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 17: Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form Deadline
- April 17 – May 3: Paper Clover Campaign
- April 19-21: Maine 4-H Agriculture Symposium
- April 22 & 23: Oh YEA 4-H Grows True Leaders Garden Planning
- April 27-May 27: Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors
- April 20: Oh YEA 4-H Grows True Leaders College Visit
- May 1: Equine ESE Intent Form Due
- May 15: Bangor State Fair Market Lamb Intent Form Due
County 4-H News
Paper Clover Promotion
Dates for the 2026 Paper Clover campaigns are:
Spring: April 17 – May 3, 2026
Winter: November 27 – December 13, 2026
Since 2010, Tractor Supply has partnered with 4‑H to prepare youth to be ready for work and life. The success of the Paper Clover campaign has raised more than $24 million to impact local youth with the technical skills and life skills that prepare them for whatever comes their way.
100 percent of funds raised through the bi-annual Paper Clover campaign directly benefits 4‑H youth. 90 percent of donations directly support 4‑H youth in the state where the funds were raised, and the remaining 10 percent supports the overall mission and growth of 4‑H nationally.
Maine Delegates’ Experience at Ignite by 4‑H in Washington, D.C.
Each spring, 4-H teens from across the world travel to Washington, D.C. for Ignite by 4‑H, a national summit designed to spark curiosity, leadership, and hands‑on learning. This year, I had the opportunity to chaperone a group of Maine delegates who selected the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) track. This track is a pathway centered on civic engagement, public leadership, and understanding how youth can make a difference in their communities.
Over six days, our delegates explored the nation’s capital, connected with teens from across the world, and discovered how their voices can shape the world around them.
What Makes Ignite Different
Unlike other national 4‑H trips, Ignite allows youth to choose a learning track aligned with their interests from STEM to healthy living to animal science. Based on the youth’s choice their workshops will be geared towards gaining new skills and experiences that they are interested in. CWF participants engaged in workshops and activities that helped them understand the foundations of civic engagement. Some highlights included:
- Workshops on public speaking and advocacy, where youth practiced sharing their ideas with confidence
- Sessions on how federal, state, and local government work, and how young people can participate
- Group discussions on issues affecting their communities, from environmental concerns to youth mental health
- Collaborative team challenges that encouraged communication, problem‑solving, and leadership
- Opportunities to meet state Senators and Representatives

Delegates reflected:
“I liked experiencing how a conversation can stay calm and respectful, even when people have different opinions. The workshop leaders taught us how to talk through disagreements in a way where everyone feels heard, and it helped me realize it’s okay to disagree as long as we listen and stay respectful.”
“Getting to meet our senators and representatives made them feel more human to me. They were willing to hear what we cared about, even when the topics were complicated. Sharing our concerns was challenging, but it opened my eyes to how meaningful those conversations can be.”
Exploring Washington, D.C.
In addition to workshops, youth had the chance to explore some of D.C.’s most iconic locations. Our group especially enjoyed:
- Touring the monuments and memorials
- Visiting Capitol Hill Offices and the U.S. Capitol Building
- Getting to see peak cherry blossom season
Youth said:
“Getting a specialized tour on Capitol Hill was awesome. The staffer showed us places most people never get to see and pointed our Maine specific statues. During the tour we got to ride the Senator subway to the Capitol which was possibly the coolest part of the trip”
“I loved seeing all the monuments, but the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial stood out to me the most. Being there made his message feel more real, and it reminded me why his work still matters today.”
What the Experience Was Like for Emily
As a chaperone, I had the privilege of watching our delegates grow more confident each day. The CWF track encouraged them to think deeply, speak up, and collaborate. I saw them step outside their comfort zones, ask thoughtful questions, and discover new interests. By the end of the trip, our group had formed new friendships, gained new skills, and returned home with a stronger sense of what leadership can look like both in 4‑H and beyond.
From my perspective:
“I’ve worked with youth for a long time, but trips like this remind me why I love what I do. Watching them grow braver in their conversations, trust new friends, and support one another is something special. These trips may be tiring, but the laughter, the connections, and the memories we build together are the moments I carry with me.”
Who Should Consider Applying
- Ignite by 4‑H is a great fit for youth who are:
- Interested in civic engagement, leadership, or public service
- Curious about how government works
- Excited to meet new people and explore a major U.S. city
- Ready for a structured, fast‑paced learning environment
- Looking to deepen their involvement in 4‑H
As one delegate put it:
“I didn’t know anything about government before this trip, so learning how bills, amendments, and rights actually work was really cool. Once we started talking about real issues, it made everything feel more real, and I realized you don’t have to be an expert to speak up for yourself or others.”
How Families Can Prepare
- If your child is considering applying next year, it can help to:

- Connect with 4‑H staff or previous attendees
- Review the application materials together
- Talk about interests and goals
- Practice interview or communication skills
Even the application process itself helps youth grow in confidence and self‑awareness.
Final Thoughts
Ignite by 4‑H is more than a conference; it’s an opportunity for youth to discover their voice, build leadership skills, and see themselves as active participants in their communities. Our Maine delegates returned home energized, inspired, and ready to take on new challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.
Club News
PVHA

This month, our youth dove into the world of vernal pools and the amphibians that call them home. After learning about these seasonal wetlands and the species that depend on them, members explored how spring weather shapes their survival — including how heavy rain can wash away egg masses and how drought can shrink pools before tadpoles finish developing.
To bring their learning to life, youth created their own miniature vernal pools using upside‑down frisbees, sticks, leaves, rocks, and water. They sprinkled chia seeds into their pools to model frog eggs and watched how they dispersed and settled — just like real egg masses in nature. It was a hands‑on way to connect science learning with creativity and Maine ecology.
Penobscot Livestock
On March 21st the Penobscot Livestock 4-H group had a meeting in Bangor.

At our meeting we discussed what will happen at Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE). NELE is a livestock exhibition weekend held at the Windsor Fairgrounds. We also discussed our 4-H demonstrations and the guidelines for them. For our demonstrations, it can either be a demonstration, an illustrative talk or performing art. Our 4-H group does demo day so we can work on our public speaking skills.
In addition, we also talked about different fundraiser we can do to raise money for our group. We have considered a car wash to raise money.
We split into our committees to work on different responsibilities. The program committee was responsible for all programs at regular meetings. The objective today was to come up with a plan for a nutrition meeting. The social committee was responsible for discussing ice breakers for the beginning of meetings. The community service committee started to plan community service ideas. At end the of the meeting, we all came back to discuss our objectives.
Shoes N’ Shears
Shoes N’ Shears had another similar month to last. We learned more about the next steps of lambing season, including our cloverbuds getting experience feeding bottle babies and the older youth learning the hard work that goes into moving grain and hay around the farm. Our meeting discussion was on finances related to the benefits or drawbacks of buying in bulk.
The club members have started working on art projects, most are interested in painting. The cloverbuds enjoy anything with glue or scissors! Our current painting project is doing portraits of our family or pets! Take a look next month for some final projects!
The members are getting ready to switch gears into spring sports and excited to either return to Softball or try out T-ball for our cloverbuds.
Next month has big spring plans: learning about introductory flower and vegetable gardening, picking out our show flock, beginning to train the sheep on a lead, and cheer comes to an end with a big performance for the Portland Sea Dogs. – Liam and Damon
State 4-H News
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.
New Dates: Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors – Spring 2026
Maine 4-H is now accepting registrations for the spring 2026 Agriculture Ambassadors cohort! The program is designed for youth ages 13-18 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.
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.
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 today!
Spring 2026 Dates
Online: April 26, May 6, May 13, May 20, & May 27
Maine Agriculture Symposium at the University of Maine: April 19-21 (two nights), we try to offer transportation as best we can.
To register visit the Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassador Program page. For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Alisha Targonski at alisha.targonski@maine.edu or 207.622.7546.
Maine 4-H Agriculture Symposium
Dates: April 19 – 21, 2026
Location: University of Maine, Orono
Ages: 13 – 18
The 5th annual 4-H Agriculture Symposium is an overnight experience for Maine youth ages 13-18. 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 interactive learning experiences like blueberry research, animal science, engineering challenge, industry panel and so much more.
Current 4-H membership is not required. Assistance with transportation may be available upon request.
Cost: $40 (a family cap of $50)
To help offset the cost of meals, lodging, and transportation for this inclusive 2-night, 3-day event. If cost is a barrier, please contact extension.4hagleadership@maine.edu; scholarships are available.
Registration is required for Ag Symposium; Register Here.
4-H Dairy Judging Contest
The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be held on May 2nd at BrookRidge Organic Dairy Farm in Lyman, ME. The event is open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members and will serve as the official tryouts for the 2026 Maine 4-H Eastern States Dairy Judging Team. For a complete schedule for the day please visit the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest page.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971.
University of Massachusetts Amherst (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 Session One.
Register for Session Two.
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 one at extension.umaine.edu/4h/working-steer/. 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
Livestock Judging Contest and Maine Team Tryout
Livestock judging is back! For the first time in a long time Maine 4-H is sending a livestock judging team to The Big E and we want you to be a part of it! Tryouts for the team will take place at The Cross Insurance Center on May 2nd in partnership with the FFA Livestock Judging Contest. In order to be eligible for the Eastern States team 4-H members must be at least 12 years old by December 31, 2025 and have completed one year in 4-H. All 4-H members are invited to participate in the tryout event and the practice events regardless of their intent to try out for the Eastern States Team. More information on the tryout process will be available soon.
Looking to sharpen your judging skills? Join us for the following practice events:
- April 18th at 10:00am- Swine and sheep Judging at Quimby Family Farms (566 Sandy River Rd. Starks, ME 04911). If you plan on attending please notify Sadee Mehuren via email at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu so that we can prepare for the event.
- April 22rd at 9:00am- Beef cattle judging clinic and contest at the Fryeburg Youth Show. For more information visit the Fryeburg Youth Show page.
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 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!
- 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
Equine ESE Intent Forms Due May 1, 2026
The 2026 Eastern States (ESE) Horse Intent Form is now live and online. The form is to indicate your interest in participating in the Eastern States Team Tryout event this summer, which will be on July 31- Aug 1st, 2026, at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds.
The event this year will offer an overnight opportunity for youth to qualify and to learn and grow while getting to know other youth who are also interested in trying out. Youth can participate in one of the tracks below:
- Teen Leader (4-H age 12 and up)
- Rider or Driver (4-H age 13 and up)
- Groom track (which is a learning track only)
If youth would like to come and learn about the team, help, and observe (especially if they aren’t old enough to qualify for the team yet), they can also come to tryouts as a “Groom” and will need to fill out the intent form.
Youth interested in any of the track options need to fill out the intent form. We use this info to contact and update interested families and youth.
The ESE intent form is to be filled out by May 1st. Approval forms must also be filled out and sent to your county office by May 1st as well.
More details will be included in the tryout application packet on the UMaine 4-H Horse Website.
The intent form does not bind you to the tryout event. Applications will be used to determine the event roster and final schedule.
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Tara Marble, tara.marble@maine.edu, or 207.778.4650.
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.
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, 2025 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.
April 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!
4-H is Family
Being part of a group with goals, expectations and responsibilities that focuses on relationships, and celebrating and supporting one another can feel like family. As one 4-H member shared: “When I’m at 4-H, I feel like I’m part of something bigger. That’s what the sense of belonging looks like in action. While the youth members may act as the “primary” family members in your group don’t forget about the other adults who provide their primary care: parents, guardians, and/or grandparents. 4-H volunteers should consider parents, grandparents, and other adult family members as assets. Consider the following strategies to help them feel a part your club as well:
- Tell parents/guardians/grandparents they are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings.
- Have a meeting for parents/guardians/grandparents at the beginning of the year.
- Schedule a 4-H event in which all family members are invited to participate.
- Communicate directly with parents/guardians/grandparents by talking with them face to face, through social media, phone calls, and club meeting notes/agendas/minutes.
- Invite parents/guardians/grandparents to help. Share the list of tasks and find out what each parent is willing to do to assist.
Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit- IN PERSON! Saturday, November 7th!
More details to come in the upcoming months, but we promise food, fun, connection, and learning! Our planning committee is working hard to put together an awesome experience for you all. You won’t want to miss it!
4-H Volunteer Huddle:
Join us for a short “gather and learn session”! 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!
- April 3, 2026- Doing to Understanding: Applying Experiential Learning in 4-H Clubs Learn how to guide youth through hands-on experiences followed by purposeful reflection, helping them build confidence, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
- May 1, 2026- Understanding the Danish System: More than Just a Ribbon Explore how the Danish judging system works and what your ribbon really means. This workshop will help you understand the focus on individual achievement, learning, and growth in 4-H project evaluation.
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.
Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association
Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association Meeting Minutes
March 19, 2026
Attendance: Emily Pigeon (staff), Lucia Brown (Sec./Treas.), Scott Leeman (Pres.), Corinna Caron (VP), Donna Keniston, Donna Gangitano, Kaylee K.
The meeting was called to order at 6:03.
Secretary’s Report: Scott motions to accept the minutes as written, Corinna seconds. All in favor.
Staff Report:
Emily will be chaperoning Ignite from March 24-29th. She will be available via email, but response time will vary.
Thank you, Kaylee for supporting the Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine Event at Fort Knox
Call for help! – This could be volunteers, trusted teens, or youth with a parent
- June 6th, not sure on time, Good Vibes Social Club in Carmel hosting a 4-H day – looking for a ‘petting zoo’ or small animals, nothing bigger than goat or lamb
- July 7-10th 1-5 pm (we pick the day and time that works best for us) Edythe Dyer Library in Hampden – hosting a 4-H day – looking for a ‘petting zoo’. They could be flexible on day to accommodate.
Deadlines:
May 15: Bangor State Fair Market Lamb Intent Form Due
Current/Upcoming Events
- March 25-29: Maine Science Festival – At the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor, check their website for more information
- April 2: Build Your Own Catapult – At Bangor Public Library in the teen room at 4-5 pm. This is the start of a monthly series, to be held on the first Thursday of every month.
- April 8: Seed Starting Indoors – At Millinocket Public Library, 2:30-3:30 pm, there will be an adult program at the same time as the youth program
- April 11: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! A Public Speaking Showcase – At UMaine Orono DPC Building, 9 am-3 pm, folks are welcome to come and spectate
- April 13: Robotics Program – At the 4-H Science Center in Orono, 11 am-12:30 pm
- April 16: Leaders’ Meeting – At Penobscot County Office, or via Zoom, 6 pm
- April 17 – May 3: Paper Clover Campaign – Emily will be sending an email from Lisa Phelps. Will be a demo day where clubs can go to TSC and be entered to win a gift card.
Scholarships – none
Camperships – Adam B. is requesting funding to go to CWF with Ignite. He is looking for a scholarship of $300. He has gotten a lot out of 4-H and looks forward to participating in this workshop to learn more about citizenship and government. Adam has participated in fundraising. Corinna motions to approve, Scott seconds. All in favor, but Lucia abstained from voting. Donna G. suggested that the funding for this and Kaylee K. come from TSC, Emily will look into it.
Commodity/Event Grants – none.
Fundraising
Sock fundraiser – We sold 25 pairs.
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 ran through March 15. No sales so far. It is on the County Facebook page.
BSF – no update.
Next Meeting: April 16, 2026 – 6:00 pm
Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Staff Reports
Scholarships
Camperships
Commodity Grants
Fundraising
Bangor State Fair
Corrina made a motion to adjourn at 6:18 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.
