January 4-H 4-U – 2026
Table of Contents
- Important Dates to Remember
- County 4-H News
- Club News
- State 4-H News
- Penobscot County 4-H Leaders Association
Important Dates to Remember
- January 6: 2026 Maine 4-H Intent to Sell a Market Beef Project at Fryeburg Fair deadline
- January 7: Registration Deadline for Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club
- January 15: 2026 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form deadline
- March 1: 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form deadline
- March 3: Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarship deadline
- April 11 (Snow Date April 12th): Speak Up, Maine 4-H!
County 4-H News
Maine 4-H’ers Trip to National 4-H Congress
Each fall, teens from across the country get selected as state delegates to gather in Atlanta, Georgia, for National 4‑H Congress. This year, I had the privilege of chaperoning four Maine delegates, and I’d like to share what the experience was like for myself and our four Maine youth who attended.
What Makes National 4‑H Congress Special
Congress brings together hundreds of motivated teens for 5 days of leadership development, community service, cultural exploration, and connection‑building. It’s fast‑paced, energizing, and full of opportunities for youth to stretch themselves.
By the end of day one, two delegates reported:
“I loved getting to listen to the teen performances today. They picked great songs and are really talented.”
“Even though I am exhausted from traveling, I had an absolute blast!”
What Youth Experience During the Trip
Throughout the week, delegates participate in workshops, service projects, keynote sessions, and cultural events. Some of the highlights for our group included:
- Hands‑on workshops, one of which was led by Georgia College and State University, where youth explored activities that depended on communication skills
- Inspiring keynote speakers like Dr. Layman Hicks and John Beede
- Community service project at Sandy Springs Parks
- Cultural events: International Dinner, Atlanta History Center, and Gala
- Opportunities to meet teens from across the country
- Field trips to Truist Park, Georgia Aquarium, and Zoo Atlanta
One youth shared:
“It was so nice to get outside today. Doing clean-up at the park made me feel like I was back home.”
Another said:
“I got to talk to someone about lamb projects today! She gave me some ideas that I am going to take back to my club.”
What the Experience was Like for Emily
As a chaperone, I had the joy of watching our delegates grow more confident each day. As they all opened up, I got to know them as individuals both within and outside of 4-H. As I encouraged them to take advantage of every opportunity, I got to see them as team players and leaders. By the end of the trip, we all gained some new close friends.
From my perspective:
“There were some really great keynote speakers that I wish I had gotten to hear when I was a teenager. They were inspiring and motivational to all, young and old.”
Who Should Consider Applying
Congress is a great fit for youth who are:
- Interested in leadership or service
- Excited to meet new people
- Ready for a structured, fast‑paced environment
- Curious about new ideas and cultures
- Looking to deepen their 4‑H involvement
One delegate put it simply:
“As Dr. Hicks said, ‘Get off you but!’ The one with one t, not two.”
How Families Can Prepare
If your child is considering applying, it can help to:
- Connect with 4-H staff and previous attendees
- Review application materials together
- Talk about goals and interests
- Practice interview skills
Even the application process itself helps youth grow.
Final Thoughts
National 4‑H Congress is more than a trip; it’s an experience that stays with youth long after they return home. They come back inspired, connected, and ready to take on new challenges with a new found “Courage to Grow and Heart to Serve”.
Club News
Penobscot Valley Homeschool Adventurers
PVHA wrapped up the year with a fun, holiday-themed meeting that truly showcased everyone’s creativity. Members enjoyed hands-on activities like making classic salt-dough ornaments and decorating festive “ugly holiday sweater” hats.
Our older youth also took time to hold a productive business meeting, where members shared thoughtful ideas for upcoming community service projects, brainstormed possible field trips, and suggested engaging themes for future club meetings. It was great to see so many members actively contributing and thinking ahead.
We finished the craft-filled day by relaxing together and enjoying homemade sweet treats and warm hot cocoa. As we head into the new year, we’re excited to turn many of these ideas into real plans and continue building meaningful experiences together.
Shoes n’ Shears
We had our business meeting on November 22 and continue to learn about 4-H. We planned our community service activity for December 21, where we did our second of the year helping at the Old Town Elks Santa breakfast.
Construction started on our new sheep shed at our leader’s house November 8 and finished up on November 27 . Members helped from putting the poles in the ground to screwing down the sheet metal on the roof. We learned a lot from our Papa.
Lambing starts on February 14. We will help vaccinate the sheep during our holiday vacation.
We did a baking project on December 13.
We went to Tractor Supply and saw the 4-H display. While at Tractor Supply, we learned about the ingredients in dog food used for skin sensitive dogs and horse grain low in starch, for horses who are elderly and need grain to gain or maintain weight. Next year we will bring animals with us.
State 4-H News
STEM Snippet
Each month the STEM Snippet will have a short, simple STEM activity that folks can do with minimal materials, with minimal STEM knowledge, with multiple ages, and in different contexts (clubs, at home, 4-H events, etc.) The monthly STEM Snippets will usually be tied to the seasons or tied to Maine in some way and will always be tied to 4-H and quality youth development.
2026 January Snippet: Snowflake STEM
- 5 minutes outside
- Try it: Catch snowflakes on a dark mitten, jacket sleeve, or piece of paper. Look closely before they melt.
- Notice & Wonder: What do you notice about the shape? Do any look the same? What patterns do you see?
- Gear Down: Cloverbuds – Just look and talk. Name shapes or count points. Describe what you see using colors or words.
- Gear Up: Tweens & Teens – Compare snowflakes on different surfaces. Predict which will melt fastest and why. Take photos and look for symmetry of repeating patterns.
4-H tip
When kids notice, share ideas, and try things out, they’re building confidence, communication, and problem-solving skill they’ll use throughout life.
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. Virtual sessions will be Thursdays, January 22, 29th, February 5, 2026, 4:00-5:15 pm. 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. Learn More and Register Here before January 9, 2026
Winter STEM Virtual Workshop Series
When: February 17, 18, 19, 20 from 10am to 11:15am
Where: This virtual series will meet on zoom
Cost: Free
This February, ignite a new appreciation for winter! Join our hands-on, curiosity-driven virtual science series designed for youth ages 10 and up. Through guided inquiry, investigation, and observation, we will explore all the wonders of the cold season. Get ready to transform your view of winter! Register by February 3, 2026 or contact emily.booth@maine.edu for more information.
4-H Public Speaking Update
You asked, we’re excited! Performing Arts demonstrations will now be part of Speak Up, Maine 4-H the statewide Public Speaking Program.
From dramatic monologues to musical performances, this creative category is your time to express yourself and share your spark center stage.
Performing Arts demonstrations include:
- a spoken introduction
- your performance
- and a spoken conclusion
Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges’ support for all categories, will be available soon on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website and through county staff. Save the Date! The State Showcase will take place on April 11th (Snow Date April 12th).
Maine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available
The 2026 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form is now available online and must be submitted by January 15, 2026. 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, 2025 and have completed one year in a beef project prior to this year. Please contact Kristen Grondin, kristen.grondin@maine.edu, 207-581-8193, or Cathy Bartlett Gray, cathy.gray@maine.edu, 207-743-6329 with any questions.
2026 Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales
Maple Sugaring 101 is a virtual program open to Maine youth ages 10+ 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. The program will be three one-hour sessions on Zoom, one session per week, during the afternoon. Exact dates will be released in January 2026.
Each week, participants will learn about the process and connect with other young maple sugar makers through online meetings led by University of Maine Cooperative Extension experts. This program will also prepare youth for a new Level 1 digital badge called 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise. Youth who complete the program will get free access to the learning modules to earn the digital badge.
Independent club members or youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register!
If you are interested in this program, please complete the interest form so we can follow up with you about registration.
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 26, 2026: andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, (207) 581-8204.
For more information, please visit the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage.
4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-Credential
The University of Maine System (UMS) 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential is a learning pathway for teenage youth to learn the essential aspects of the maple industry. Students completing the program demonstrate the foundational knowledge and skills to work in a maple forest, sugarhouse, and produce commercial-grade maple syrup and value-added food products. Additionally, participants understand how skills and traits gained during work in the maple industry are transferable to other workplace situations.
Students ages 14+ may enroll in the micro-credential pathway and learn the material through an instructor-led class or by self-study.
4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential webpage.
Students progressing along the micro-credential pathway will earn and receive a digital badge at each milestone they achieve. There are three digital badge levels of knowledge and skills on the pathway that must be completed before proceeding to the next level. All three levels cover learning topics for working in the woods, the sugarhouse, the kitchen, and operating a business. The three units for each digital badge and learning level are called “Woods Work”, “The Sugarhouse”, and “Kitchen and Business”.
The 4-H Maple Sugaring 101 virtual program will prepare students for the Level 1 digital badge.
The Level 1 knowledge exam is the first of three parts required to earn the full micro-credential. There is no cost to enroll and take the Level 1 assessment. After passing this test, students can then demonstrate their skills with an approved instructor to complete Levels 2 and 3.
To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please email andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or by phone, 207.581.8204.
4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks! Fuel the Spark!
Okay, Maine 4-H volunteers- we have shared information about “youth sparks” in our past three editions of the 4-H Volunteer Corner. Now it’s YOUR TURN- tell us how YOU are helping to support or fuel a youth spark! Fill out this short form to highlight one example of youth spark and the role you played, and 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 SPARK.
4-H Volunteer Huddle:
Join us for a short “gather and learn session” to help you up your game. 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, there’s something for everyone. We’d love to see you there! No registration required!
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
maine.zoom.us/j/82015703524?pwd=QkT05bDbaaDIeYAQ8aGUd4eco5c6Rd.1
Password: volunteer
January 2, 2026- Navigating 4-H Curriculum Resources
Explore the wide range of 4-H curriculum materials and learn how to access and utilize guides, activity books, and resource toolkits tailored for youth programming.
February 6, 2026- Igniting Youth Sparks: Hands-On Strategies for 4-H Volunteers
Discover how to identify and nurture the unique passions, interests, and talents—“sparks”—that inspire young people to thrive. Get hands-on activities and strategies for igniting and sustaining youth sparks in their 4-H clubs.
4-H Volunteer Connections
January 21, 2026 Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth
6:30-8:00pm. Free to attend, but registration is required! Register here!
Your Voice is Needed! Passionate about 4-H Poultry & Rabbit Projects?
Help shape the new 4-H poultry and rabbit tracks that will debut at Eastern States in 2026! We are forming planning committees for each species and are looking for knowledgeable, enthusiastic 4-H volunteers and interested youth to join us in developing high-quality, engaging opportunities for 4-H members across the region. Join one of our upcoming drop-in virtual information sessions to learn more. We’d love to have your experience, creativity, and passion at the table! Contact Sadee Mehuren, sadee.mehuren@maine.edu 207.342.5971
Info Session Dates: Jan 6, 2026 06:00 PM, Jan 22, 2026 06:00 PM
Password: 058775
Resource Spotlight
4-H Club Leader Handbook is a resource designed to help new club leaders get off to a strong start, containing specific information for facilitating the 4-H club model. Check out this amazing resource online or contact your county office for a printed copy.
Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association
No December meeting.
Contact: Wendy Robertson, Administrative Specialist, by email at wendy.robertson@maine.edu or by phone at 942.7396 or contact Emily Bishop, Community Education Assistant, email emily.pigeon@maine.edu
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 Institutional Equity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).