Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter, September 2026

August 31, 2026 4-H

Table of Contents

Piscataquis County 4-H Calendar

  • September 5: Meet Brownville’s new Town Manager, 3-6:00 pm. Fun and food for the whole family! Davis Field, Brownville
  • September 12: Joy Truck 4-H, 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Railyard Runway/Kids Only Art Show, 2:00 pm. Register youth participants
  • October 1: New 4-H Year Begins! Current volunteers and youth members must re-enroll by December 31.
  • November 7: 4-H Volunteer Summit, 8:30 am- 3:30 pm. Maine Arts Academy, Augusta
  • November 13: Extension Association Annual Meeting, Bernard Jones American Legion Post 92, 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.

September County 4-H News

Piscataquis 4-H Volunteers

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.

Piscataquis Valley Fair August 26-30 

Another Fair year in the books! Thanks to everyone who helped set up, clean up, and staff the Bell Building. Congratulations to all the 4-H’ers (and their families) who exhibited and participated. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Build It Tall at the Bell Building Youth hands trying to see how high they can build with cards, cups, straws, and ice cream sticks.

People of all ages tried out the Build It Tall challenge in the Bell Building. Folks tried many different strategies to achieve free-standing structures. Completing construction in 2 minutes turned out to be the limiting factor for many would-be champions. The tallest structure exceeded the reach of our official yardstick: 50 ⅛”

Nightwings 4-H Archery Club.

The Nightwings typically meet weekly at a horse arena in Sangerville through the summer, with a reduced schedule in winter. Their meetings are focused on target practice. Youth must be enrolled in order to participate. 

The Joy Truck Project 4-H Collaborative

On Saturday, August 22, Bernard Jones American Legion Post 92 & Legion Auxiliary hosted a family fun day in the field between the Legion Hall and The Joy Truck. The Legion put up a huge tent canopy and invited everyone in the area to celebrate the USA’s 250th birthday with a barbecue, bounce house, and outdoor games. It was a great opportunity for the neighborhood to get a closer look at The Joy Truck and see kids engaged in learning and exploring.

Joy Truck 4-H members had a lot of fun exploring the creative process of block printing on clothing with guest artist Faith Sickler. The kids began by sketching and designing their own images that they then traced onto tracing paper and then transferred onto printing blocks. Then, after carefully carving out their designs, they applied ink to the stamps and then pressed their designs onto clothing of their choice to wear for the Railyard Runway. It was a lot of fun! At the end, the kids hung up their clothing to dry, and Faith printed a few pieces to donate for the fashion show.

The Joy Truck Recycles! 

Help supply the Joy Truck Kids with clothes and other cast-off items for weaving projects, puppets, and other creative explorations! Drop off donations at the Extension office in Dover-Foxcroft during open hours (M, Th, F 8-4).

Save/collect for Joy Truck Kids to repurpose:

  • T-shirts and knit tops
  • Paper towel and toilet paper tubes
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Paper bags
  • Bottle caps
  • Yarn
  • Paint and other art and craft supplies

4-H Sketchbook Club (aka Independent Art Explorations)

Several 4-H Sketchbook Club members exhibited in the Piscataquis Valley Fair. Their art exhibits all earned Blue ribbons. The judges were impressed with the quality of work demonstrated, and appreciated the courage it takes to show one’s art to the public.

Railyard Runway and Kids Only Art Show & Sale

Youth interested in fashion, styling, and art are invited to join The Joy Truck 4-H Collaborative in Brownville Junction on September 12 at 10 am. Kids ages 5-18 will practice walking and posing with confidence, complete fashion looks using thrifted materials, and help set up and decorate for the runway and art show.

Participants will have opportunities to explore fashion and styling, modeling, photography, and event production. Lunch will be provided. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents and other supportive adults are welcome to lend their assistance and expertise. Please register youth participants so we have enough food and supplies for all.

The runway show begins at 2 p.m. and will feature restyled and upcycled looks created and modeled by Joy Truck youth and members of their 4-H community.

Refreshments and the Kids Only Art Show and Sale will follow. Funds raised through the art sale will benefit Bernard Jones American Legion Post 92 in gratitude for the organization’s generosity and support.

Please register youth participants! 

Introduction to Machine Sewing

We’re looking forward to more bite-sized sewing workshops from Rhonda Kirkpatrick in the new 4-H year. Keep your eye out for notices!

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.

Besides the interview with 4-H staff, all steps to becoming a 4-H volunteer can be completed online, on your own schedule. The Maine 4-H Volunteer Orientation is newly available in ZSuite in the Clover Academy section. Content includes concepts of youth development and the 4-H Thriving model, experiential learning, ages and stages, and highlights the three-way partnership between USDA/NIFA, UMaine, and county government. The module should take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. A certificate will be generated and emailed to you at the end.

The Lunch and Learn series provided a chance for 4-H volunteers to discuss an aspect of 4-H volunteerism. The sessions might be of interest if you’re considering volunteering with 4-H in any capacity. Find recordings of the first Friday half-hour Lunch and Learn sessions on the 4-H Volunteer Huddle webpage.

Lastly, 4-H Volunteer Connections are structured to offer connection, engagement, and networking for 4-H volunteers in the whole Northeast Region (CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, and WV)! These Zoom meetings start with “connection before content,” fun icebreaker games and conversation. We then move to the evening topic, sometimes led by experts from different states or volunteers as teams or panelists. Volunteers get the chance to spend time in breakout rooms with individuals from other parts of the region to share ideas and learn from one another. Watch past sessions of 4-H Volunteer Connections here.

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 during the hours we’re open (Monday, Thursday, Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm) 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 during the hours we’re open: (Monday, Thursday, Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm) to see Anette.

September State 4-H News

Save the Date: 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!

Power Protectors: 4-H STEM Challenge

How much energy do we use, and how can we power our world with the sun, wind, and other renewable energy sources? 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.

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 Team

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.

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 developmental stages of children. 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, with 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: Visit the Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub; registration information is posted under Healthy Living

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

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 short 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 lineup 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!

Resources 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.

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 207.581.8182, or Trisha Smith, Positive Youth Development 4-H Professional, by email trisha.smith1@maine.edu.

Office Hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

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).