 pm, Knox-Lincoln Extension office, Waldoboro
March 15 Citizenship Washington Focus (6/20-6/27) Intent—Notify 4-H Staff of Intent to Participate (ages 14 – 18)
March 30 4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper applications due
April 6 Maine 4-H Public Speaking Tournament, UMaine Orono
April 8 Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, 2 – 4:30 pm, Union Fairgrounds (register by 4/1)
April 9 KLLA Meeting, 6 pm, Extension office, Zoom only
April 20 4-H Chef Workshop, 10 am – 1 pm, Extension office (register by 4/12)
April 24 – May 5 4-H Paper Clover Campaign at Tractor Supply Co.
May 1 ESE Horse Tryouts Intent to Participate Forms due
March Birthdays
Happy Birthday to Reagan A., Natalie E., and Cole D.!
Attend the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Public Speaking Tournament
The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Public Speaking Tournament will be held on March 9 from 1 – 4 pm at the Knox-Lincoln Extension office (snow date March 16). Additional audience members are always welcome. Come support your fellow 4-H’ers!
State Public Speaking Tournament
The Maine 4-H Public Speaking Tournament will be held on April 6 at DP Corbett Hall on the University of Maine campus. Youth must qualify for this event by achieving a score of 78 or higher at their county or regional tournament. Check with your county 4-H staff to find out when your county tournament will be held. Go to the Maine 4-H Public Speaking webpage at for more information about the program.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Union Fairgrounds
On April 8, 2024 Maine will experience a full solar eclipse. The last time Maine experienced this was in 1963, and the next one won’t be until 2079!
Join other 4-Hers, volunteers, and staff for a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Union Fairgrounds on April 8 from 2:00 – 4:30 pm. We will have safe viewing glasses for you to use, plus a telescope fitted with a protective lens that will allow us to view the sun up-close in a safe way. Participate in solar eclipse activities and enjoy a “sun snack!” Register by April 1 for the Solar Eclipse Viewing Party by contacting Cindy Rogers at cynthia.rogers@maine.edu, 207.832.0343.
IMPORTANT: NEVER look at the sun without glasses or lenses specially made for this purpose. See tips for safe viewing below.
Can’t make the party? We have safe viewing glasses available for members and leaders to pick up at the KL Extension office. Contact Cindy Rogers at cynthia.rogers@maine.edu about these.
How to Safely View the Maine Solar Eclipse
Can you believe the solar eclipse is just a month away?! It is necessary that you review how to properly view the eclipse before April 8th, the day this spectacular event will occur. When you are viewing the partial phases of the eclipse with your eyes, which are all times except for totality when the moon completely covers the Sun’s face, it is crucial that you are looking through viewing glasses (sometimes called “eclipse glasses”). Yes, this is true even if it’s cloudy or rainy!
- The only safe way to view partial phases of the eclipse are with viewing (eclipse) glasses or through a handheld solar viewing (i.e. a pinhole camera).
- Do not view partial eclipse phases with sunglasses, through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope.
- If your viewing glasses are damaged in any way, discard them and do not use them.
- You can view the eclipse directly without eye protection only when the moon completely blocks the Sun’s face (totality).
- If you are outside for hours on April 8th make sure you drink water, wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Happy safe viewing!
- Check with your local Extension office to obtain free eclipse viewing glasses!
Statewide 4-H Solar Eclipse Wrap-Up Extravaganza
Solar Eclipse Coming to Maine! On April 8, Maine will experience a full solar eclipse. Although this is a once in a lifetime event for us folks in Maine, there is no way we all experienced the same thing. Join 4-Hers from all over the state to share stories, observations, and experiences from the 2024 eclipse. Let’s see what heliophysics enthusiasm can look like!
To join the conversation, register by March 28. We invite youth ages 5 – 18 to sign up, the eclipse will take place on April 8 around 3:00 pm, and this celebration will take place via Zoom on Thursday, April 22, 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
Byre Clan 4-H Club at the Byre Farm in Bristol
4-H Club Leader, Jeffrey Patterson welcomes new members to the Byre Clan 4-H Club. Members of the Byre Clan will learn the “whys and hows” of collecting eggs, taking care of calves and lambs, working with border collies, planting crops, harvesting maple syrup, trimming trees, working with beehives, collecting fruit, shelling dry beans…the list goes on. The club is open to youth ages 8 – 18.
For two Sundays in March, prospective club members and their parents can visit Byre Farm in Bristol to meet the animals, see the farm, and meet some of the adult leaders who are eager to help young people experience the joys of farming.
Visit The Byre Farm, 25 Rock School House Road in Bristol, Maine, March 10 and March 17, starting at 10 am. Contact the farm at 207.529.5639.
4-H Chef Workshop April 20
Do you want to learn new cooking skills? Seasoned cooks and those new to the kitchen will get to practice basic techniques and learn something new at a 4-H Chef Workshop on April 20! Ryan and Cindy will teach you safety, organization, tool skills, and cooking techniques with tasty results! Register for the 4-H Chef Workshop by April 12. at https://forms.gle/aLiMunfAk5np9LdHA.
4-H Camp and Program Scholarships Offered
The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association offers scholarships to Knox-Lincoln 4-H members to be used to attend educational camps and programs. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, as they are submitted, through the summer of 2024, or until available funds run out. Be sure to indicate in your application what date scholarship funds are required by the program.
Applications will be reviewed by the Knox-Lincoln Scholarship Committee. The amount of the scholarships will be determined by the funds available in a given year and the number of qualified applicants. Download the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Camp and Program Scholarship application or request a paper copy by contacting Pamela Doherty at 207.832.0343 (in Maine 800.244.2104) or pamela.doherty@maine.edu.
Union Fair and 4-H
Union Fair will be here before you know it! The fair will look a little different this year, and we wanted to make sure you are all aware of the changes. The Union Fair will happen early, and it will be split into two portions, which overlap by one day: the Agriculture Fair July 7-10, and the Blueberry Festival July 10-14. As a program, 4-H will be participating only during the Agriculture Fair portion, July 7-10. That means that all of the 4-H shows, exhibition, Farm-to-Fair, and other activities will take place only in those four days.
The 4-H Union Fair Information Book, your best source for 4-H participation at Union Fair, will be available soon. Feel free to contact 4-H staff if you have questions about 4-H at Union Fair 2024.
4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper Scholarship Program
The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association is seeking two young people, plus one alternate, to assist 4-H staff at the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at Union Fair (Agriculture Fair days only—July 7 – 10, 2024). The program is open to 4-H members or 4-H alumni pursuing post-secondary education age 13 – 22. Scholarship funds will be awarded to the assistants based on number of hours contributed. These funds may be used by currently enrolled youth to attend Citizenship Washington Focus, 4-H National Congress, 4-H National Conference, Leadership Development Programs at Tanglewood, Blueberry Cove, Greenland Point or Bryant Pond 4-H Camps, or another Extension staff-approved leadership program. For 4-H alumni, scholarship funds may be used for tuition or book/materials expenses incurred at a post-secondary educational program.
The Youth Helper position carries more commitment and responsibility than simply volunteering to help. Those chosen for this position will assist staff and adult volunteers in overseeing the operation of the exhibit. This includes (but not limited to) getting the exhibit ready to open or close for the day (depending on shift), making sure barns are stocked with “products” while the exhibit is open, supporting volunteers and filling in when they need a break. Successful candidates will be comfortable speaking to the public, answering questions, and assisting staff in training and leading volunteers.
Each person chosen must commit to one shift (2 ½ hours) each day that they are scheduled to help during Union Fair. The number of shifts and days required will be worked out with members and families as helpers are chosen, but at least 4 shifts are expected. Successful candidates must be 13 – 22 years of age A mature 12-year-old may be considered if they are recommended by a 4-H leader or 4-H staff member. 4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper applications due March 30, 2024. For more information, contact Cindy at cynthia.rogers@maine.edu.
Equine ESE Intent Forms Due May 1
The 2024 Eastern States (ESE) Horse Intent Form is now online. The form indicates your interest in participating in the Eastern States Team Tryout event this summer. The event this year will offer a weekend opportunity for youth to qualify and to learn and grow while getting to know other youth who are also interested in trying out. Youth can try out to be a Teen Leader (4-H age 12 and up) or to be a Rider or Driver (4-H age 13 and up).
More details will go out to those who fill out the intent forms in the registration packets. The intent form does not bind you to the tryout event. Applications will be used to determine the event roster.
Animal Approval forms must also be filled out and sent to your county office by May 1. If you have any questions, please reach out to: Tara Marble, tara.marble@maine.edu, or 207.778.4650.
Know Someone Who’d Be a Great 4-H Volunteer? Invite Them to “Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey!”
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a two-part online informational session for adults interested in becoming Maine 4-H volunteers on March 19 & 26 from 6 – 7 p.m. “Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey” will provide participants with information about the UMaine Extension 4-H youth development program through four short e-Learning modules. Attendees will also participate in an experimental learning activity, learn about the key aspects of positive youth development, and be introduced to ages and stages of youth. The two one-hour virtual sessions will wrap up with an outline of next steps and an introduction to a county staff contact to help with the application process if desired.
Register for Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey online. For information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jennifer Lobley, jennifer.lobley@maine.edu, 207.255.3345.
New SPIN Club: Farm Animal Care – FUNdamentals
Are you interested in learning about livestock animals (such as cows, goats or sheep)? How to 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 to have any prior animal experience or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner/introductory level program.
Virtual sessions will be on Wednesdays, April 24, May 1, and May 8. An optional in-person field day will take place Saturday, May 4. This club is open to youth ages 9 – 18, space is limited to 15 participants. Register for Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals by April 8.
Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors—Spring 2024
Maine 4-H is launching a new session cohort for interested eligible youth for the Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors program! The program is designed for youth ages 14 – 18 who are interested in any aspect of agriculture. Youth spend time getting to know each other and learning both online and in person facilitated by UMaine 4-H Staff, and community partners. Sessions will focus on career exploration, exploring the Maine Food System with farm and production visits around the state, and building relationships with industry professionals.
This season we will be visiting local Maine Ag business like Springworks Farm where youth will get to tour and explore the facilities and learn about their state-of-the-art organic aquaponics system. Check them out!
In addition to the multi week session, youth will serve in their ambassador role for at least 1 year. Youth will pick an agricultural area to focus on (ex. livestock, ag literacy/food systems, environmental stewardship, Ag and health) during their term and explore opportunities for leadership locally, statewide and even nationally. Register for Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors today!
Online: March 19 & March 26, April 2 & April 9
In-Person: March 23 & March 30
Maine Agriculture Symposium at the University of Maine: April 18 – 19 (optional overnight)
KLLA Meet & Greet March 12
For: 4-H volunteers and staff
Where: Knox-Lincoln Extension office
When: March 12; Social Hour 5:30-6:30 pm; Business Meeting at 6:30
With so many new volunteers, we thought it would be nice to include a time to socialize before the March 12 business meeting of the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association. Light refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!
4-H Volunteer Workshops for 2024
We invite you to participate in our 4-H Volunteer Connections virtual workshops! Join other 4-H volunteers from the Northeast region to learn, share and engage with one another on a variety of topics related to 4-H. All workshops are free and offered via Zoom in the evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s free, but you must register for 4-H Volunteer Workshops. Sign up today and invite a friend-we hope to see you there.
March 12 – Finding Space for Mental Wellness in Every Program
April 9 – Animal Science: Strong Relationships and Sportsmanship
Tidepool Immersion Discovery + Ecology Workshop Series
Explore the intertidal zone and help with marine science research! In this workshop, we will learn about animals you might find during low tide and use some amazing equipment to take awesome pictures on your phone to identify them. Along the way, we’ll learn about invasive species, climate change, species identification, and how you can participate in research by just taking a picture. Please note that the ability to get to the beach and supervision are required (at least once, between sessions). Participants must have access to a durable digital camera (a phone is fine). This workshop is supported by Maine EPSCoR at the University of Maine. Register by March 27, so supplies can be mailed to attendees’ homes.
Dates: Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00, April 9 through May 11.
In person field day at SMCC, South Portland (optional) scheduled in South Portland on April 13 (rain date April 14).
Ages 11 – 18
Most activities will be held via Zoom. Materials will be provided and shipped directly to participants before the workshop. In-person field day scheduled in South Portland on April 13 (rain date April 14). Participants will be asked to visit the ocean at least once, at low tide, during this series. Facilitators: Emily P. and Sam B.
Register for Tidepool Immersion Discovery and Ecology Workshop Series by March 27, 2024.
Come to Work at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove!
Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove are now hiring for our spring and summer seasons! Positions include Educators, Counselors, Trip Leaders, and more. Please visit our Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove employment website for more information and to apply.
Young Explorers Early Childhood Enrichment
Young Explorers at Blueberry Cove, our new early childhood enrichment program, is accepting registrations for 2024! The program focuses on play, sensory learning, and developing social skills in an outdoor setting. Explorers spend time with our camp animals, play at the forest and beach, and read stories. Ages 3 – 5, M, W, & F from 9 am – 12 pm.
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)
CWF will be held June 20 – 27, 2024 in Washington D.C. We have reserved space for 15 Maine delegates, age 14 – 18. The cost will be about $1200.00 per participant. We will most likely fly and will be staying at a different hotel than in the last couple of years. Be sure to connect with your county office by March 15 and let them know of your interest. They also will know if there is additional help in funding the trip through your county. A big “Thank You” to The Maine 4-H Foundation for significantly funding this incredible trip. Participation in this trip is amazing trip will be on a first-come basis as space is limited. Orientation dates will be announced on the website and communicated to candidates directly. For information about Citizenship Washington Focus visit our website or email heidi.thuotte@umaine.edu.
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 (https://www.learningecosystemsnortheast.org/). 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, home school groups, and more.
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).