May 4-H 4-U

May 6, 2026 4-H 4-U Newsletter, 4-H News

Table of Contents

Important Dates to Remember

  • May 7: Fun with 4-H at Bangor Public Library
  • May 15: Bangor State Fair Market Lamb Intent Form Due
  • May 18: Campership Applications Due
  • May 21: Penobscot County Leaders’ Association
  • May 21: Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey
  • May 26: Seed Starting at Bangor Public Library
  • May 30: 4-H Archery Shooting Sports Leader Training for Volunteers at Greenland Point 4-H Camp
  • June 6: 4-H Day at Good Vibes Social Club
  • June 12-14: Springfield Fair

County 4-H News

Aquaculture Builders SPIN Club

The Aquaculture Builders SPIN Club will explore how and why we grow aquatic organisms, like oysters and kelp, but through an engineering lens. Participants will learn about the diverse range of species we grow right here in Maine, and beyond! We’ll use that knowledge to help us complete a hands-on engineering challenge unique to each species. Hope to see you there!

  • Who: Youth ages 11 – 14
  • When: Tuesdays – June 2 – July 7, 2026, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Where: Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center

Register for Aquaculture Builders SPIN Club by May 26, 2026.

For any questions or to request a reasonable accommodation, please email Tess Hureau at tess.hureau@maine.edu or call 207.667.8212.

Two people stand indoors smiling and holding a sign that reads “Tractor Supply Co – Thank you 4-H!” The person on the left wears a green jacket and green headscarf, and the person on the right wears a red vest, plaid shirt, glasses, and a cap with a green clover. Behind them are a wall clock, a first-aid kit, a refrigerator, and shelves with supplies.
Steve from Millinocket Tractor Supply Company presenting Emily with a TSC gift card.

Tractor Supply Paper Clover Promotion

This spring’s Paper Clover fundraiser—an ongoing partnership between Tractor Supply Co. and National 4‑H—once again showcased the power of community support for 4-H youth. Twice each year, customers across the country add a Paper Clover donation to their purchases, with every dollar staying local to help young people access 4‑H opportunities.

Nationwide, the spring campaign raised an impressive $1,101,807. Funds collected within each state are divided among counties to support scholarships and camperships, ensuring that cost is never a barrier for youth who want to participate in leadership programs, overnight camps, or statewide events.

Thanks to the generosity of Tractor Supply customers and the dedication of our local store teams in Bangor, Holden, and Millinocket. With these funds, counties across our state will be able to open more doors for young people—helping them learn, grow, and thrive through hands‑on 4‑H experiences.

The next Paper Clover campaign will take place November 27–December 13, 2026.

Fun with 4-H

Emily, Penobscot County 4-H Community Education Assistant, is offering monthly teen programs at the Bangor Public Library in the Teen Room, on the first Thursday of each month. This session will be on May 7 from 3:30 to 4:30. Youth will learn about Maine algae and experiment with alginate to create a fun lava lamp-inspired activity. All are welcome to join the fun and explore simple chemistry in action. The next session will be on June 4; the activity is to be determined.

Seed Starting Program for Young Gardeners

Bangor Public Library and Penobscot County 4-H is inviting young gardeners on May 26 from 3 to 4 to get their hands in the dirt this spring through a fun and engaging seed starting program. Designed especially for early learners, this activity helps youth explore how plants grow while the library prepares its brand new garden beds for the season.

During the program, children will learn what seeds need to sprout, practice planting their own starter pots, and make observations through a read-alouds. Each participant will take their plants home, but they will also leave with the knowledge and confidence to support the growth of the future plants that will fill the library’s garden beds.

Club News

Clever Caprinesfour youth with blue t-shirts holding 4-H clover with blue display in the background

Our Clever Caprines 4-H Club had a great time at the Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Promotion on April 25th!  We spent a couple of hours chatting with community members about 4-H, handing out clovers, and helping shoppers around the store. It was a fun way to connect and share what 4-H is all about.

📅 Our next club meeting will be May 30th at 9 AM—we’re looking forward to it!

Penobscot Livestock 

youth standing at table showing a demonstration holding a poster

In addition to the annual ‘Demo Day’ that we held on April 12, many of our members attended the 35th annual Fryeburg Youth Show from April 24th-26th.  There, members showed their Bangor State Fair beef steers, breeding heifers, and beef steer projects for other Maine fairs.  They participated in a beef cattle judging clinic and contest, and many members also took part in a fitting contest consisting of mixed age teams.  It was a great opportunity to get their animals in the show ring for the first time this year, reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and learn, practice and teach new skills.

Our members had many personal successes – all of the Bangor State Fair beef steer project participants successfully exhibited their animals and showed that they’ve been working hard at home! 

Aubrey W. was her Showmanship Class winner, had Reserve Champion Bred and Owned steer, and 3rd Overall Youth Heifer.  She also received the Most Supportive Participant award. Aubrey W. And Braden R. were on the Reserve Fitting contest team.  

Libby M. was her Showmanship Class winner and had Champion Jackpot Steer, Reserve Youth Steer, and Reserve Jackpot Simmental heifer.  Bella M. had Reserve Division Jackpot Steer and Champion Simmental youth heifer.  The sisters had a Champion Pen of three steers.youth showing her brown steeryouth showing his black steer

Rhylee W. was second in her age group for Showmanship and 7th in the Steer Show in her weight class. 

Adam B. was third in his age group for Showmanship.  Both of his steers were fourth in their weight classes.  Adam received the Young Simmental Breeder award.  He also successfully showed his three Simmental heifers.  

Charlotte H., Lainey. H, Savannah B., Brody M., Kamryn R., and Braden R. All enjoyed the weekend as well.

Penobscot Valley Homeschool AdventurersClassroom counter with art supplies, a small popsicle-stick craft, and labeled drawers (“Lens Paper,” “Slide Holders”), with a hand holding the counter.

At their most recent meeting, 4-H club members enjoyed a presentation and a hands‑on activity focused on curiosity and creativity. The meeting began with a family sharing a photo slideshow of their experience raising a chicken from egg to hatchling. Youth learned about the materials needed for incubation, how to care for an egg throughout the hatching process, and what the first few days of chick care involve. Members asked thoughtful questions and were excited to see real images of the chick’s earliest moments.

After the presentation, the club shifted into a creative exploration of insects. Using a variety of craft materials, members designed and built their own insect models with wings, antennae, and imaginative adaptations. This activity encouraged youth to think about insect structures and functions while expressing their creativity through hands‑on making.

State 4-H News

2026 4-H Summer Learning Seriessummer learning logo

It’s that time of year again – the 4-H Summer Learning Series is coming right along, and registration will open for enrolled Maine 4-H members on May 22, and for the general public on June 5, 2026.  Workshops will cover all different topics – favorites like Adulting 101 and Dissect and Detect, as well as loads of new areas: Intro to Game Lab, Mission to Mars, Science, and Art! Workshops will run from July 6 – August 7, 2026.  Find out more on the 4-H Summer Learning website.

The Alfond Grant

Hey there! Do you have a child or grandchild born in Maine on or after January 1, 2013? Guess what? They’ve got something special called a $500 Alfond Grant waiting for them! (The Grant was also available on a more limited basis from 2008 to 2012).

The Alfond Grant is a jumpstart for a child’s education after high school. By the time they graduate high school, their Alfond Grant could be worth up to $2,000!

The great part is that the Alfond Grant can be used for all sorts of education, such as college, trade school, or even certificates. And it can be used in Maine as well as outside the state.

Curious to know more? Check out My Alfond Grant to get all the details. This grant is just the beginning of exciting possibilities for your child’s future education!

Animal Science Challenge

The Maine 4-H Foundation is offering a challenge to 4-H animal science committees and programs. The Foundation will match up to $3,000 per committee to support animal science programs and educational programs. A one to one  match will be made for current and past donors, and one to two matches for new donors. Questions can be asked by contacting Susan Jennings at 207.615.7300, or email maine4hfoundation@gmail.com.

Hancock County June Jamboree

June Jamboree is back for another exciting weekend, and you’re invited! The 2026 June Jamboree will be held on June 12-13 at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds in Hancock County. 4-Hers can plan to camp with us on the fairgrounds on the 12th, and wake ready to participate in fun-filled workshops and activities on the 13th! June Jamboree workshops will include hands-on crafts, engineering, and animal science. The “Anytime Science” and “Anytime Craft” tables will run between workshops all day on Saturday, June 13 – be sure to stop by to explore!

Registration will open to enrolled 4-H members on May 11th. Workshops are first-come, first-served, so don’t delay! The public may begin registering on May 18th. Registration closes June 6th, so don’t forget to sign up for June Jamboree!

Northeast Youth Livestock Expo (NELE) –  Youth Livestock Opportunity for 4-H Members!

Join the Northeast Youth Livestock Expo (NELE) for a weekend of youth livestock education at the Windsor Fairgrounds on May 16th and 17th.

Saturday is packed with interactive events, including a Boer Goat Show, Working Steer Demonstration, and Beef Judging Clinic. After lunch, Dr. Colt Knight brings an engaging and entertaining look at the history of pork and where various cuts come from. Saturday afternoon offers three hands-on learning paths: cattle artificial insemination training led by Dr. Colt W. Knight, public speaking seminar and contest led by John Brubaker, and a sales talk seminar and contest led by Sydney Wilson.

Sunday continues with species-focused learning, featuring dairy and sheep clinics led by experienced industry leaders Elizabeth Menard and Sarah and Alyssa Rowe. The weekend wraps up with live equipment and handling demonstrations from the Maine Sheep Breeders Association and Arrowquip Equipment.

Whether you’re looking to improve your show skills, gain industry knowledge, or try something new, NELE offers something for every level of experience. For more information or to register visit the NELE website.

For details concerning the event, please reach out to the Northeast Youth Livestock Expo at mainelivestockexpo@gmail.com or visit our Northeast Livestock Exposition Facebook page.

Fryeburg Market Lamb Intent Forms Due June 5, 2026

Intent forms for Fryeburg Fair market lambs are now available online. Market Lambs must be owned and in possession of 4-H’er by June 1, 2026, and must be a castrated male. In order to be eligible for participation, 4-H members must meet the following requirements: Send Intent to Sell Form, original bill of sale/value of lamb statement, and  pictures of your animal (front and side view) to your county office by June 5th.

Animal approval forms for lambs must include the scrapie tag number and list “Fryeburg Sale” as the show class.

Additional requirements as well as the fillable online form can be found online on our Fryeburg Fair information page.

For more information please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971; sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or the State 4-H Office at 207.581.3877.

UMASS Vet Science Academy

Massachusetts 4-H Animal Science and UMASS Vet Science will be welcoming students, ages 13 to 18, interested in veterinary science as a potential career to the UMASS Hadley Farm. There will be two sessions to choose from: Session 1 will be Saturday, June 13th and 14th. Session 2 will be June 15th and 16th. Youth will be learning about the wide range of opportunities in this profession and will get tons of hands-on animal experience. Youth will be staying overnight in a UMASS dorm!

Register for MA 4-H Explore Vet Science Session 1
Register for MA 4-H Explore Vet Science Session 2

If you are not a MA 4-Her, you will need to create a profile. Please select “state office” as your county. Registration will stay open until all slots are filled. Fees for this program will be $175 per attendee. Visit the payment page to pay. Financial assistance is available.

Got questions? Please email Andrew at asamuelson@umass.edu.

4-H Working Steer Tryout Information

The show season is fast approaching! Working steer ESE intent forms (due May 1st), volunteer interest forms, team member guidelines, and apprentice guidelines are all available online at the Animal Science Resource website. The dates for team tryouts are listed below.

ESE Working Steer Tryouts:

  • June 14, 2026 at Windsor Fairgrounds
  • July 11, 2026, Ossipee Valley Fair
  • August 13, 2026, Skowhegan Fair

If you have any questions, please contact Hillary Arsenault, ESE coordinator, at maineworkingsteer@gmail.com; 207.592.3320 or Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu; 207.342.5971

New 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Opportunity!

4-H members now have an exciting new opportunity to showcase their skills at The Big E’s first 4-H Rabbit & Poultry Show! Open to youth ages 12 and above, this event is a great way to learn new skills, compete in regional 4-H shows, and connect with others who share an interest in rabbits and poultry.

Participants can look forward to a variety of engaging activities, including breed shows, showmanship competitions, agility contests, and more. Whether you’re experienced or just getting started, this event offers something for everyone. Interested in participating or learning more? Be sure to complete the Maine 4-H Poultry and Rabbit Team Interest Form.

For more information please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971 or sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.

It’s Time to Think About Summer Camp!

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, team work, 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!Logo for “Maine Summer Camps,” featuring a stylized sun rising over blue water with green pine trees in the foreground. The text reads “Maine Summer Camps” with the tagline “Real Kids. Real Camps. Real Maine!” underneath.

  • Blueberry Cove, Tenants Harbor in Knox County. Dates: June 21-August 14, 2026.
  • Bryant Pond, Bryant Pond in Oxford County. Dates: June 21-August 14, 2026.
  • Greenland Point, Princeton in Washington County. Dates: June 28-July 31, 2026.
  • Tanglewood, Lincolnville in Waldo County. Dates: June 21-August 21, 2026.

Bryant Pond and Greenland Point contact, Bethany: 207.665.2068
Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove contact, Emma: 207.789.5868

Early College Outdoor Intensives

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. This 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. KPE 207 is a 1-credit course where participants become certified in wilderness first aid (WFA) and CPR.

Registration: Participants 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.

UMaine tuition for this course is free for Maine high school students (public school & 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).

Overnight fees: $900, including all housing, meals, and certification fees, scholarships available.

Tanglewood
Dates: July 19 – 31, 2026
Ages: 15 – 18
Visit the Tanglewood website for more information and registration links.
Email Tanglewood extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu directly with any questions.

Greenland Point
Dates: August 2 – 12, 2026
Ages: 16 – 18
Visit the Greenland Point website for more information and registration links.
Email Greenland Point extension.greenlandpoint@maine.edu directly with any questions.

May 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!

Showcase YOUR Sense of Belonging! 

Okay, Maine 4-H volunteers, tell us what YOU do with your club or group members to create a sense of belonging. It can be an example that includes youth, families, and new participants. Fill out the Sense of Belonging Entry Form to highlight one example of how you and/or your 4-H youth create a sense of belonging in your club! 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 Huddle: 

Join us for the last “gather and learn session” in this year’s series. 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, we’d love to see you there! No registration required!

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.

Did You Mark Your Calendar?

The Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit is going to be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Maine Arts Academy in Augusta! More details to come in the upcoming months, 4-H volunteers from across the state will enjoy engaging workshops, opportunities to build meaningful connections, and gain fresh ideas to enhance their impact in 4-H programs. Lunch will be provided.

Resources

With fair season just around the corner, it’s not too early to help your 4-H youth start to think about good sportsmanship! What is it? And how do you demonstrate it? Check out this Michigan 4-H Life Skills Activity: Sportsmanship: What is it? Here are some additional variations of the activity to try:

  • Ball Toss- Choose some of the qualities listed in the activity and write them in different sections of a beach ball. Have members toss the ball- wherever their left thumb lands, ask them to give an example of how the term connects to sportsmanship.
  • Gallery Walk- Hang four to six pieces of chart paper around the room- add a word from the activity to each piece of chart paper. Have pairs of youth participate in a gallery walk and add an example of how the word on each poster relates to sportsmanship. Once the pairs return to their original poster, have them share one or two ideas with the whole group.
  • Roll the Dice- List numbers 1-12 on a large piece of paper and list one quality by each number. During your opening circle, have everyone roll the dice- whichever number they roll, they give an example of how that quality relates to good sportsmanship.

Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association

April 16, 2026

Attendance: Emily Pigeon (staff), Lucia Brown (Sec./Treas.), Scott Leeman (Pres.), Donna Gangitano, Grace Coffe

The meeting was called to order at 6:25.

Secretary’s Report: Scott motions to accept the minutes as written, Grace seconds. All in favor.

Bangor/Penobscot County Extension Office is to be sold/closed. Office will be moving to Orono on campus in the Keough building, past the UMaine Police. They won’t move until December (earliest) due to construction taking place on a Food Information Lab. Will advertise well in advance and should be able to keep the same phone number. Will be kind of a wait and see until they get a little closer to the move date.

Staff Report:

A request for a check has been made for the two camperships – processed as a check. Will let Lucia know when it comes in or what happens.
Last fall TSC brought in $811.12!
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry dropped off some fair resources let Emily know if you need a physical or digital copy
Call for help! – this could be volunteers, trusted teens, or youth with a parent

  • July 8-10th 1-5 pm (we pick day and time that works best for us) Edythe Dyer Library in Hampden
    TSC
  • Ron in Holden is looking for someone to stop by to take a picture and accept a check, any day works. He is also looking for a presence throughout the fundraiser. Donna can go to Holden on the 25th.
  • Cheryl in Bangor is looking for someone to come by on Saturday 4/25 around 10 am to accept a check and be present during a portion of demo day. Scott hopes to be able to go to Bangor.
  • TSC Paper Clover Days – 4/17-5/3 would like a presence in stores during the event.

Deadlines:

  • April 17: Sheep ESE Intent Form Due
  • May 1: Equine ESE Intent Form Due
  • May 1: Summer Time Camperships Due
  • May 15: Bangor State Fair Market Lamb Intent Form Due

Current/Upcoming Events:

  • April 17 – May 3: Paper Clover Campaign
  • April 25: Tractor Supply Demo Day
  • May 2: 4-H Science Center Open House, Orono, 10-1
  • May 21: Leaders’ Meeting – At Penobscot County Office, or via Zoom, 6 pm

Scholarships – none

Camperships – none

Commodity/Event Grants – none.

Fundraising:

Sock fundraiser – We sold 25 pairs.
Bottle drive – discuss again this spring.
Fedco fundraiser – we raised $26. Donna’s seeds got misdirected, but she did get them.

BSF – No update from the fair. Former exhibitors are being asked to provide information to be used to promote the upcoming fair.

Next Meeting: May 21, 2026 – 6:00 pm

Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Staff Reports
Scholarships
Camperships
Commodity Grants
Fundraising
Bangor State Fair

Lucia made a motion to adjourn at 7:02 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

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination.
For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.