Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter, October 2025

October 3, 2025 News

Table of Contents

Piscataquis County 4-H Calendar

  • October 6: 3:30 p.m., Nightwings Archery-Required Informational session for 4-Hers and parents/guardians, Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds, Dover-Foxcroft
  • October 17: 3 p.m., Cooking with Ravyn-Informational session, Central Hall Commons event space (upstairs), Dover-Foxcroft
  • October 18: 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Joy Truck Kids 4-H activities, American Legion Hall, Brownville Junction
  • October 20: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Piscataquis County Executive Committee Meeting, Extension Office, Dover-Foxcroft
  • October 24: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Piscataquis County Extension Association Annual Meeting and 4-H Year-End Celebration, Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church chapel
  • October 25: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Dover Cove Farmers’ Market, last outdoor market of the season, Piscataquis Ice Arena, Dover-Foxcroft
  • October 25: 1 p.m.- 4 p.m., Community Volunteer Fair, Central Hall Commons, Dover-Foxcroft
  • October 31: 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Table Treats Halloween event, Brownville Junction American Legion Hall, Brownville Junction

Welcome to the Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter

Welcome to the Piscataquis County 4-H online newsletter, where we’ll keep folks updated on what’s happening in 4-H around the county, state, and nation! We’ll promote nearby in-person events and online opportunities for youth and families offered through UMaine Extension and other trusted community partners.

County 4-H News

Piscataquis County Extension Association’s Annual Meeting and 4-H Year-End Celebration.John dressed in a carrot suit

Friday, October 24, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church chapel. 

The Executive Committee members will be introduced and the officers will be installed. 4-H youth, volunteers, and staff will reflect on the past year and share ideas for the future.

QR Code for 2025 Annual Meeting

The build-your-own taco bar, featuring locally produced ingredients, will be provided by the PCEA’s Executive Committee. 4-H’ers will bake a batch of their favorite cookies for the first Annual People’s Choice Cookie Contest. The public, as well as family and friends of 4-H’ers, are invited to join in this free community celebration. Seating is limited. Please RSVP through the Piscataquis County Extension Association Meeting and 4-H Year-End Celebration form.

Piscataquis County Extension Association 4-H Camp Fund

The Executive Committee of the Piscataquis County Extension Association works in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Piscataquis County Commissioners to ensure UMaine Cooperative Extension maintains a presence in our county. These volunteers also support our programs in more direct ways by judging at events, connecting staff and community, and raising funds. The Executive Committee has committed to making the 4-H camp experience cost-free for Piscataquis 4-H families. There are four Maine 4-H camps around the state, each offering a variety of programs for youth. State and other funding streams specifically for Maine 4-H camps and campers reduce the financial burden on families, and our Executive Committee is working to eliminate it.

Thanks to the Executive Committee and the Piscataquis 4-H Leaders’ Association, John R. was able to attend Maine Sports Afield at Bryant Pond without cost to his family. Maine Sports Afield introduces teen campers to a wide variety of hunting and fishing opportunities with the goal of exposing them to proven tactics and tips for greater success in the field or on the water. John learned a lot about animals and their habitats and met peers as well as adult mentors, and is thinking about going to college to study Wildlife Biology. 4-H has helped fan John’s “spark,” and local funding feeds the flame.   

Checks and cash contributions to the Piscataquis 4-H Camp Fund may be mailed or dropped off at the Piscataquis County Extension Office, 165 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, or donate electronically to the Piscataquis County Gift Fund through the UMaine Foundation.

Nightwings 4-H Archery Club.  Archers Shooting Bows

It’s a new 4-H year and time to (re)enroll in 4-H! Youth must be enrolled in order to shoot arrows with 4-H. Meetings are on Monday afternoons and are generally focused on target practice. The Nightwings Archery club is looking forward to meeting year-round in an indoor horse arena in Sangerville, hopefully beginning in November.

The first meeting of the season is on Monday, October 6, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds. The kids will get a chance to shoot after we talk to everyone. We hope to see at least one parent/guardian from each family.

The Joy Truck Project 4-H Collaborative.  Girl with mask on in front of the Joy Truck

The Joy Truck Kids 4-H will be meeting year-round in Brownville Junction!

Brownville Junction American Legion Post 92 has generously offered their building for 4-H activities one Saturday a month. Our first meeting will be on October 18, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. We’ll have materials to create masks and spooky decorations!  

In the Kitchen with Chef Ravyn

Piscataquis County’s newest 4-H leader is Chef Ravyn VanHelsing. They will be offering a 6-week introductory class for kids ages 12 and up in the new commercial kitchen at Central Hall Commons. Youth will be introduced to kitchen safety, recipe alteration and design, affordable prep, knife work, and much more. The art and science of food is essential to life and a skill everyone needs. From planning meals and mixing ingredients to seasoning and plating, food can be fun and beautiful!

Come to the information session on October 17, 3 p.m., at Central Hall Commons to learn more!

Growing Piscataquis 4-H 

4-H programming in Piscataquis County depends on caring adults to share their time and skills with youth. From leading or co-leading a club to helping with transportation or snacks, growing 4-H takes a community! Maine 4-H is working to offer more support and make volunteering less intimidating with some new initiatives.

A one hour live Zoom introduction to 4-H volunteering, plus Q and A with UMaine Extension’s volunteer specialist, will be held several times over the next few months. Find the dates and times on the Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey Training page. 

If you’re not a 4-H volunteer yet, and you’d like to become one, visit the How Do I Become a Volunteer? page for more information explaining the process. 

There’s a new Lunch and Learn series that might be of interest if you’re considering volunteering with 4-H in any capacity. You don’t have to be a volunteer and you don’t have to pre-register! Find the series sessions on the 4-H Volunteer Huddle page. 

Have a skill to share, but can’t commit to leading a club? Contact Trisha by email (trisha.smith1@maine.edu) and make an appointment or stop by the office (hours: M, Th, F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) to see Anette.

Piscataquis County 4-H welcomes caring adults who want to make more opportunities available for our youth. Completing the application, introductory training, background check, and interview may be daunting, but we will help you through it. Get started on the How Do I Become a Volunteer? page, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you hit a snag.

Contact Trisha by email (trisha.smith1@maine.edu) and make an appointment or stop by the office (hours: M, Th, F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) to see Anette.

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 summit
  • Collaborate to create a resource for younger Maine 4-Hers

Track Options and 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 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 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 through the Robotics Training for Educators form 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 D.C.
4-H Congress: November 27 – December 1, 2026 in Georgia

Find more information and the online application on the National 4-H Trips page.

Fall Open House

The Fall Open House will be held Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 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 visit the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center webpage 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 18 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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 the Girl Scouts of Maine website.

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 a.m. – 2 p.m. 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, visit the Tanglewood Fall Family Day event page 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 two 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 six times per year, four on Zoom and two 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 15. Use the 2025 Youth Council Nomination Form to nominate.

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 a 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! Find opportunities on 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

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 -12:30 p.m. 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 via Zoom from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android.
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 p.m. Stewarding Human and Animal Health Through Effective Biosecurity Practices Free!

Register through the Qualtrics form by Oct 10.

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 and Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey Training on Oct 15, 6 – 7 p.m. or Oct 16, 3 – 4 p.m.

Resource Spotlight

Check out 4-H Volunteer Ventures! These 30-minute episodes examine the fun, but sometimes a confusing role of the 4-H volunteer.

The 4-H Volunteer Ventures Organizational Skills episode 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!

The Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter is published monthly.

For questions or more information, contact: Anette Moulton, Administrative Specialist, by email at anette.moulton@maine.edu, phone at 207.564.3301 or Trisha Smith, Positive Youth Development 4-H Professional, email trisha.smith1@maine.edu.

Office Hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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