October 4-H 4-U

October 10, 2025 4-H 4-U Newsletter, 4-H News

Table of Contents

Important Dates to Remember

  • October 1 – 4-H Re-enrollment Begins
  • October 11 – Fall Open House 4-H Science Center
  • October 18 – Penobscot County 4-H Awards Night
  • October 23 – Leaders’ Meeting
  • November 28 – December 14 – Tractor Supply Paper Clover Promotion
  • December 31 – 4-H Re-enrollment Deadline

County 4-H News

It’s Time to Re-Enroll for the New 4-H Year!

October is here, the beginning of our 4-H year. With that comes the need for youth and volunteers to re-enroll. Enroll directly through ZSuite, the online enrollment platform. If you need assistance please contact, Emily at emily.pigeon@maine.edu or call 207-942-7396.
Member Re-enrollment Tip Sheet
Volunteer Re-enrollment Tip Sheet

Fall Open House at the 4-H Science CenterLafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center

Come join us for a Fall inspired Open House event! If this is your first time, come learn about the opportunities 4-H has to offer, check out our space, meet our staff, and take part in some fun hands-on activities!

Activity stations include: Mad Scientist Experiments, Seaweed Squishies, Touch Tank, Tissue Paper Painting, 4-H Toolkit Demonstrations, and Information on how to get involved with 4-H near you!

No registration is required – just show up on Saturday, October 11 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

Penobscot County 4-H Awards Night Celebrationcolorful rosette ribbon with a 4-H clover in the middle of rosette

Our annual Recognition Celebration is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to gather together at the Penobscot County Extension Office! Join us on October 18  at 6:00 pm. for a potluck full of good food, laughter, and community fun. Drinks, plates, and utensils will be ready—just bring a favorite dish to share (and the serving spoon if it needs one).

Sweet news, we are continuing the famous Dessert Competition! This year’s theme is Dessert Bars! It is up to your interpretation, so bring your most delicious creation, cut into bite-sized samples for everyone to try. After some tasty judging, we’ll vote for the winner of our most colorful ribbon, bragging rights, and a feature of their recipe in our next newsletter.

Come hungry, bring your smiles, and let’s make this celebration one to remember!

Grow 4-H with the Paper Clover Campaign at Tractor Supply!

The Paper Clover promotion is a powerful way to support 4-H youth across the country—and right here in our own communities! Twice a year, Tractor Supply Company (TSC) teams up with 4-H to help raise funds for local programs through the sale of paper clovers at checkout.

How It Works

  • Partnership for Progress: Tractor Supply partners with 4-H to raise money that supports youth development.
  • Buy a Clover, Grow a Leader: During the campaign, customers can purchase paper clovers at any TSC store or online.
  • Local Impact: Most of the funds raised go directly to your state’s 4-H program, supporting things like camp scholarships, leadership training, and educational events. The rest helps strengthen 4-H across the nation.

When to Join In

  • Spring Campaign – Runs in April or May
  • Fall Campaign – Happens late October through early December, around the busy holiday shopping season (including Black Friday)

How You Can Help

Whether you’re a 4-H member, parent, volunteer, or supporter—your participation makes a difference!

  • Buy a Paper Clover: Visit a Tractor Supply store or go online during the campaign and make a small donation that has a BIG impact.
  • Promote the Cause: 4-H clubs can host fun in-store events, set up tables, or just spread the word in the community. The more people who know, the more support we can generate!
  • Say Thank You: A simple “thank you” to store employees and customers goes a long way in showing appreciation and encouraging future support.

Why It Matters

The Paper Clover campaign helps open doors for 4-H youth to attend camps, leadership conferences, and other programs they may not otherwise afford. Each paper clover represents an opportunity—for learning, growing, and leading.

Let’s come together to make this year’s Paper Clover campaign the biggest yet. After all, when 4-H and Tractor Supply team up, great things grow!

Club Newsgreen tray with hands pretend fish stomach contents

PVHA

Our club kicked off the year with an open house that welcomed both new and returning members. We had 11 families and 24 youth join us for an afternoon of fun and connection. Youth enjoyed using hammers and screwdrivers as they constructed a DIY kit, and the sparks-inspired self-portraits led to lots of laughs and creativity.

A highlight of the day was the “fish stomach dissections,” made from algae slime and rubber gloves— everyone was surprised at the variety of things each fish had eaten! We wrapped up with a conversation around youths’ interests and ways parents can get involved. It was really great seeing the youth mingle during snack time and have intense conversations about Pokemon and Legos – it made the day extra special.youth showing black lamb with black fence in background, adult helping

Shoes N’ Shears

Former Penobscot Livestock 4-H Club member, Ashton C., returned to the show ring as a judge at this year’s Blue Hill Fair. He served as judge for the Junior Sheep Fitting and Showmanship class, where he shared valuable feedback and tips to help 4-H youth improve their fitting and showmanship skills. Representing the 4-H Shoes N’ Shears Club, Liam C. participated in the event with his sheep.

State 4-H News

Apply Now: Ignite by 4-H 2026

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and eager to learn alongside 4-H youth from across the country? Ignite by 4-H 2026 is your chance to grow as a leader, deepen your knowledge in an area that excites you, and make your mark on the future of 4-H in Maine.

We’re seeking motivated Maine 4-H youth (ages 14–18) to represent our state at the Ignite by 4-H Summit in Washington, D.C. Delegates will:

  • Work in a focus area group
  • Participate in planning meetings
  • Attend the national summitwhite circle with the words ignite in it with colorful rays
  • Collaborate to create a resource for younger Maine 4-Hers

Track Options & Positions Available (apply for one track; rank your top two choices)

  • Agriscience
  • Animal Science
  • Community Activators
  • Healthy Living
  • STEM
  • Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

Applications are due by November 15, 2025. Apply Online.

Applicants must be enrolled in 4-H and between 14–18 at the time of the trip.

Robotics Training for Educators

Friday, November 7, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm at the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center in Orono. This workshop is designed to teach adults how to build and program with Lego® SPIKE Prime robot kits. We focus on using the skills learned from these workshops to teach robotics at schools and on robot teams. It is also great for anyone interested in learning something about robots, programming, or computers! We will be using the LEGO SPIKE robot controller, and programming it using the LEGO Education SPIKE App.

Register online by November 4, and limited to 12 attendees.

4-H National Trip Applications are Open

Exciting news! Applications are now open for the 2026 4-H National Trips, featuring 4-H Conference and 4-H Congress. These events offer incredible opportunities for leadership development and national networking. Any Maine 4-H Youth, ages 14 to 18 is eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members at the time of application and the time of the actual trip.

  • 4-H Conference: April 10 – 15, 2026 in Washington DC
  • 4-H Congress: November 27 – December 1, 2026 in Georgia

Find out more and apply online.

Fall Open Househands in touch tank

The 4-H Open House will be held Saturday, October 11th from 10am – 2pm at the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center (491 College Ave, Orono ME).  Come join us for a fall inspired Open House event! If this is your first time, come learn about the opportunities 4-H has to offer, check out our space, meet our staff, and take part in some fun hands-on activities: Mad Scientist Experiments, Seaweed Squishies, Touch Tank, Tissue Paper Painting, and more!  We encourage everyone to come in costume! For more information please go to our website or contact Meg Begley-Irish at megan.begley@maine.edu.

Build. Create. Innovate.

This event, run by the Girl Scouts of Maine, will be held at the Cole Land Transportation Museum (405 Perry Rd, Bangor ME) on Saturday, October 18th from 10am – 2pm. This is a FREE family-friendly event open to the entire community. This dynamic STEM and innovation event is designed for families, offering a hands-on experience that brings science, technology, engineering, and creativity to life. For more information visit: Girl Scouts of Maine

Dairy Goat Educational Opportunity for 4-H Members

Calling all 4-Hers! Don’t miss the exciting Youth Program at the ADGA National Convention, happening October 18–19 in Danvers, MA. This is your chance to connect with fellow youth goat enthusiasts and dive into hands-on learning and fun.

Activities include a Skillathon, Ultrasounding demonstrations, a goat milk product activity, and much more!

Whether you’re new to dairy goats or a seasoned showman, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills and make new friends. We hope to see you there! Learn more about the Youth Program at convention.adga.org. For more information, contact Heidi Vanderloop at hvanderloop@adga.org.

Tanglewood Fall Family Day

Tanglewood’s Fall Family Day is on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. Located at the UMaine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Tanglewood, 184 Tanglewood Road, Lincolnville, ME 04849.

Join us during the best season at Tanglewood, the Fall, as we celebrate autumnal changes. This is a free family event open to all ages and abilities. Activities may include apple pressing, pumpkin painting, and a campfire with s’mores. This is a great opportunity to explore the woods and grounds at Tanglewood.

For more information: Tanglewood Fall Family Day or call 207.789.5868.

State Youth Council

The Maine 4-H State Youth Council nomination form is now open!

The Maine 4-H Youth Council is a chance to step up, speak out, and represent 4-H across our state. As part of this leadership group you’ll connect local and state programs, amplify youth voice in 4-H, and promote 4-H events from Maine to the national stage.

Nominees must be between the ages of 16-24 years of age and must have participated in 4-H for at least 2 years (club, independent, after school, school-based, mentoring or camp program). Nominations are now accepted from 4-H staff and directly from members.

If selected, the requirements of the Youth Council are that members be an active participant (participate in 80% of meetings) and participate in the youth council project chosen for the year. The council meets a total of 6 times per year, 4 on zoom and 2 in person.

Nominations from Extension staff and self-nominations will be accepted.

We are currently looking for youth representation from all counties plus 4-H Camps and Learning Centers and CYFAR/Northstar/OhYea programs.

Nominations are due October 15th.  Nomination Google Form

National 4-H Week Get Involved!!

Day 1 – Beyond Ready: Go Green – Monday, October 6, 2025

On Monday of National 4-H Week, Go GREEN and show your 4-H state spirit! A simple, cohesive way for youth, professionals, volunteers, alumni & supporters across the country to celebrate their 4-H program being Beyond Ready. Wear a green hat, clothing, face paint – anything green goes. Let’s paint the nation GREEN, on Monday, October 6!

Share your Go Green moment on social and tag National 4-H, The Maine 4-H program, and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek

Day 2 – Beyond Ready: 4-H For Good – Thursday, October 9, 2025

On Thursday of National 4-H Week, help us shine a light on all the good that 4-H does! A day to recognize all 4-H’ers who are doing good and making positive impact by helping their communities and beyond. Share your own story or celebrate someone who is making a difference – another 4-H’er, volunteer or educator We want to know, on Thursday, October 9!

Share on social, tag others in your 4-H community, tag National 4-H and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek

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

Positive Youth Development – What is a Spark?

A spark is that special interest, skill, or passion that lights a fire in a young person’s life. Sparks give youth energy, joy, and purpose—and when volunteers help identify them, youth thrive! While sparks are self-discovered and self-identified, volunteers can assist by introducing youth to new topics and exposing them to new experiences. A 4-H “spark” differs from a typical hobby by focusing on a deeper sense of purpose and contribution, while a hobby is primarily a leisure activity pursued for personal pleasure. Check back next month for more information about sparks!

4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar

We have SO many great 4-H volunteer opportunities available this year! CLICK HERE to find our calendar of events- scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!

4-H Volunteer Huddle

extended arms with hands on top of each other in a circle Come to the sideline for a quick “gather-learn-discuss” and then get back into the game of 4-H. A variety of topics will help you improve your strategy- you pick which ones interest you! We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00-12:30pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. We’d love to see you there! No registration required!

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: Zoom link  Password: volunteer

Oct. 3- Start Strong: Get Organized for a Great 4-H Year!
Nov. 7- Getting Started with 4-H Market Animals

Check it Out – This Month

Virtual Workshop Series offered by UConn 4-H
Oct 22, 29, Nov 5, 12 7-8:00pm Stewarding Human and Animal Health Through Effective Biosecurity Practices
Free! Register by Oct 10th
Complete the series and get a certificate!

Know someone who you think would make a GREAT 4-H volunteer? The Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey sessions will give individuals an overview of
4-H, the key points of positive youth development, and a variety of ways to help in 4-H! Invite someone to register for a one-hour session to learn more on
Oct 15, 6-7:00pm or Oct 16, 3-4:00pm

Resource Spotlight

Check out 4-H Volunteer Ventures! These 30-minute episodes examine the fun, but sometimes confusing role of the 4-H volunteer.
THIS ONE will help you get organized for the new 4-H year ahead! 4-H Volunteer Ventures can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio. Special thanks to our 4-H friends at Rutgers University!

Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association

Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association Meeting Minutes – September 18, 2025

Attendance: Donna Gangitano, Emily Pigeon (staff), Lucia Brown (Sec./Treas.), Scott Leeman (Pres.), Erin Percival Carter

The meeting was called to order at 7:11

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

Emily is seeking better methods of communication – she’s looking at Team Reach and Google Voice.  With team reach, there could be different groups, i.e. leaders, groups, etc.  Google reach would require Emily to get a number to use it.  Team Reach is an app.  Not everyone was a fan of that.  There are other messaging systems that could be a text/notification.  This would be a good reminder system (texting), all agree.  Emily will work to get that in place in October. 

Emily is out 9/22-10/3.  When she returns on 10/6, she will be in the field for work.  Wendy will be the first POC, Kristy will also be available. 

Awards Night – two date options – Emily is available 10/11, 10/18, 10/25.  Scott suggests 10/18.  10/25 is Youth Opening Day.  We will hold it on 10/18 at 6pm.  Location? In the past we’ve used Hermon Ambulance.  Emily does have the office conference room reserved.  Based on past attendance, it seems like the office would have enough space.  Guesstimate of 30ish attendees – the office would be fine. 

Dessert – bars, anything goes.  Emily will get ESE medallions and volunteer pins.  Should project records get ribbons or a pin?  Feedback is valuable. Some kids may value the ribbon, some probably don’t place importance on it.  Records are judged by the Danish system.  Emily will do pins and ribbons this year and then we can re-examine.  Suggest a sign-in so that Emily can send out a survey right after.

Z-Suite re-enrollment is open.   You will be able to see and select from both project years right now.  This would be a good item to ‘blast’ via the text system. 

Sept. 30 – Animal Commodity meeting in St. Albans.  Registration on z-Suites.

Science Center fall themed open house on Saturday, 10/11 from 10-1.  Can come in costume if you want. 

Awards night – 10/18, 6pm at the Penobscot Office. 

Leader’s meeting for October – 10/23. 

TSC Paper Clover 11/28-12/14. 

Application deadlines for the upcoming 4-H year – now open for 2026.  Emily will send out the link for National Trips.

Camperships –Adam B. – Going to ESE for beef.  Requesting $300.  Scott motions to approve, Donna seconds. All in favor.  Lucia abstained. 

Commodity/Event Grants – None.

Fundraising
Sock fundraiser – we discussed that the last time.  It would be easy to do.  We might be able to advertise during TSC paper clover days.  It would be good timing leading up to Christmas.  Lucia will set it up and send the information to Emily to share it out.  Emily will send Lucia the info again. 

Bottle drive – maybe spring of 2026? Donna will set up.   

BSF
Nothing on that tonight.

Application updates – next meeting. 

Next Meeting: October 23 – 6:00 pm

Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Annual Budget
Nominations
Staff Reports
Awards Night
Club Audits
Application Requirements – October
Camperships
Commodity Grants
Fundraising
Bangor State Fair

Scott makes a motion to adjourn at 8:12, seconded by Erin.  All in favor. 

Discuss fundraising opportunities in September/October.  Put it 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.

Club Audits are due between October and Dec. 31st

The 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

Nominations in October, vote in November, no meeting in December.

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).