February 4-H 4-U
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
- February 15: Bloom for Good Sock Fundraiser deadline
- February 15: ESE Goat Intent to Participate
- February 19: Next Leaders’ Meeting
- March 1: 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States Intent to Participate deadline
- March 2: Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarship deadline
- March 15: FedCo Seeds Fundraiser deadline
County 4-H News
Speak Up, Penobscot County 4-H
We’re gathering a headcount for youth interested in participating in this year’s Speak Up Public Speaking Showcase. Public speaking is a powerful life skill, and this event gives youth a supportive space to practice, grow, and shine.
We have reserved Friday, March 14 for our county’s showcase. If that date doesn’t work for your family, youth are still encouraged to participate. You may schedule an alternate day and time or join another county’s showcase.
No matter which option works best, please email Emily emily.pigeon@maine.edu with your intent to participate or any questions about how and where your child can take part.
We look forward to celebrating our young speakers and the confidence they’re building.
FEDCO Seed 4-H Fundraiser
Grow your garden & support local 4-H youth!
The Penobscot County 4-H Seed Sale is live! Choose from 51 easy-to-grow seed varieties—vegetables, herbs, and flowers—perfect for gardeners of all ages and skill levels.
50% of every sale supports Penobscot County 4-H programs.
Order deadline: March 15. Shop online. Fundraiser code: PEN4H-25
Let’s share the joy of gardening while helping our 4-H kids grow!
If you have questions, please contact fundraiser coordinator Corinna Caron at casacattle@live.com
Bloom for Good Penobscot County 4-H Fundraiser
The Penobscot County 4‑H Sock Fundraiser is still open! Proceeds go to support youth development through participation in educational activities, fund college scholarships, and camperships.
Order deadline: February 15 . Shop online.
Warm your feet while helping our 4‑H youth grow.
Bangor State Fair
The 2026 BSF Fairbook has been posted, and families can now begin planning for this year’s fair season. The fair will run July 30 – August 8, and the fairgrounds will be open for the full 10 days.
Please note that while the fairgrounds schedule has expanded, 4‑H agricultural shows will still be on the weekends. Youth and families, please refer to the fairbook to see which weekend you will be participating.
We encourage everyone to review the updated fairbook and begin preparing for another great year of showcasing 4‑H projects, skills, and hard work.
Club News
Penobscot Livestock 4-H
On Saturday January 3rd, Penobscot Livestock 4-H Club went to Taylor Dairy Farm in St Albans, Maine to learn about bovine reproduction. Dr Matt Rolleston educated our club on the difference between IVF and flushing cows for embryos.
Also in attendance was Dana Brown, a dairy nutritionist, who educated the group on the benefits of feeding cows total mixed ration.
On January 24th Penobscot Livestock held a zoom meeting where Betty Getty from Northeast States Center for Agriculture Safety and Occupation and New York State Center for Agriculture Medicine and Health, presented to the club about animal safety. We learned how to safely move around our animals while in their pen, how to safely vaccinate our animals, and about the blind spots with our animals.
PVHA
At our most recent 4‑H club meeting, members dove into a wildlife exploration toolkit that brought Maine’s native species to life in a hands‑on way. Youth examined animal pelts, compared skulls and bone structures, and studied tracks and other clues animals leave behind in the wild.
The activity sparked thoughtful discussion as members practiced identifying species based on texture, shape, and pattern. Many were surprised by the differences between predators and prey, and everyone enjoyed the chance to handle real materials that deepened their understanding of local ecosystems.
State 4-H News
4-H Intro to Artificial Intelligence Club
The 4-H Intro to Artificial Intelligence Club will provide an introduction to what artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are. This will be a 6 session series for ages 9+ that focuses on the foundations of AI, including introduction to AI, pattern recognition, human versus machine learning, AI in daily life and ethical awareness. Participants will take a closer look at how these are currently being used, learn about what AI does well and what it does not do well and considerations for using AI.
Artificial Intelligence has incredible capabilities. This series will reveal some opportunities and challenges of this emerging technology in a safe learning environment. In this club, youth will explore this emerging powerful technology with guidance and support from 4-H staff.
- Ages: Youth ages 9-18
- Dates/Times: Wednesdays, February 25 – April 1 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Capacity: Limited to 10 youth
- Registration deadline: February 12, 2026. Register here.
4-H Maine App Challenge Series
The 4-H Maine App Challenge series will provide an introduction to Tyler Technologies’ Maine App Challenge and provide guided support for developing an app. This will be a series for ages 13+ that focuses on the foundations of developing a web-based application, including introduction to the Maine App Challenge. Participants will engage in design thinking, prototyping, and problem solving all while going through the process of developing their own app. At the end of the series, participants, if they choose, will be able to submit their application to the Maine App Challenge for the chance to earn valuable prizes, including scholarships totaling $10,000. In this series, youth will engage in hands-on learning, computer programming, and design with guidance and support from experts at Tyler Technologies and 4-H. Participants must be Maine residents.
Participants will need access to a computer and be required to create a code.org login. Devices need to be one per participant (sharing a device is not advisable for this session). Tablets and mobile devices do not work with this platform. Participants must be Maine residents.
- Ages: 13-18
- Dates/Times: Tuesdays, March 3 – 24, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm
- Registration Deadline: February 12, 2026
- Capacity: Limited to 12 youth
- Register here.
Note – the Maine App Challenge is open to 4-Hers regardless of participation in this series.
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 2, 2026.
Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl- Save the Date!
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 The Big E 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 via email at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu so that we can prepare for the event.
More information is available online.
For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971 or sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.
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, are now available on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website and through county staff.
Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form Now Available
The 2026 Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form is now available online and must be submitted by April 17th, 2026. 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).
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 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2026 and have completed at least one year in a sheep project.
Please contact Megan Cook with any questions or for more information at megan.cook@maine.edu or 207-532-6548.
ESE 4-H Dairy Team Intent Forms are Due March 1, 2026
The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States 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, 2026.
Please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971 with any questions.
February 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!
Why Belonging Matters
Young people thrive when they feel safe, accepted, and valued. Belonging gives them the confidence to try new things, take healthy risks, and grow. All youth need to feel included a meaningful way. When youth feel like they belong, it can help reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression by providing supportive relationships and a sense of community.
- When youth feel that their ideas matter and they are an important part of a team, it builds their self-confidence and self-worth.
- 4-H programs emphasize teamwork, cooperation, and communication, which helps members develop strong social skills and build lasting friendships.
- Belonging to a supportive group helps youth navigate life’s challenges by encouraging them to persevere through adversity, grow from failure and demonstrate resiliency.
- For adolescents, a sense of belonging is essential for healthy development and helps shape their identity and how they connect with others.
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!
- 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. - March 6, 2026- Prepare for the Fair
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.
Please note: 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 to request it.
4-H Volunteer Connections
AI for 4-H: What to Know and How to Use It
February 18, 2026 6:30 – 8 p.m.
The webinar will share an introduction to artificial intelligence, ideas for 4-H volunteers, and pitfalls to avoid. No matter your current level of experience, there will be information for you. You will learn what generative AI is and what it is not through real examples of how it might support your 4-H work. Register here!
SAVE THE DATE – November 7
Mark your calendars and save the date! We are hosting a conference for Maine 4-H Volunteers on Saturday, November 7th! You are not going to want to miss it! More details to come in the upcoming months!
2026 Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales
- Virtual Session – Unit 1: Woods Work, Monday, February 23, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Virtual Session – Unit 2: Sugarhouse, Monday, March 2, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Virtual Session – Unit 3: Kitchen and Business, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Independent club members or youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register!
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 FREE 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.
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. The 4-H Maple Sugaring 101 virtual program will prepare students for the Level 1 digital badge.
To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please email andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or by phone, 207.581.8204.
2026 February Snippet: Animal Track STEM
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.
Animal Track STEM
- 5 minutes outside
- Try it: Look for animal tracks in snow or mud. Follow them for a short distance.
- Notice & Wonder: How many toes do you see? Which way was the animal going? Was it walking or running?
- Gear Down: Cloverbuds – Point and name tracks. Compare big vs. small prints. Move like the animal.
- Gear Up: Tweens & Teens – Measure stride length. Compare different tracks. Create a Maine Animal Tracks guide.
4-H tip: Sharing ideas and explaining thinking helps young people build confidence and learn that their voices matter.
Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association
Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association Meeting Minutes – January 15, 2026
Attendance: Emily Pigeon (staff), Lucia Brown (Sec./Treas.), Scott Leeman (Pres.), Donna Gangitano, Erin Percival Carter, Corinna Caron (VP), Amanda Smith, Grace Coffe, Kaylee K.
The meeting was called to order at 6:03.
Secretary’s Report: Corinna motions to accept the minutes as written, Scott seconds. All in favor.
Staff Report
Emily gave us a report on 4-H Congress. She prepared a slideshow and talked about what Emily and the Congress delegates experienced. One highlight was the keynote speakers – Amy Gallimore and Dr. Laymon Hicks. Emily recommended checking them out for some great inspiration. There were workshops on team building, networking, motivation, and connection. Other workshops included career development, leadership skill building, painting and more. Community service was another part of the conference – they got to work outside doing landscape cleanup and beautification. There are also cultural events – they hosted a gala where attendees experienced multi-cultural foods and decor. They went to the Atlanta History Center and attended a Jamaican music performance. Attendees were also able to experience some offerings in the area such as the Atlanta Zoo, the Georgia Aquarium and the baseball stadium for the Atlanta Braves. It was a very busy experience – go, go, go all the time.
Emily will be attending CWF at the Ignite conference in April.
In February we will revisit the volunteer resources and the Volunteer Voices. Emily will do a recap and welcomes input.
Leaders
- Club Audits were due December 31st. Two are still missing.
- Are all of your youth and volunteers enrolled?
- In the near future I will need you to send me a blurb about your club and its parameters.
- Please ask your youth if they are interested in participating in Speak Up and give Emily a headcount.
- Emily has the conference room reserved for March 14th for a county showcase if there is enough interest. If there is not enough county interest (at least 4), they can participate in another county.
- There is a new category to Speak Up: performing arts.
- There are few in person and virtual workshops being offered across the state.
- Virtual on February 4 at 6-7:30 pm
Everyone
- Please send Wendy any feedback you may have on the county newsletter.
- There are upcoming preparations to change over the state website, and the county website will be updated as well. Feedback on that can be provided to Wendy or Emily.
- Lincoln Early Childhood Education Fair is looking for a 4-H representative to table on April 11th. Emily will be at State Speak Up and cannot attend. If you are willing to attend, please let Emily know.
Deadlines
- January 23: 2026 National Conference & Congress Applications Due (this got extended); Conference will be held in Apr. 2026, Congress will be held in Nov. 2026
- February 1: ESE Horse, Sheep, Dog
- February 14: Sock Fundraiser
- February 15: ESE Goat
- March 1: ESE Dairy Team
- March 2: Post Secondary Scholarship
Current/Upcoming Events
- March 14: Speak Up, Penobscot County Showcase
Camperships – None.
Commodity/Event Grants – None.
Fundraising
Sock fundraiser – We sold 23 pairs. Wendy did another push on the Penobscot County Cooperative Extension Facebook page today; it runs through Feb. 14.
Bottle drive – discuss again this spring.
Fedco fundraiser – Fedco fundraiser – a computer changeover delayed things a bit, but it will be up and running soon. That will run through March 15.
BSF
2026 Dates: July 30-Aug 8. The fair will run the entire week, but different ag activities will be taking place between commodities (horse pulling/ox pulling). The Breed sheep show will start sooner in the day as well as the beef and dairy shows. Old MacDonald’s farm area will look a bit different. That area may encompass all farm and other commodity educational displays. The 4-H Club and educational displays may be moving. All beef, dairy, and sheep entries as well as youth judging will be done online this year. They would like goats to enter that way as well, if possible. Every farm that is exhibiting needs to have a farm sign. There will be a jackpot and open Belted Galloway show. The sheep classes will be more like Fryeburg. Entries may be open later due to the use of online applications. Active clubs in Penobscot County will be required to have a display for Bangor Fair.
A club in the county must have a 4-H display, i.e. Club Exhibit that shows the work and goals of 4-H and educates the public about 4-H. Clubs may have a 4-H Club educational display. 4-H individuals may also enter an educational display. If a 4-H exhibitor is a farm owner, they must have an educational display, but they may enter their display as open OR 4-H. Extended stay farms owned by non-4-Hers must have an educational display to receive a BSF stipend; those displays will be entered in the open competition.
If businesses want to sponsor awards, etc., they can get a banner made. They could sponsor a class or event, etc. $100 and up.
Next Meeting: February 19, 2025 – 6:00 pm
Corinna makes a motion to adjourn at 7:14 pm, seconded by Scott. All in favor.
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
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