June 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
- June 1: UMass 4-H Cattle Academy Deadline
- June 5: Fryeburg Fair 4-H Market Lamb Intent Form Deadline
- June 15: Bangor State Fair Exhibit Deadline
- June 24: Tri-County 4-H Sampler
- June 26: Volunteer Voices
- June 30: 4-H Annual Index Survey Deadline
County 4-H News
Tri-County 4-H Sampler Makes a Splash in Newport
On May 27th, the Tri-County 4-H Sampler brought hands-on learning to life at the Newport Cultural Center. Youth had the opportunity to explore the world of aquatic animals through interactive activities, including a saltwater touch tank and a lobster banding station—complete with plastic lobsters for practice!
While kids explored marine science, parents engaged with 4-H staff to learn more about the organization’s mission and the many ways their children can get involved in 4-H programming. The event welcomed 21 youth and their families, sparking curiosity and community connections.
Thank you to all who participated in making this event a success!
Next Tri-County 4-H Sampler
Date: June 24, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
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 Public Speaking Workshop. 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: Dexter Recreation, 23 Main St, Dexter, ME 04930
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Emily Pigeon at emily.pigeon@maine.edu.
Local 4-H Youth Awarded Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarships
We are proud to announce that three outstanding youth from our county have been selected as recipients of Penobscot County 4-H Leader’s Association Scholarships and Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarships. These scholarships recognize the leadership, dedication, and service demonstrated by 4-H members throughout their years of involvement in the program.
Abigail C. will be attending UMaine Fort Kent studying Criminal Justice/Law Conservation.
Reegan S. will be attending Husson University studying Nursing.
Gabe T. will be attending UMaine Orono studying Mechanical Engineering.
Each recipient has shown a deep commitment to their communities and personal growth through a wide range of 4-H projects, volunteer efforts, and leadership roles. Their achievements reflect the core values of 4-H—head, heart, hands, and health—and we are thrilled to see their hard work honored.
These scholarships will help support the recipients as they pursue higher education and continue making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Congratulations to our scholarship winners! We can’t wait to see what your future holds.
2025 4-H Senior Spotlight:
This month, we’re excited to celebrate the graduation of two devoted 4-H’ers who have spent the past 10 years growing through hands-on learning, leadership, and community!
Abby C.
Abby first joined 4-H after watching her older brother participate. She shared, “It felt like a natural next step”. With her family farm, Abby quickly found her place in the Penobscot Livestock 4-H Club, where her passion for working with cattle and sheep could truly shine.
Over the years, Abby has made countless memories, but what stands out most is the support from older members in her club who were always willing to lend a hand and encourage younger 4-H’ers. “[That] kind of support really shaped my experience,” Abby shared. One of her favorite memories was winning the Fryeburg Fair 4-H Market Steer Show two years in a row—a moment that speaks to her dedication and hard work.
This fall, Abby will be attending the University of Maine at Fort Kent to study criminal justice and law conservation. Her goal is to become a Maine Game Warden and help protect the incredible natural resources that make our state so special.
Gabe T.
Gabe first joined 4-H through the Ropes and Rhinestones club and later continued his journey both independently and with Shoes ‘N Shears. His passion for animals and a strong sense of community fueled his involvement throughout the years.
One of Gabe’s favorite memories was participating in an Icelandic sheep project in collaboration with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Through this unique experience, he cared for his sheep, learned how to lead and show them at fairs, and even assisted in breeding alongside a local veterinarian. His sheep, Pineapple, gave birth to a baby ram named Boots during lambing season—a time Gabe remembers fondly, especially since all the ewes (female sheep) gave birth one day apart! “The experience was incredible, and I was so glad to be a part of it,” Gabe shared.
After graduation, Gabe will attend the University of Maine at Orono to study Mechanical Engineering. We know his future is bright, and we’re proud to have been part of his journey.
Congratulations, Gabe—your 4-H family is cheering you on!
If you are a graduating senior and have not already sent Emily an email about
Club News
Clever Caprines
On May 4th we had a meeting. We played some 4-H goat games, worked on our displays for Bangor fair and had a member from Hancock County 4-H come and visit with us. We also went to the barn and worked with the goats, doing a little practice, and learning how to weigh goat’s with a tape measure. Our next meeting is June 21st at 9am in Etna.
This past weekend Kaylee showed her goats at the Wicked Early Dairy Goat Show. Kaylee’s 2 goats won first place in the dry yearling class on Sunday at the Southern Maine Dairy Goat Association.
The first one was:
Dragonfly SD Quinn DOB 4/1/2024
Nigerian Dwarf
The second one was:
Fox’s Pride MP Andromedia DOB 2/15/2024
Nubian
Shoes N’ Shears
Shoes N’ Shears Sheep project is in full swing with training our sheep to walk. We went on an environmental outing and found some cool fungus growing on trees. We will be welcoming 2 new members next month.
State 4-H News
4-H Summer Learning Series – Register Now!
Maine 4-H is back with another exciting year of hands-on virtual programming with the 4-H Summer Learning Series!
There are workshops for all age ranges!
Cloverbuds can check out barnyard animals or animals under the sea! Go from the garden to the kitchen to learning about the weather!
Youth ages 9 – 11 have lots of fun opportunities too! From a day at the spa to designing a flood-resistant community, or go from embroidering a design to dissecting a squid or an owl pellet! There are so many diverse options!
Ages 12 and up have plenty to do as well! Adulting 101 is back for another year of building relationships and learning life skills! You could also learn to paint Ukrainian eggs, or boost your babysitting skills.
Registration opens for enrolled Maine 4-H members Friday, May 23, 2025, and then to all youth starting June 2. Registration is first-come, first-serve – so sign up soon!
Adulting 101 is Back!
This summer we’re going to start packing our bags to hit the road to adulthood. Join teens from across the state in this virtual series designed to introduce real world skills necessary for #adulting.
Registration opens May 23rd through the Summer Learning Series, open to all Maine youth ages 13 to 18, and closes June 10 on the event webpage.
For more information or to request reasonable accommodation, contact 207.324.2814; erin.mcdonald1@maine.edu.
Skip the Stress – Get Into College with 4-H Direct Admissions!
Great news for Maine 4-H high school juniors and seniors: applying to college just got a whole lot easier. With 4-H Direct Admissions, you can be automatically considered for admission to all seven of Maine’s Public Universities—no Common App, no test scores, no essays, no recommendations, and no application fees required!
If you’re enrolled in any 4-H program in Maine, you’re eligible. Just click to opt in, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Click here to opt in. We will do the rest.
Click here to learn more about 4-H Direct Admissions
This is your future—made simple. #BeyondReady
Save the Date! 4-H Sheep and Goat Clinic
Maine 4-H is hosting a sheep and goat clinic on June 8th! Join us at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds for a day of hands on learning. Workshops will be for both new and experienced project members and you don’t need an animal to participate. Registration details will be available soon.
Make Your Voice Heard – 4-H Annual Index Survey Now Open!
We’re inviting youth ages 12–18 to take part in the National 4-H Annual Index Survey—a brief, 8-minute survey that helps measure the impact of 4-H across the country. By participating, your child’s voice will help shape the future of 4-H in Maine and beyond.
Survey Deadline: June 30, 2025
Take the survey here.
By submitting the survey, you’re giving permission for your child to participate. Youth can choose to stop the survey at any time. Let’s make sure Maine youth are represented—thank you for supporting this important effort!
Fryeburg Fair 4-H Market Lamb Intents Due June 5th
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, 2025, 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 at extension.umaine.edu/4h/fryeburg-fair-regulations-for-market-steers-and-market-lambs/.
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.
2025 ESE Working Steer Information
The 2025 4-H ESE Working Steer Tryout information as well as updated team information can be found online at extension.umaine.edu/4h/working-steer/. New this year are ESE Working Steer Intent forms, updated tryout requirements, team apprentice guidelines, and volunteer interest forms. 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.
Save the Date: Maine 4-H State Dairy Show July 18 – 20
The Maine State 4-H Dairy Show will be held on July 18-20th at the Windsor Fairgrounds. All 4-H dairy project members are invited to attend. There will be a grilled cheese cookoff, a milkshake making contest, and a fitting contest on Saturday followed by a show on Sunday. For more information visit extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy/maine-4-h-state-dairy-show or contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971; sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.
Smithsonian 4-History Project and 4-H Youth Have A Voice!
We currently have openings for the Smithsonian 4-History Project as part of the 4-H program Youth Have A Voice. In this project, 4-H’ers will conduct research and interviews to learn more about their community and share their findings through a video project with support from 4-H leaders and the Smithsonian team. The project will last from August 2025 to March 2026. See the attached flyer for more information!
Additionally, we have openings in the “traditional” 4-H Youth Have a Voice program for 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.
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 at UMaine in leadership development may also be available for interested students.
If you have any questions, please free to contact Andrew Hudacs, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, (207) 581-8204, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu.
Fast, Affordable, and Impactful: Financial Literacy Training for Mainers
The Maine Business School and University of Maine Cooperative Extension have launched Finances in a Flash, a self-paced online course designed to boost financial literacy in under two hours. Priced at just $24.99, the course covers key financial management topics such as budgeting, cash flow, emergency fund planning, and interpreting financial statements. It’s ideal for small business owners, new agricultural producers, aspiring entrepreneurs, freelancers, professionals, and students entering the workforce.
Participants who complete the course earn a Finances in a Flash micro-badge, a digital credential that signifies proficiency in the basics of financial literacy and business finance. These micro-badges support stackable, skill-based learning and align with the University of Maine System’s commitment to accessible, career-relevant education. Take a proactive step toward financial confidence—register now or contact Laura Wilson at laura.wilson@maine.edu or 207.581.2971 for more information.
Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association
Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association Meeting Minutes – May 15, 2025
Attendance: Donna Gangitano, Kaylee K, Julia, Emily Pigeon (staff), Lucia Brown (Sec./Treas.), Liam C., Corinna Caron (VP), Donna Keniston
The meeting was called to order at 6:08
Secretary’s Report: Donna Gangitano motions to accept the minutes as written, Corinna seconds. All in favor.
Staff Reports:
4-H fun fact: 4-H High School Juniors and Seniors will be automatically considered for acceptance to all seven UMaine 4-H colleges and universities.
Update on Tractor Supply Paper Clover Promotion – $9,778 raised as of the last count.
National survey going out for all youth; there is an incentive for the County with the highest participation – Penobscot is currently in third. Survey is open now and ends June 30th. Youth should have received an email or reach out to Emily for the link.
Summer Learning series opens May 23rd.
4-H Lamb intent forms are due today, May 15th!
Maine Summer Transportation Institute (MSTI) Camp
Deadline May 23
For current 6th – 8th graders from July 6 – 11, 2025. The camp focuses on transportation-related activities and fields.
UMass 4-H Cattle Academy – Deadline June 1
Youth who have a beef, dairy, or working steer project or are thinking about trying out a cattle project are invited to experience hands-on learning in washing, fitting, clipping, and showmanship June 20-22nd
Fryeburg Fair 4-H Market Lamb Intents – Deadline June 5th
Upcoming Events
Northeast Livestock Expo 2025
May 16-18, This weekend!
Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, ME
Tri-County 4-H Sampler
May 27
5:30-7 p.m.
Newport Cultural Center, Newport
For this session, we will have our touch tank available.
Volunteer Voices
June 26
Penobscot County Office, 307 Maine Ave, Bangor
Camperships
3 requests today –
Liam and Sofia are asking for camperships to go to Tanglewood Day Camp. Each is requesting $350 – this will be paid to Grace as camp has been paid for.
Kaylee is requesting $300 to attend the ADGA National Convention – check will be going to Vicky Drew for reimbursement of costs. Lucia makes a motion to approve all three as requested and Corinna seconded. All are in favor. Emily will look into using TSC funds for the Tanglewood camperships.
Commodity/Event Grants
None
Fundraising
Corinna wondered if we ever did a bottle drive. Donna G. says Damon’s in Bangor and Skeeters in Old Town will run a tab. Donna G. will set that up.
Donna will come get her seeds when the office opens.
BSF
We discussed awards last meeting; Emily thinks she’s all set with that as long as her contacts are correct.
Emily wanted to make sure she has the exhibit judges for the right days. Corinna needs them to be judged by Saturday.
Exhibit intent forms are due June 15. It’s up on the BSF website and Corinna will coordinate with Wendy to get the link on the Extension page.
Next Meeting: June 26 – 6:00 pm
Jen Lobley – Volunteer Voices will lead off at 6 pm; please register in Z-Suites
Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Staff Reports
Camperships
Commodity Grants
Fundraising
Bangor State Fair
Lucia makes a motion to adjourn at 6:39, seconded by Donna Keniston. All in favor.
***********************************
Discuss fundraising opportunities in September/October. Put on the agenda in that month.
September/October – Discuss campership form amendments (last 12 mo. fundraising, participation in the past and current year; project record could be submitted for past year participation).
Discuss application requirements in Aug./Sept.
Budget needs to go on the agenda in October.
Add to November Agenda, reminder that Club Audits not submitted timely (November) are due no later than January.
Track attendance from January – November
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
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Institutional Equity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).