May 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 and Deadlines to Remember
- April 18 – May 5: Tractor Supply Paper Clover Promotion
- May 10: 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
- May 15: Market Lamb Intent to Sell BSF due in county office
- May 16-18: Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE)
- May 23: 4-H Summer Learning Series, Workshops and Registrations go live
- May 23: Maine Summer Transportation Institute deadline
- May 27: Tri-county 4-H Sampler – Newport Cultural Center, Newport
- June 1: UMass 4-H Cattle Academy deadline
- June 5: Fryeburg Fair 4-H Market Lamb Intents Due
- June 30: 4-H Annual Index Survey deadline
County 4-H News
4-H Youth Highlights
Gabe T.
Gabe was awarded the UMaine Pulp and Paper Foundation scholarship for Mechanical Engineering. This will be for $8000 per year as long as he maintains their requirements that include internships, weekly meetings, and a GPA of 3.0 or above. He is one of many other 4-H members who have been awarded this honor in the past.
Additionally, he has completed a community service project to aid the Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Brewer. Gabe accepted donations and held a fundraiser to raise money to purchase items to make comfort care bags for families as they await the news/updates on their pets who are patients in the emergency clinic at night or on a weekend.
The bags include bottled water, a blanket for their pet, snacks, and activity books to pass the time. There were also children bags with a stuffed animal, kids coloring books, and crayons.
Each bag has a customized note card wishing them the best for their furry family member. Gabe delivered over 100 of these bags to the veterinary clinic over the February vacation week this week. The clinic was overjoyed with his efforts.
Finally, Gabe has stayed busy as he is working towards approval for his Eagle Scout project. He presents to the Board of the Boy Scout Council in hopes to get his project approved.
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 Aquatic Touch Tank. 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: Newport Cultural Center, 54 Main St, Newport, ME
Date: May 27, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Emily Pigeon at emily.pigeon@maine.edu.
Club News
Clever Caprines
We went to Tractor Supply for their 4-H Paper Clover Promotion on April 26. While doing that we held a 4-H bake sale. There were lots of donations and questions about 4-H. Our next meeting is May 25 at 9 a.m. at the Leemans.
Our Maine 4-H delegation—Kaylee K. (Clever Caprines, Penobscot County), Sabrinna, Kai, and chaperone— attended the National 4-H Conference in Arlington, Virginia! Held April 11–16, 2025, this flagship USDA youth development event brings together hundreds of 4-H’ers from around the world for a week of leadership, learning, and unforgettable connections.
Highlights included the high-energy pin trade, a powerful multilingual recitation of the 4-H Pledge, and engaging presentations from collegiate facilitators.
The delegation also toured Washington’s historic monuments by night, danced with Coyaba Dance Theater performers, and visited both Maine senators’ offices on Capitol Hill. A behind-the-scenes Capitol tour, a walk through the U.S. Botanic Garden, and a brush with American history at the Smithsonian made for unforgettable memories. The week culminated in youth-led presentations to agencies including NASA, the CDC, the USDA, and the Pentagon, showcasing real-world applications of 4-H leadership. Wrapping up the conference, delegates attended a career expo at the Smithsonian and a celebration dance where music, laughter, and new friendships filled the ballroom. From pin trading to policy discussions, Maine’s 4-H youth made a lasting impression and returned home inspired, empowered, and eager to share their experiences.
Shoes N’ Shears
Shoes N’ Shears have started working on our lamb projects; training and choosing which to show. It’s not always easy to train. We will be going to Tractor Supply with a couple bottle babies this weekend.
One of our families got new golden retriever puppies and we are learning about training dogs. We are working on our community service projects as well and cleaning up the roadside near our houses. – Submitted by Liam
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 to 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 beforehand, making participation even easier (and less expensive)! Workshops and Registration will go live on May 23, 2025. Information will be updated in early March for volunteers interested in presenting workshops. Sign up for updates on our website.
Maine Delegates Represented at National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C.
This April, three outstanding youth—Sabrinnah, Kaylee, and Kai—and a chaperone, traveled from Bangor to Washington, D.C., to represent Maine at the National 4-H Conference. Over six packed days, delegates from across the U.S. and its territories gathered for roundtable discussions, leadership development, cultural exchange, and connection with federal agencies. Highlights included the high-energy pin trade, a powerful multilingual recitation of the 4-H Pledge, and engaging presentations from collegiate facilitators. The Maine group quickly bonded with delegates from other states and territories, exchanging ideas, stories, and plenty of state-themed pins. Youth explored topics ranging from youth mental health to artificial intelligence and public land access.
The delegation also toured Washington’s historic monuments by night, danced with Coyaba Dance Theater performers, and visited both Maine senators’ offices on Capitol Hill. A behind-the-scenes Capitol tour, a walk through the U.S. Botanic Garden, and a brush with American history at the Smithsonian made for unforgettable memories. The week culminated in youth-led presentations to agencies including NASA, the CDC, the USDA, and the Pentagon, showcasing real-world applications of 4-H leadership. Wrapping up the conference, delegates attended a career expo at the Smithsonian and a celebration dance where music, laughter, and new friendships filled the ballroom. From pin trading to policy discussions, Maine’s 4-H youth made a lasting impression and returned home inspired, empowered, and eager to share their experiences.
National 4-H Conference is one of several different opportunities Maine 4-H Members have to travel around the country and represent Maine on the national stage. Learn about applying for National 4-H Conference and Congress.
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.
Important Announcement: Maine 4-H Days Update
We want to let you know that Maine 4-H Days will not be held in 2025. While we know this event is a cherished tradition for many, we’re taking this time to restructure and reinvent the experience to better serve our 4-H community in the future. Our goal is to create an event that is more engaging, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving needs and interests of Maine youth and families. We appreciate your patience and continued support as we work behind the scenes to reimagine what Maine 4-H Days can be.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to share your ideas—we’re excited for what’s ahead!
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!
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. Applications will be accepted through May 23, 2025.
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.
2025 UMass 4-H Cattle Academy
Registration for the 2025 UMASS 4-H Cattle Academy is now open! This event will take place from June 20-22nd at the Three County Fairgrounds, Northampton, MA. 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, showmanship and more! Please register by June 1, 2025. See you at the academy!
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.
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. 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.
Speak Up, Maine 4-H!
We need your ideas! We are hoping to add a new category to the Speak Up, Maine 4-H Public Speaking program and State Showcase in 2026. Members and families can fill out our idea form here.
Questions? Please contact the planning committee at speakup4h@maine.edu or Laura Personette at (207) 581-8213.
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 Aquatic Touch Tank. 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: Newport Cultural Center, 54 Main St, Newport, ME
Date: May 27, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Emily Pigeon at emily.pigeon@maine.edu.
Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association
Penobscot County 4-H Leader’s Association Meeting Minutes – April 17, 2025
Attendance: Emily Pigeon (staff), Lucia Brown (Treas./Sec.), Kaylee K., Tony and Donna Keniston, Brooke Williams, Donna Gangitano Unable to attend this meeting: Grace Coffe, Scott Leeman (Pres.), Corinna Caron (VP)
The meeting was called to order at 6:09 by Lucia Brown.
Secretary’s Report: Brooke motions to accept the Secretary’s Report as written, Donna K. seconds. All in favor. No discussion.
Staff Reports:
4-H fun fact – Emily went on a trip to Franklin County C-CAR – Center for Cooperative Agriculture Research – there is a lot of research going on related to aquaculture and aquaponics. She saw some kale, they are also experimenting with saltwater growing. They have links to do a virtual tour or could do an in-person tour as well; they also have a live stream of tilapia. This is a resource available to everyone, and Emily would be happy to help with the connections.
Emily:
Deadlines
ESE Sheep intent forms due
April 18, TOMORROW
Sent to Sadee Mehuren
Upcoming Events
4-H Science Center Open House
April 19, THIS SATURDAY
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Paper Clover Tractor Supply
Fri Apr 18 – Mon May 5
Email Emily with planned attendance; she’ll be keeping track of location and who attends. Youth can go ‘on the move’ with paper clovers, walking around the store and offering shoppers the opportunity to participate!
Teen AG Symposium – April 21-22
Orono Campus
Tri-County 4-H Sampler
Stewart Free Library, Corinna
April 30, WEDNESDAY
5:30-7 p.m.
With Piscataquis and Somerset. Will be making straw rockets.
Northeast Livestock Expo 2025
Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, ME
May 16-18, 2025
Emily has been reaching out to schools and libraries to work on engaging them in promoting 4-H in their school communities. Reach out to Emily if you have contacts.
Emily is looking to start doing youth highlights in the newsletter – next newsletter, she’d like to do a senior spotlight. She is open to suggestions for future features. Donna recommends spotlighting Gabe T. , which will be happening because he is a senior.
Camperships/Scholarships:
The youth nominated will be receiving scholarships on May 8, 2025, in a ceremony.
Emily looked into Penobscot County Scholarships, and it appears that it is being credited when presented.
Lucia will look into setting up a separate account to hold those funds in once scholarships are approved.
Commodity/Event Grants: None
Fundraising:
We will follow up with Corinna for the results of the seed fundraiser. Will defer fundraising conversation to the next meeting due to limited attendance. Brooke’s understanding is that things will be changing at the fair as far as PVHA’s role, that could be discussed next time as well.
BSF: First weekend will be July 24-27 (Thurs-Sun) and the second weekend will be July 30-Aug 2 (Wed-Sat). Since the last meeting, Emily has reviewed her notes; she needs to get a Kiwanis contact and Corinna has the rest of the contacts.
Donald Dorr
Perkco – herdsmanship
Azure Dillon – sportsmanship
Kiwanis (dairy, sheep, beef, goat) – Scott and Donna think it’s the noon-time Kiwanis
Merton Libby beef award –
Kaylee K. – she really enjoyed her trip; her round table group got to tour the Pentagon and present their project. She also got to go on the balcony and see the view of the city. Donna K. shared that all of the participants did a great job presenting!
Brooke motions to adjourn and Donna seconds at 6:34pm. All in favor.
Next Meeting: May 15 – 6:00 pm at the office or get the link from Emily by zoom.
Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Staff Reports
Camperships
Commodity/Event Grants
Fundraising
BSF – Review past awards and discuss application requirements, if any.
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
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