April 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
- April 5: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! A Public Speaking Showcase
- April 5: Lincoln Early Childhood Education Fair
- April 17: Penobscot Leaders’ Association Meeting
- April 18: ESE Sheep Intent Forms Due
- April 19: 4-H Science Center Open House
- Apr 21 – May 4: Tractor Supply Paper Clover Promotion
- April 30: Tri-County 4-H Sampler
- May 16-18: Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE)
County 4-H News
Youth Have A Voice 
We currently have openings in Penobscot County for the 4-H teen leadership program called Youth Have a Voice! Here is a link to the website with more information: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/youth/youth-have-a-voice/
The program is open to all Maine teens (14 -19 years old or entering high school in the fall) who are interested in taking a more active role in serving their local communities, the state, or the country. Participants will learn leadership skills and ways to take part in civic action by completing a service project in a topic of their interest. Topics can range from agriculture, aquaculture, STEM education, animal care, renewable energies, disaster preparation, environmental conservation, food security, and more.
This program is also hosting the Smithsonian 4-History Project. With support from 4-H leaders and the Smithsonian team, 4-H’ers will conduct research and interviews to learn more about their community and share their findings through a video project. The project will take about 6 months, from August 2025 to March 2026. See the attached flyer for more information!
Teens will be mentored by adults in 4-H to assist their understanding of civic processes and strategies to meet their project goals. The total time commitment may vary from 30 to 100 hours, depending on the type of project. Interested teens should be ready to work both independently and with groups of peers and adults.
High school teens can register for the program by completing a non-competitive application found on the program webpage. A three credit Early College course in leadership development at UMaine may also be available for interested students.
Currently, we have space for up to 5 more participants working on up to two new projects. Additional space will likely open later in the year.
If you are interested or have questions, please free to contact Andrew Hudacs, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, (207) 581-8204, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu.
Early Childhood Education Fair
Penobscot Technical High School in Lincoln, ME, will host an early childhood education fair. This event is for agencies, schools, and organizations, like 4-H, to showcase what they have to offer families in Penobscot County. There will be activities for children and pamphlets for parents to take home.
No registration is required to attend. The event will be held in the school’s cafeteria at 35 W Broadway, Lincoln, from 1:00 to 4 p.m. on April 5.
Animal Approval Forms (AAFs)
Don’t forget that Animal Approval Forms must be submitted in order to show your animal at fairs in 4-H events. AAFs for most commodities must be in the county office by June 30. There are some exceptions, such as working steers and horses and dairy animals being shown at the Big E. Those AAFs are due May 1.
Here is the link to the animal approval form.
Intent to Participate forms are also needed for ESE and other fairs. Check in with your commodity leaders. The 4-H Intent to Sell Market Lamb Project at Penobscot County Showdown & Sale @ Bangor State Fair is due in County Office by May 15, 2025 for Market Lamb.
Tractor Supply Company (TSC) Paper Clover Campaign
The next TSC Paper Clover Campaign will be held from April 18 to May 5. Please let Wendy or Emily, as well as the manager of the store know when your club can represent 4-H at any of the 3 stores (Bangor, Holden, and Millinocket) in our county.
Store customers like to see animals or other projects that 4-Hers are working on while you talk to them about 4-H and/or help them carry their items out to their cars. Please share any ideas you may have for updating our displays.
Tri-County 4-H Sampler
Do you know someone who may be interested in 4-H? Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset County staff are hosting workshops on the last Tuesday of each month from April to September. There will be different workshops for youth to attend each month; this month, it will be the Straw Rocket STEM Kit. Guardians will have a chance to talk to 4-H staff about youth enrollment and volunteer opportunities. Check back each month for the activity and location.
This is a free event. Registration is required via ZSuites, for 4-H members and non-4-H members.
Location: Stewart Free Library, 8 Levi Stewart Dr., Corinna
Date: April 30, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Emily Pigeon at emily.pigeon@maine.edu or 207.942.7396.
Club News
Clever Caprines
The club worked on a public speaking demonstration. Members learned about the digestive tract in goats. They made an experiment with bananas, crackers and colored water to show how it goes through the stomachs and into the intestines and out the back end as waste. We also worked on our community service and made “Doggy blessing bags” for Hope for the Homeless, to help homeless people feed their dogs.
Our next meeting is planned for April 26th during the Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Promotion at the Bangor TSC at 11am.
Youth member Kaylee K. had the opportunity to attend Ignite by 4-H in Washington DC.; a four day interactive summit for teens. She along with fellow Maine 4-H’er Anna collaborated with two other National 4-H’ers to create poster. This poster pitched their idea, “Water on Wheels”, a service to help provide water to community members in need.
Kaylee, along with 19 other Maine 4-Hers, got the chance to go to Maine Agriculture Policy Day in Augusta at the Maine Legislature as Honorary Pages. Their job for the day was to help run communication and documents from legislator to legislator, taking direction from the clerks. Kaylee got to be involved in our state’s democracy, seeing how and who makes the decisions that impact our state.
PVHA
For March PVHA worked on various projects for the youth to choose from. At the beginning of the month, they did sewing projects and baking. Volunteer members helped youth iron out cloth, cut to the desired shape, and sew an item of their choosing. With the help of a volunteer, teen members supported cloverbud members in making shortbread cookies; from measuring ingredients to rolling the dough out.
At their second meeting, teen members discussed their club exhibit for the Bangor State Fair. They hope to get it started during their next meetings. The club had a guest visitor, Meg from the 4-H Science Center, who brought a straw rocket kit. With Meg’s help youth members designed and tested out their straw rockets
State 4-H News
Save the Date – 4-H Summer Learning Series
This year, the 4-H Summer Learning Series will take place from July 7 – August 8. Volunteers and staff work together to provide high-quality, hands-on, experiential learning experiences via Zoom. For most workshops, materials are mailed to participants ahead of time, making it even easier (and less expensive) to participate! Workshops and Registration will go live on May 23, 2025. For volunteers interested in presenting workshops, information will be updated in early March. Sign up for updates on our website.
Ignite Your Passion, Inspire the Future: Become a Summer Learning 4-H Volunteer!
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on young minds while sharing your expertise? Join our Summer Learning 4-H program as a volunteer and experience the joy of nurturing the next generation!
Topics could include: science, engineering, art, photography, coding, baking, and more. Volunteers will work with a partner to design and deliver virtual programs sometime between July 7th – August 8th. Scheduling is flexible to meet your needs and availability. Learn more by visiting our presenter website or contact
4-hvirtual@maine.edu or call Sarah Sparks at 207.581.8206.
Maine Summer Transportation Institute (MSTI)
MSTI is a FREE residential camp offered at the University of Maine for current 6th – 8th graders from July 6 – 11, 2025. The camp focuses on transportation-related activities and fields. MSTI is a week-long residential program to allow students from all over the state to participate.
This includes space, roads and bridges, ports, air, and environmental impacts. Activities include building rockets, cars, and bridges; field trips to the Bangor International Airport, Cole Transportation Museum, and Maine Maritime Academy; participating in shows from the Planetarium and the Physics Roadshow; 3D-printing activity (including a tour of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center to see the World’s largest 3D-Printer and the 3D-printed house); Soil/erosion and surveying activities; a Touch-a-truck event, and more. (Activities are subject to change based on weather and availability of funds.) Additionally, students will learn about the different career opportunities within the transportation field, including engineers (environmental, geotechnical, civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.), technicians, communications and media, human resources, and so much more.
Visit the MSTI website for more information about the program and registration.
4-H Dairy Judging May 10th
The 2025 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be held on May 10th at Lambert Run Farm in Norridgewock, ME. The event is open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members and will serve as the official tryouts for the 2025 Maine 4-H Eastern States Dairy Judging Team. For a complete schedule for the day please visit extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy/judging/.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971.
Maine 4-H Eastern States Exhibition Sheep Team Intent to Participate Form Now Available
The 2025 Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form is now available online and must be submitted by April 15th, 2025. 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.
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 & skills. Members must be 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2024 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.
Public Speaking Showcase
The state Public Speaking event has a new name! Speak Up, Maine 4-H! A Public Speaking Showcase will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the University of Maine in Orono. The snow date is Sunday, April 6. Stay tuned for events and details on our website.
Summer Camp at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove
Registration for Summer Programs at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove 4-H Camps is now open! We would love to see you at one of our 4-H Camps this summer! 1 and 2-week overnight camps, day camps, outdoor trips, and teen leadership camps are open for anyone to attend. This is a great opportunity to diversify your 4-H experience and continue building awesome skills. Scholarships are available from the Camps and the 4-H Foundation to help with tuition costs.
Some sessions fill up fast! To start planning your summer experience, please check out the program pages on our website which have more information and dates. We are excited to welcome you to the Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove Family! For questions, please email or call Emma at the contact information below.
Website: www.umaine.edu/tanglewood
Email: extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu
Phone: 207.789.5868
Open House at the Lafayett and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center
4-Hers and families of all ages are invited to learn about the opportunities 4-H has to offer right here in Orono, Maine!
There will be fun activities – making seed paper you can plant at home, engineering and testing out straw rockets, and using chemistry to create groovy seaweed lava lamps!
This is your chance to meet the Center’s fabulous red-ear slider turtle, Frances, and rumor has it Coral the Seahorse will be making an appearance!
Learn all about our space, our touch tank, 4-H programs, 4-H STEM toolkits, and aquaponics.
No registration is required – just show up on Saturday, April 19 between 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at 491 College Ave in Orono, Maine.
If you have any questions, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jessy Brainerd at jessica.brainerd@maine.edu or 207.581.3877.
Maine 4-H Agriculture Symposium!
Dates: April 21 – 22, 2025
Location: University of Maine, Orono
Ages: 14 – 18
The 4th annual 4-H Agriculture Symposium is an overnight experience for Maine youth ages 14-18. Participants will take part in hands-on learning opportunities, engage with industry professionals on the University of Maine Orono campus, develop leadership skills, and make friendships with teens from around the state.
Youth will participate in hands-on learning experiences like laboratory examinations of parasites related to animal health, exploring cellulose nano materials from tree pulp at the Process Development Center, a fun activity with Maine Bound Adventure, and much more!
Current 4-H membership is not required. Assistance with transportation may be available upon request.
Registration:
Current 4-H members can REGISTER HERE. When you are logged into Z Suites, an adult member of the household can find the Ag Symposium under events and complete the required forms.
Youth who are new to 4-H can REGISTER HERE.
For questions regarding the registration process please contact extension.4hagleadership@maine.edu.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Alisha Targonski, 207.622.7546; extension.4hagleadership@maine.edu.
Tri-County 4-H Sampler
Do you know someone who may be interested in 4-H? Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset County staff are hosting workshops on the last Tuesday of each month from April to September. There will be different workshops for youth to attend each month; this month, it will be the Straw Rocket STEM Kit. Guardians will have a chance to talk to 4-H staff about youth enrollment and volunteer opportunities. Check back each month for the activity and location.
This is a free event. Registration is required via ZSuites, for 4-H members and non-4-H members.
Location: Stewart Free Library, 8 Levi Stewart Dr., Corinna
Date: April 30, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Emily Pigeon at emily.pigeon@maine.edu or 207.942.7396.
Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association
Penobscot County 4-H Leader’s Association Meeting Minutes – March 20, 2025
Attendance: Emily Pigeon (staff), Scott Leeman (Pres.), Lucia Brown (Treas./Sec.), Kaylee K., Donna Keniston and Tony Keniston, Brooke Williams, Donna Gangitano
Unable to attend this meeting: Grace Coffe, Corinna Caron (VP)
The meeting was called to order at 6:09 by Scott Leeman.
Secretary’s Report: Scott motions to accept the Secretary’s Report as written, Brooke seconds. All in favor. No discussion.
Brooke motions that Scott Leeman, President and Lucia Brown, Secretary/Treasurer be authorized signatories on the Penobscot County 4-H Leader’s Association Bangor Savings Bank bank accounts. Donna K. seconds the motion. All are in favor.
Staff Reports:
4-H fun fact – the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science Center is a great resource available to everyone. Science activities, touch tanks – learn more about how it can benefit you.
Emily will be attending the 4-H Executive Committee meeting – she’ll be discussing activities being carried out by 4-H in the County, getting ready for fair season, scholarships and camperships, and outreach opportunities she’s attending for 4-H promotion.
Graduation Cord needs: Clever Caprines (0), Independent (2), PL4H (1), PVHA (0), Shoes & Shears (2)
Kristy and Lisa are willing to come to our meeting and conduct a needs assessment; Kristy or Lisa could come to May or June Leader’s meeting; July would be not the best.
Emily has been working with Leah in Hancock County – they would love to have livestock at their June Jamboree. Their youth enjoyed that and would welcome more (6/13 – 6/14). Signup for Hancock County June Jamboree is open to host a workshop – 50, 1:15 are two choices for length of workshop. Emily may host a workshop. Emily will share the google form and an agenda from last year’s event for ideas/participation.
Emily:
Deadlines
ESE Sheep intent forms due
April 18
Forms are sent to Sadee Mehuren
Upcoming Events
- Speak Up, Maine 4-H Showcase – April 5.10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
UMaine Orono in Donald P. Corbett Business Hall
Youths who scored a 78 or higher at their county showcase will have the opportunity to present again. Anyone is welcome to be an audience member. - Lincoln Early Childhood Education Fair – April 5, 1:00 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Penobscot Technical High School Cafeteria
For families to learn more about agencies, schools, and organizations in Penobscot County. Emily will be tabling at this event. - 4-H Science Center Open House – April 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center
Come have fun and learn various STEM activities, including touch tanks, (waiting on the blurb from science center reps) - Tri-County 4-H Sampler – April 29, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
(Possibly Stewart Free Library, Corinna. Waiting to hear back)
4-H staff hope to reach out to the Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset Counties. We will be providing fun educational activities for youth while parents meet with 4-H staff to learn more about 4-H and how to get involved. Please share with any friends that might be interested. For April 29, we will have STEM kits available for youth participation. - Paper Clover May be April 21-May 4
Club Audits: All Done and turned in!
Camperships/Scholarships:
- Emma N. would like to go to Treworgy Farm Camp – She has learned about goats. She really likes the camp because she has been before and learned a lot of different things and had fun. She has participated in 4-H and fundraisers.
- Kingsley and Avery L. are also requesting scholarships to go to Treworgy. They have similar backgrounds and reasons.
- The cost of the camp is $530, and they are each requesting $200. Brooke motions to approve all three and Lucia seconds. All are in favor; Scott abstains from Kingsley and Avery. Emily will email Lucia about who the checks should be made to and where to mail them.
Post Secondary Scholarships: Due by March 3. Will be forwarded to the Foundation as applicable and acted on at the County level during the March meeting.
- Abigail C. – PL4H Club – she has submitted project records for market steers and lambs. All the criteria have been met, and Emily has certified on March 3. Abigail has participated in County fundraisers.
- Regan S. – Independent Horse Member – was part of a former horse club. She has submitted the complete application with all required components. Emily certified on March 3. Regan has not submitted a project record and has participated in Club fundraisers.
- Gabe T. – Independent Dog/Sheep/Gardening Member – his application was submitted the complete application with all required components. Emily certified it complete on Feb. 12. Gabe has participated in County fundraisers.
Each applicant is requesting a $500 scholarship. The group discussed the requirements and expectations for the applicants and reviewed the wording on the applications.
Lucia makes a motion that all three be approved, Brooke seconds. Based on the form and requirements, it appears all three meet the criteria. The form has a revised date on 1/24/24. If we want to make future revisions; we should do that August/Sept. and vote in October. Lucia needs to send funds to Angela Martin when requested.
Lucia will look into setting up a separate account to hold those funds once scholarships are approved.
Commodity/Event Grants: None
Fundraising:
Emily has another possible fundraiser – the Maine School Garden Network is selling calendars for 2026 that they have created. Emily could forward the fundraiser information. The group would like to see that. This fundraiser would consist of purchasing calendars for $10 each and selling them for $15.
Emily would also be open to organizing another silent auction. The venue would be the biggest challenge. A raffle would be a possibility too. Could something at BSF be a possibility? We should discuss that at the April meeting.
BSF: First weekend will be July 24-27 (Thurs-Sun) and the second weekend will be July 30-Aug 2 (Wed-Sat).
Donald Dorr – Emily needs the contact for that
Perkco – Herdsmanship
Azure Dillon – Sportsmanship
Kiwanis (Dairy, Sheep, Beef, Goat) – Scott and Donna think it’s the noon-time Kiwanis
Merton Libby Beef award –
This will be discussed again at the next meeting.
Scott motions to adjourn and Lucia seconds at 7:19 pm. All in favor.
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Next Meeting: April 17 – 6:00 pm at the office or get the link from Emily by zoom.
Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Staff Reports (TSC)
Camperships
Commodity/Event Grants
Fundraising
BSF – Review past awards and discuss sponsorship and application requirements, if any.
Contact: Wendy Robertson, Administrative Specialist, by email at wendy.robertson@maine.edu or by phone at 942.7396 or contact Emily Pigeon, Community Education Assistant, email emily.pigeon@maine.edu
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