September 4-H 4-U

September 9, 2026 4-H 4-U Newsletter, 4-H News

Table of Contents

Important Dates to Remember

  • September 10-13: Clinton Fair
  • September 11-13: Litchfield Fair
  • September 12: Garden Fest and Fun Run – 10 am – 1 pm
  • September 15: Ignite 2027 Application Deadline
  • September 17: Brewer Public Library 3-3:45 pm Seaweed Squishies
  • September 17: Next Leaders’ Meeting 6 pm
  • September 25-27: Common Ground Fair
  • September 27-October 3: Cumberland Fair
  • September 30: 4-H Super Sitters Virtual Series Registration Deadline
  • October 4-11: Fryeburg Fair

County 4-H News

Bangor State Fair Wrap Up

The Bangor State Fair wrapped up another successful year filled with hard work, learning, and community spirit. Youth, volunteers, families, and supporters came together to make this year’s event one of our strongest yet.

Our Exhibit Hall participants showcased an impressive range of projects—from animal science to STEAM creations to the arts. Thank you to Liam C., Sophia C., Leilani G., Seraiah G., Joseph S., and Lucas S. for submitting your beautiful work to the exhibit hall. The judges loved your creativity and thoughtful work. They look forward to next year’s exhibits!

A heartfelt thank‑you goes to the Cooperative Extension Program Staff, Meg Begley-Irish, Laurie Bowen, Jessy Brainerd, Kate Garland, and Scarlett Tudor, and her UMaine student interns, who joined us throughout the week to offer free, hands‑on educational activities for fairgoers. Their programs—including herb drying, flower pressing, a touch tank, seaweed squishies, beaded critters, straw rockets, and pollinator garden artwork. They brought creativity, science, and discovery to youth and families of all ages. Their presence added tremendous value to the fair experience and showcased the strength of Extension’s commitment to community learning.

We also celebrate this year’s Donor Award Recipients, who were selected for demonstrating outstanding qualities such as herdsmanship, leadership, sportsmanship, and project excellence. These awards reflect not only the skill of our youth but also their character, work ethic, and commitment to learning. We are grateful to the donors who make these recognitions possible and proud of the members who earned them. This year’s recipients are:

Kiwanis Breakfast Club Awards: Beef: Savannah B., Dairy: Andrew B. (Franklin), Goat: Kaylee K., Lamb: Logan S.
Perkco Herdsman Award: Adam B.
Donald Dorr Awards: Brody M., Braden R.
Merton E. Libby Award: Rhylee W.

Volunteers sent a special shout‑out to three outstanding members of the Franklin Working Steer Club: Howard W., Cooper M., and Carter D. These young men were everywhere help was needed—moving and adjusting weights for pulling events, assisting with steer and horse activities, repairing and cleaning the show ring, and even jumping in to help show dairy goats. Their willingness to pitch in, no matter the task, and always with a smile, embodied the true spirit of 4‑H.

This year’s Livestock Show and Auction was a tremendous success, with auction sales exceeding $108,000. Market lamb and market steer members excelled in the show ring, proudly exhibiting their projects before the judge and representing their clubs with confidence and skill. We extend our sincere appreciation to all buyers whose support directly strengthens youth agriculture in our county.

To every exhibitor, volunteer, judge, superintendent, parent, donor, and community member—thank you. Your time, energy, and encouragement made this fair possible. The success of this year’s event reflects the strength of our 4‑H community and the commitment each of you brings to youth development.

We look forward to building on this momentum as we head into a new program year together.

State 4-H News

Get Your Tickets: Maine 4-H Day at UMaine Football

Join Maine 4-H at the University of Maine on Saturday, October 17, as the Black Bears take on Bryant University! The game begins at 1:00 p.m.

Come early to connect with other 4-H members and families, learn about upcoming 4-H opportunities, and enjoy time together before cheering on the UMaine football team.

Tickets will be $15 per person. You can purchase your tickets on the 4-H Football Experience page. We hope you can join us!

4-H Super Sitters Virtual Series

Learn the basics of babysitting through our introductory 4-H Super Sitters Virtual Series! 4-H staff will introduce interested teens to the basics of babysitting – what questions to ask families, how to hold a baby and change a diaper, and the development stages of children.adult holding a baby doll during virtual babysitters with green background and white 4-H clover

This workshop is targeted for youth ages 11-18, with a maximum of 12 youth participants. The last session, December 1, will be a hybrid model, in-person location(s) to be determined. Register by September 30, 2026.

Who: Ages 11 – 18
When: Tuesdays, October 27 – December 1, 2026, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Where: Virtual – connect from home, we will mail key materials
How: For more information and to register for Zoom link, visit the 4-H Super Sitters Registration.

4-H Volunteer Storytellers

What makes someone choose to volunteer? What inspires them to keep showing up and making a difference? In this virtual 4-H SPIN club, teens will become Volunteer Storytellers, learning how to uncover and share the stories behind the people who give their time to help others. Together they will explore why volunteering matters and why recognizing volunteers is important. They’ll learn about developing thoughtful interview questions, practice interviewing skills, and conduct an interview with a real volunteer. Then use what they learn to create an engaging social media post that celebrates the volunteer and shares their story with the community.

Cost: Free
Who: Ages 14+
When: Tuesdays, October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Where: Virtual – on Zoom
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2026
How: Visit the Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub, registration information is posted under Healthy Living

Power Protectors: 4-H STEM Challenge

How much energy do we use and how can we power our world with sun, wind, and other renewable energy? Step into the role of an engineer in this hands-on challenge! We will explore basic energy concepts, figure out how much energy we use and experiment with alternative energy. We will apply problem solving, creative thinking and collaboration skills to design challenges. Register by September 3, 2026.Colorful illustrated poster for the “Power Protectors 4-H STEM Challenge,” featuring children and superhero-style characters, wind turbines, solar panels, and other renewable-energy technology.

  • Who: Ages 9 – 12
  • When: Mondays, September 19, 26 & October 5th 4:00-5:00 pm
  • Where: Virtual – connect from home, we will mail key materials
  • How: Visit the Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub, registration information will be posted under STEAM

Apply for the 2027 Ignite by 4-H Maine Teamwhite circle with the words ignite in it with colorful rays

Applications are now open for the 2027 Ignite by 4-H Maine Team. All Maine youth ages 14–18 are eligible to apply.

Ignite by 4-H will take place March 17–21, 2027, in Washington, D.C. Youth applying for the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) track should plan to attend March 16–21, 2027. Applications are due September 15, 2026. 2027 Ignite by 4-H Youth Application.

September 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!

September Volunteer Self-Check – Tell us How You Did!

The past couple of months we have shared information about developmental relationships- when you show an interest, create connections and offer encouragement, you are helping to build a strong relationship with youth. Take a little time this month to reflect on your developmental relationships with 4-H youth. Small actions create lasting impact. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How did I show a young person I care?
  • How did I challenge them to grow?
  • How did I support their goals?

Fill out this 4-H Volunteer Developmental Relationship Response form to answer any of the three questions by Friday, September 25th. Your name will be entered into a drawing for some cool 4-H swag! You Make a difference! Tell us how you do it!   

4-H Volunteer Summit

Saturday, November 7, 2026, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Registration Opens Friday, September 11, 2026

Come join us for a day of fun with your fellow 4-H volunteers and our awesome 4-H staff! YUP, we have a great line up of workshops and YES, our Discovery Zone is going to have so many 4-H programs and opportunities to learn about! From Ag Ambassadors and the Maine 4-H Foundation to a Touch Tank, Virtual Learning and more, we have something for everyone!  Check out the 4-H Volunteer Summit webpage and look for the registration link! Registration Opens Friday, September 11th! We can’t wait to see you there!

Resource Spotlight

As a 4-H volunteer, protecting your own well-being is essential to prevent burnout and sustainably guide youth. Set clear boundaries on your time, share responsibilities with co-leaders or parents, take regular breaks during busy project seasons, and remember that it is okay to say no to extra tasks. For more information, take a look at this self-care resource from Mississippi State University Extension. 

Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association

Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association Meeting Minutes – August 20, 2026

Attendance: Emily Pigeon (staff), Lucia Brown (Sec./Treas.), Scott Leeman (Pres.), Mariah Vinal

The meeting was called to order at 6:11.

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

Staff Report:
Who has meetings in September? Would like to stop by and be happy to bring the start of the 4-H year documents etc.

Current/Upcoming Events
8/27-30 Piscataquis Valley Fair
8/29-9/7 Windsor Fair
9/3-7 Blue Hill
9/3 Bangor Public Library – teen program 4-5 pm fish stomaches
9/10-13 Clinton Fair
9/11-13 Litchfield Fair
9/12 Field Day @ Rogers Farm 10 am – 1 pm
9/17-20 ESE Dairy
9/17 Brewer Public Library 3-3:45 pm Seaweed Squishies
9/17 Next Leaders’ Meeting 6 pm
9/24-27 ESE Beef
10/27-12/1 Virtual Babysitting Course (friendly reminder to check the virtual learning page – on Cooperative Extension/4-H)

Scholarships – none

Camperships – none

Commodity/Event Grants –
Scott Leeman is requesting $500 for the Pinetree Classic Youth Show to hire an ADGA sanctioned judge, rent fairgrounds, insurance, sanctions, also ESE dairy goat tryout.
4-H Youth from Penobscot County & others, 4-H Leaders are involved, non-4-H youth

Lucia makes a motion that we approve Scott’s request, Mariah seconds. Scott abstained.

Fundraising – We should discuss a possible bottle drive later in the fall. Look into a Clynk account.

BSF

Thank you for a great year! We had a meeting today, it went well.
*Chance for questions*
There is a chance we will be going back to two weekends next year
If anyone has any feedback for the exhibit hall let me know

Next Meeting: September 17, 2026 – 6:00 pm

Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Staff Reports
Scholarships
Camperships
Commodity Grants
Fundraising
Bangor State Fair

Scott made a motion to adjourn at 6:31 pm, seconded by Lucia. All in favor.

Contact:  Wendy Robertson, Administrative Specialist, by email at wendy.robertson@maine.edu or by phone at 942.7396.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination.
For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.