Follow Knox-Lincoln 4-H on Facebook! <\/span><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n March 6 <\/strong>Volunteer Huddle \u2014 Prepare for the Fair, 12 \u2013 12:30 pm, online<\/p>\n March 7 <\/strong>Speak Up Knox-Lincoln 4-H! Public Speaking Showcase, 1 \u2013 4 pm, Extension office, Waldoboro, snow date 3\/14 <\/em><\/p>\n March 7<\/strong> Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Tryouts, 10 am, Augusta<\/p>\n March 11<\/strong> Last Day to register for Maine 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors (ages 14 \u2013 18)<\/em><\/p>\n March 12<\/strong> Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association Meeting, 6 pm, Knox-Lincoln Extension office, Waldoboro, or ZOOM<\/p>\n March 25<\/strong> 4-H Page Day, Maine State Capitol, Augusta (ages 13 \u2013 18; register by March 14<\/em>)<\/p>\n March 25 \u2013 29<\/strong> Maine Science Festival, Cross Insurance Center, Bangor<\/p>\n March 30<\/strong> Deadline to register for 4-H Virtual Touch Tank Tour, online<\/p>\n April 9<\/strong> Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association Meeting, 6 pm, ZOOM<\/p>\n April 11<\/strong> Speak Up Maine 4-H! Public Speaking Showcase, UMaine Orono (snow date 4\/12<\/em>)<\/p>\n April 17<\/strong> Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate form due<\/p>\n April 30<\/strong> 4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper applications due (ages 13 \u2013 22)<\/em><\/p>\n May 1<\/strong> Maine 4-H Horse ESE Intent to Participate form due<\/p>\n Happy Birthday to Reagan A., Natalie E., and Hunter M.!<\/p>\n 4-H in Knox and Lincoln Counties has two newly enrolled adult volunteers. Welcome Sadie Olmsted and Adam Eaton! Both Sadie and Adam are former youth 4-H members who have trained to become adult leaders in our counties.<\/p>\n Sadie is a former member of the Jolly Farmers, Franklin County Beef Boosters, and Young Farmers 4-H clubs, as well as a current member of Maine 4-H Youth Council. She is currently a student in Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Maine in Orono.<\/p>\n Adam is a former member of the Aldermere Achievers 4-H Club, raising both beef cattle and sheep. He recently graduated from Eastern Maine Community College and continued his education at Maine Energy Marketers Association, studying plumbing and HVAC. Adam hopes to start a new 4-H club soon. He was also recently elected president of the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association.<\/p>\n We are excited that both of you have chosen to stay actively involved in 4-H!<\/p>\n Save the Date! Speak Up Maine 4-H state public speaking showcase will be on Saturday, April 11<\/strong> on the University of Maine Orono campus (snow date April 12)!<\/p>\n You asked, we’re excited! Performing Arts<\/strong> demonstrations will now be part of\u00a0Speak Up, Maine 4-H\u00a0<\/em>the statewide\u00a0Public\u00a0Speaking\u00a0Program. From dramatic monologues to musical performances, this creative category is your time to express yourself and share your spark center stage.<\/p>\n Performing Arts demonstrations include: Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges\u2019 support for all categories, are now available on the\u00a0Speak Up, Maine 4-H\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0and through county staff.<\/p>\n Members, have you started your 4-H Project Record yet? It is best to start them early, set your goals, and record your progress throughout the 4-H year.<\/p>\n To encourage more complete project records (include more of the optional sections), the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders\u2019 Association awards extra effort beyond the basic record with higher award amounts when records are evaluated<\/strong>. In other words, the more components that you complete well, the higher the value of your award can potentially be. Based on the judges\u2019 evaluations, awards will range from $20 to $50 \u201caward value\u201d depending on quantity and quality of work presented. Project Record forms and instructions<\/a> can be found online.<\/p>\n Union Fair will be here before you know it! The Union Fair is scheduled August 5 \u2013 August 9, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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 2026.<\/p>\n The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders\u2019 Association is seeking young people to assist 4-H staff and adult volunteers at the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at Union Fair August 5 \u2013 August 9, 2026. The program is open to 4-H members or 4-H alumni pursuing post-secondary education<\/strong><\/em> age 13 \u2013 22. Scholarship funds will be awarded<\/strong> to the assistants based on number of hours contributed. These funds may be used by currently enrolled youth to attend Ignite by 4-H, 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 program. For 4-H alumni, scholarship funds may be used for tuition or book\/materials expenses incurred at a post-secondary educational program.<\/em><\/p>\n 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 \u201cproducts\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Each person chosen must commit to at least one shift (2 \u00bd 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 5 shifts are expected. Successful candidates must be 13 \u2013 22 years of age. 4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper applications<\/a> due April 30, 2026. <\/strong>For more information, contact Cindy at cynthia.rogers@maine.edu.<\/p>\n The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders\u2019 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 year, or until available funds run out. Be sure to indicate in your application what date scholarship funds are required by the program.<\/p>\n Applications will be reviewed by the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association. The amount of the scholarships will be determined by the funds available in a given year and the number of qualified applicants. Download the KL 4-H Camp Scholarship application<\/a> online or request a paper copy by contacting Cindy Rogers at 207.832.0343 (in Maine 800.244.2104) or cynthia.rogers@maine.edu.<\/p>\n 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 off-set 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!<\/p>\n Bryant Pond and Greenland Point contact, Bethany: 207.665.2068 Date: March 25, 2026<\/strong> Registered 4-Hers age 13 or older are encouraged to serve as Honorary Pages in the Maine House or the Senate on Youth Agriculture Policy Day, March 25, 2026. The Maine 4-H program has up to 20 slots for Honorary Pages and registration is first come, first serve with a registration deadline of Saturday, March 14<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more information and details about what a page does on 4-H Page Day<\/a>. If you\u2019re interested in participating, Register for 4-H Page Day by March 14<\/a>!\u00a0 Reach out to karen.giles@maine.edu<\/a> with any questions.<\/p>\n Join our touch tank staff for a virtual journey through Maine’s sea creatures. From the infamous lobster to the invasive green crab, youth will have the opportunity to learn about common species that grace our shores from the comfort of home!<\/p>\n Cost: Free The\u00a0Maine Science Festival<\/strong>\u00a0will be held\u00a0March 25 \u2013 29<\/strong>\u00a0at the\u00a0Cross Insurance Center in Bangor<\/strong>. This FREE event includes a Field Trip Day for 7th \u2013 8th graders, a Teen Tech Night, and Exploration Stations that include demonstrations and hands-on activities involving the sciences. Be sure to put it on your calendar because it really is a fun event! Visit the Maine Science Festival<\/strong><\/a> website for more information.<\/p>\n 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 skills in outdoor recreation.\u00a0This is an introductory course in outdoor and adventure activities, forming the foundation of an outdoor leadership education. The course focuses primarily on participation in four different activity categories: canoeing; bouldering and climbing; hiking and orienteering; and challenge course.\u00a0KPE 207 is a 1-credit course where participants\u00a0become certified\u00a0in wilderness first aid (WFA) and CPR.<\/p>\n Registration:<\/strong>\u00a0Participants must complete enrollment with the University of Maine Early College Program. Once that is completed we will send you an invitation to enroll for the Tanglewood portion of the program.<\/p>\n UMaine tuition for this course is free for Maine high school students (public school and homeschoolers). Tuition for out-of-state students and Maine private school students is $149 for 2026 per credit for a total fee of $596 for 2026. (Please note there is an overnight fee for this course for all participants).<\/p>\n Overnight fees:\u00a0$900, including all housing, meals, and certification fees, scholarships available.<\/p>\n Tanglewood:<\/strong> Greenland Point<\/strong> Maine 4-H is now accepting registrations for the spring 2026 Agriculture Ambassadors cohort! The program is designed for youth ages 14 \u2013 18 who are interested in any aspect of agriculture. Youth spend time getting to know each other and learn both online and in-person in sessions 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.<\/p>\n This season we will visit local Maine Ag businesses like Libby Maple, Yeti Ridge Farm and more. Transportation assistance for these events may be available upon request.<\/p>\n In addition to the multi-week session, youth will serve in their ambassador role with Maine 4-H 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 leadership opportunities locally, statewide, and even nationally. Register by March 11!<\/strong><\/p>\n Spring 2026 Dates:<\/strong> Maine Agriculture Symposium at the University of Maine: April 19 \u2013 21<\/strong> (two nights), we try to offer transportation as best we can.<\/p>\n Register for Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors.<\/a><\/strong> For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Alisha Targonski at alisha.targonski@maine.edu<\/a> or 207.622.7546.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The 2026 Maine 4-H ESE Sheep Intent to Participate Form<\/a> \u00a0is now available online and must be submitted by April 17, 2026<\/strong>. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Sheep Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September (including teen leads).<\/p>\n The Eastern States Exhibition (Big E) 4-H Sheep Program brings together 4-H members from six states in Springfield, MA for three days of events that showcase their animals, knowledge and skills. Members must be 12 \u2013 18 years old as of December 31, 2025 and have completed at least one year in a sheep project.<\/p>\n Please contact Megan Cook with any questions or for more information at megan.cook@maine.edu<\/a> or 207.532.6548.<\/p>\n The 2026 Eastern States (ESE)\u00a0Horse\u00a0Intent\u00a0Form\u00a0is now live and online.\u00a0 The\u00a0form is to indicate your interest in participating in the Eastern States Team Tryout event this summer, which will be on\u00a0July 31 \u2013\u00a0 August 1, 2026,<\/strong>\u00a0at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds.<\/p>\n The event this year will offer an overnight opportunity for youth to qualify\u00a0and to learn and grow while getting to know other youth who are also interested\u00a0in trying out. Youth can participate in one of the tracks below:<\/p>\n If youth would like to come and learn about the team, help, and observe (especially if they aren\u2019t old enough to qualify for the team yet), they can also come to tryouts as a \u201cGroom\u201d and\u00a0will need to fill out the intent form.<\/p>\n Youth interested in any of the track options need to fill out the intent form. We use this\u00a0info to contact and update interested families\u00a0and youth.<\/strong><\/p>\n 4-H Horse ESE intent form to be filled out by May 1<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Approval forms must be filled out and sent to your county office by May 1st as well.<\/p>\n More details will be included in the tryout application packet on the\u00a0UMaine 4-H Horse Website.<\/a><\/p>\n The intent form does not bind you to the\u00a0tryout event. Applications will be used to determine the event roster and final schedule.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have any questions, please reach out to: Tara Marble,\u00a0tara.marble@maine.edu<\/a>, or Theme: Birds, Bugs and Blooms<\/strong><\/p>\n Join fellow educators for a hands-on, idea-filled day focused on connecting students to birds, beneficial insects, and flowering plants through school gardens. The symposium features rotating bird-focused learning stations, practical seed-saving activities with students, and a lively lightning round of mini-sessions on cooking, bog gardens, garden clubs, and collaborative art. Afternoon sessions highlight pollinator protection, embracing insects in the garden, and a facilitated discussion on fundraising and volunteer engagement, followed by a creative flower dissection activity. The day wraps up with door prizes and a seed giveaway.<\/p>\n When: March 28, 2026<\/strong> (snow date March 29, 2026, same time) Register for Central Maine School Garden Educators Symposium<\/strong><\/a>. Please contact Kate Garland (katherine.garland@maine.edu<\/a>) to be added to a waitlist if registration is full. Don\u2019t miss this chance to connect, learn, and rejuvenate your passion for garden education! Bring a bagged lunch; snacks and coffee provided.<\/p>\n Your corner for connection, tips and tricks for Positive Youth Development<\/strong><\/p>\n As a 4-H volunteer, you can incorporate simple actions to build belonging. Try out some of these ideas the next time you are working with club members or a group of youth:<\/p>\n Join us for a short \u201cgather and learn session\u201d to help you up your game. We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00 \u2013 12:30 pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there\u2019s something for everyone. We\u2019d love to see you there! No registration required!<\/p>\n March 6, 2026 \u2014 Prepare for the Fair \u2014 <\/em><\/strong>This 4-H volunteer information session will highlight how mentors can guide youth in preparing their animals and themselves for a successful fair experience. Volunteers will learn ways to support members with showmanship skills, animal care, and confidence in the show ring.<\/p>\n April 3, 2026 \u2014 <\/strong>Doing to Understanding: Applying Experiential Learning in 4-H Clubs \u2014 <\/em><\/strong>Learn how to guide youth through hands-on experiences followed by purposeful reflection, helping them build confidence, critical thinking, and leadership skills.<\/p>\n Please note:<\/strong> The Zoom link and password will be emailed to all enrolled 4-H volunteers, or you can email Tara Wood tara.a.wood@maine.edu<\/a>\u00a0to request it.<\/p>\n March 18, 2026\u00a0 6:30 \u2013 8:00 p.m. \u2014 Moving into a New Era of Leadership with Teens<\/strong><\/p>\n In this session, you will learn how to partner with teen leaders to support the 4-H agenda. We\u2019ll explore strategies for collaboration and share real-world examples from Maryland and D.C. 4-H programs. Register for 4-H Volunteer Connections<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Saturday, November 7th!\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>More details to come in the upcoming months, but we promise food, fun, connection, and learning! You won\u2019t want to miss it!<\/p>\n Find our 4-H volunteer training opportunities on our 4-H Volunteer Calendar<\/a> \u2014 scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nUpcoming Events and Important Dates<\/strong><\/h3>\n
March Birthdays<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Welcome New 4-H Volunteers!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"four](\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/knox-lincoln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/05\/KL.Speak-Up-Maine-4-H.2025-300x287.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>\nMaine 4-H Public Speaking Updates<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 a spoken introduction
\n\u2022 your performance
\n\u2022 and a spoken conclusion<\/p>\n4-H Project Records\u2014Start Them Now!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Union Fair and 4-H<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"small](\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/knox-lincoln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2023\/08\/IMG_1112-e1709318740402-259x300.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper Scholarship Program<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"three](\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/knox-lincoln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2024\/05\/Kids-at-LHydeCenter.web_-e1717095365385-300x198.jpg\")
<\/a>4-H Camp and Program Scholarships Offered<\/strong><\/h3>\n
It\u2019s Time to Think About Summer Camp!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nTanglewood and Blueberry Cove contact, Emma: 207.789.5868<\/p>\n
\n4-H Page Day in Augusta \u2013 Sign up Now!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nWhere: Augusta, Maine \u2013 State Legislature
\nTime: 8:30 am \u2013 12:30 pm
\nRegistration Deadline: March 14, 2026 \u2014 First come, first served<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"overview](\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/knox-lincoln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2026\/03\/4H.Touchtank-300x225.jpg\")
<\/a><\/b><\/h3>\nDive Into the UMaine Touch Tank (Virtually!)<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nAges: 8-13
\nDates\/Time: This workshop will meet Monday April 13th, Wednesday April 15th, and Friday April 17th from 4:00 \u2013 5:00 pm
\nRegistration Deadline: March 30, 2026<\/strong>
\nCapacity: Limited to 8 youth<\/p>\nMaine Science Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Early College Outdoor Intensives<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nDates: July 19 \u2013 31, 2026<\/strong>
\nAges: 15 \u2013 18
\nVisit Early College Outdoor Intensive \u2013 Tanglewood<\/a> for more information and registration links.
\nEmail extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu<\/a> directly with any questions.<\/p>\n
\nDates: August 2 – 12, 2026<\/strong>
\nAges: 16 \u2013 18
\nVisit Early College Outdoor Intensive \u2013 Greenland Point<\/a> for more information and registration links.
\nEmail extension.greenlandpoint@maine.edu<\/a> directly with any questions.<\/p>\nMaine 4-H Ag Ambassadors \u2013 Spring 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nOnline: March 11, March 18, April 1, April 8, and April 15
\nIn-Person: March 21
\nAg Policy Day at the State House: March 25 (optional)<\/p>\nMaine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form Now Available<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Equine ESE Intent Forms Due May 1, 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
\n207.778.4650.<\/p>\n![\"collage](\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/knox-lincoln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2026\/03\/Central-Maine-School-Garden-Educators-Symposium-300x157.jpg\")
<\/a>Central Maine School Garden Educators Symposium<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nTime: 9:00 am \u2013 3:30 pm
\nLocation: Penobscot County Extension Office, 307 Maine Avenue, Bangor, Maine 04401
\nCost: $0, $25, $50 Select a payment option that best works for you.
\nLimited to 45 attendees<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/knox-lincoln\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/10\/4H-border.bottom-300x17.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h2>\n4-H Volunteer Corner<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/em><\/strong>\u201cHi, Maria! Glad you\u2019re here today!\u201d<\/li>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong>These short activities spark fun, help youth learn about each other, and build early connections.<\/li>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong>At the beginning of the year, ask the group: \u201cWhat do we need to agree on so everyone feels respected and comfortable here?\u201d Write down their ideas (like listening when others speak, no put-downs, etc.) and post the \u201cClub Agreements\u201d on the wall each meeting.<\/li>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong>Rotate leadership roles each meeting \u2014 timekeeper, snack helper, or discussion leader \u2014 so every youth has a chance to contribute and feel ownership.<\/li>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong>After a project activity, ask open-ended questions like, \u201cWhat worked well in your group? What was challenging? What would you try differently next time?\u201d Then have youth share with a partner or small group before bringing answers back to the whole club.<\/li>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong>Plan a simple community service project, like making thank-you cards for local first responders, where all members contribute to a common goal. Celebrate afterward with group photos and a reflection about what they accomplished together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n4-H Volunteer Huddle<\/h4>\n
4-H Volunteer Connections<\/h4>\n
Save the Date \u2014 The Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit<\/h4>\n
4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar<\/h4>\n
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