{"id":9819,"date":"2025-12-11T14:22:52","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T14:22:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/?p=9819"},"modified":"2026-04-24T15:51:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T15:51:40","slug":"4h-newsletter-dec-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/2025\/12\/11\/4h-newsletter-dec-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter, December 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#calendar\">Piscataquis County 4-H Calendar<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#welcome\">Welcome to the Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#county\">County 4-H News<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#state\">State 4-H News<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong><a id=\"calendar\"><\/a>Piscataquis County 4-H Calendar<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>December 31:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Enrollment deadline for 2025 (Ignite, 4-H Congress, other National trips)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Late January:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Date\/time TBD: 4-H Public Speaking Workshop\/first meeting of Macaws 4-H Public Speaking Club<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>March 21: 12:30 &#8211; 3:00 pm, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Piscataquis County Speak Up 4-H! Showcase at Central Hall Commons in Dover-Foxcroft<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong><b>March 25-29:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ignite by 4-H conference in DC<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Welcome to the Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Welcome to the Piscataquis County 4-H online newsletter, where we\u2019ll keep folks updated on what\u2019s happening in 4-H around the county, state, and nation! We\u2019ll promote nearby in-person events and online opportunities for youth and families offered through UMaine Extension and other trusted community partners.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong><a id=\"county\"><\/a>County 4-H News<\/strong><\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Piscataquis County Extension Association 4-H Camp Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thanks to the Executive Committee and the Piscataquis 4-H Leaders\u2019 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 to expose 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\u2019s \u201cspark,\u201d and local funding feeds the flame.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/securelb.imodules.com\/s\/300\/13-ORONO\/foundation\/index-social.aspx?sid=300&amp;gid=13&amp;pgid=748&amp;cid=1912&amp;dids=673.542.1885&amp;sort=1&amp;bledit=1&amp;appealcode=O5454\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UMaine Foundation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>Buy Nothing Days<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Canadian artist Ted Dave initiated Buy Nothing Day in September 1992 as a protest against consumerism. In 1997, he moved the day to \u201cBlack Friday,\u201d the day after Thanksgiving, the biggest retail shopping day of the year in the US. The idea has gained traction over the years and feels especially resonant today, when we see footage of plastic and clothing waste choking waterways and wildlife. By sharing and circulating resources, Buy Nothing Days are a great way to practice community care and reduce waste. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Buy Nothing Day has become a Black Friday + Saturday tradition in Dover-Foxcroft. Trisha organized the first one in 2021, as people were beginning to return to indoor public events. In 2024, in collaboration with The Joy Truck and Hometown Holidays, Buy Nothing Day was also held at the Park St. Methodist Church fellowship hall in Milo. This year, The Joy Truck Kids 4-H had a successful Make It &amp; Take It table at the Legion Hall in Brownville Junction for Hometown Holidays.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trisha may be available to assist interested groups or individuals in organizing a Buy Nothing event in their Piscataquis County town. Email is best: <a href=\"mailto:trisha.smith1@maine.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trisha.smith1@maine.edu<\/a>.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ways to participate in Buy Nothing Days:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gather clean, gently used items that are ready for a new home<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make food to share<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bring materials and teach a craft<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Transport items and\/or people to the event space: check in with neighbors!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Help organize and display contributions<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Assist with clean-up<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There is no obligation to \u201cwork\u201d or contribute items. Everyone is welcome to take whatever sparks joy or fills a need, absolutely free.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>The Piscataquis County Extension Association\u2019s Annual Meeting and 4-H Year-End Celebration 2025 Cookie Contest<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>And the winners were:<\/strong> Alexis and Colby R., who worked as a team to make Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies.\u00a0 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9818 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy-276x300.png\" alt=\"Brother and sister holding their ribbon from winning the cookie contest 2025 in Piscataquis County\" width=\"276\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy-276x300.png 276w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy-943x1024.png 943w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy-768x834.png 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy-105x114.png 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy-317x344.png 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy-423x459.png 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy-634x689.png 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy-846x919.png 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy-951x1033.png 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Cookie-Contest-Winners-copy.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,276px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a9 Mel&#8217;s Kitchen Cafe: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.melskitchencafe.com\/easy-lemon-sugar-cookies\/\">Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies <\/a>*<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>Nightwings 4-H Archery Club<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9834 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X-231x300.jpeg\" alt=\"4-H Shooting Sports leader teaching 4-H Shooting Sports youth bow and arrow technique\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X-231x300.jpeg 231w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X-788x1024.jpeg 788w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X-768x998.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X-105x136.jpeg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X-317x412.jpeg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X-423x549.jpeg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X-634x824.jpeg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X-846x1099.jpeg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X-951x1235.jpeg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Shooting-Sports-X.jpeg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,231px\" \/><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Nightwings 4-H Archery Club is full! We\u2019ve had a couple of winter meetings at Cabot\u2019s horse arena in Sangerville. The arena is<\/span><b> not<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> heated, except for the bathroom. We\u2019ve learned that youth should dress for cold weather and consider bringing hand (and even foot) warmers! <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Youth are encouraged to set a learning goal as well as a performance goal for their 4-H Project Records. The Nightwings can work toward their performance goals even without bows and arrows at home by working their muscles, practicing posture, and taking aim in the mirror. Learning goals should expand archery knowledge and practice. Youth may choose to create art, write a paper, or make a presentation to show what they\u2019ve learned. We hope to see some great Fair exhibits come August!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>The Joy Truck Project 4-H Collaborative<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-9832 size-medium\" title=\"Photo taken by Trisha Smith\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Joy-Truck-Selfie-300x272.jpeg\" alt=\"Photo of 4-H Professional, 4-H Leader and two 4-H youth\" width=\"300\" height=\"272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Joy-Truck-Selfie-300x272.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Joy-Truck-Selfie-768x697.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Joy-Truck-Selfie-105x95.jpeg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Joy-Truck-Selfie-317x288.jpeg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Joy-Truck-Selfie-423x384.jpeg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Joy-Truck-Selfie-634x576.jpeg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Joy-Truck-Selfie-846x768.jpeg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Joy-Truck-Selfie-951x864.jpeg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Joy-Truck-Selfie.jpeg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brownville Junction&#8217;s first-ever Buy Nothing Days happened during the county-wide Hometown Holidays festivities. The event attracted folks from Dover-Foxcroft and Guilford as well as neighbors from nearby. Merrilee, Trisha, Danielle, and Addison got the Legion Hall open and were soon assisted by eager neighbors. We are ever grateful to Bernard Jones American Legion Post 92 for the space &amp; the Auxiliary for the lovely donations that greeted us when we arrived. Before we knew it, the room was filled with holiday decor, books for adults and children, lotions and baubles, glasses and handmade wooden art pieces, clothes, warm gear, shoes, and a beautiful heap of fir and cedar tips for wreath-making.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Joy Truck Kids, among other neighbors, enjoyed swapping and \u201cshopping,\u201d and even hosted their own Secret Santa in the legion hall kitchen. We met some new youth and their families who may join in on programming as our monthly winter gatherings continue. One young wreath maker commented that she loves to draw and expressed interest in makeup. Another local mother excitedly shared that her soon-to-graduate-college daughter, who is studying to teach, might find the 4-H Volunteer Leadership position and working for the Joy Truck right up her alley this summer. Over and over again, at these collaborative gatherings, seemingly small interactions are the mightiest moves towards building community and engagement.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In January (which Saturday TBD), the Joy Truck 4-H collaborative activity will be Hula Hoop Weaving. This activity is a great way to recycle clothes into \u201cyarn\u201d that can be woven into a circular rug on a hula hoop frame. Other activities over the winter and spring may include make-your-own-skincare, sewing, mending, alterations, and cooking. We plan on facilitating a field trip to attend the Speak Up, Piscataquis 4-H! public speaking showcase on March 21.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stay tuned for dates and details for January and beyond. Until then, fierce joy to you and yours!<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>In the Kitchen with Chef Ravyn<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the Kitchen with Chef Ravyn is feeding families while having fun with teens! Youth gain confidence in the kitchen while focusing on safety and communication. Our last Friday evening meeting will be on December 19 for pizza. Youth will practice their knife skills on vegetables for toppings, make sauce, and shape dough. Family and friends are invited to join us at 5 pm to top, cook, and eat pizzas! We are planning a baking workshop with a special guest during December break. Details will be discussed over pizza on the 19th.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>Ignite by 4-H<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For four days, teens from all over the country come to D.C. to collaborate, connect, and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world \u2013 becoming resilient and ready for everything life has to offer. Teens will immerse themselves in hands-on workshops, experiences, and activities in their key programming track of AgriScience, Animal Science, Community Accelerators, CWF @ Ignite, Healthy Living (featuring soccer), or STEM to continue to find their spark. With the addition of public speaking, career and life readiness, and presentation workshops, teens will be able to apply what they learn to their own lives and take a step forward to become Beyond Ready for the future. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Guess who\u2019s going from Piscataquis County? Find out in January\u2019s Piscataquis 4-H Newsletter!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>New Independent Art Explorations Club Forming!<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Independent Art Explorations had an introductory meeting on December 9. We worked on making cheerful holiday cards for shut-<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9831 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-185x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Youth making Christmas Cards for shut-ins\" width=\"185\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-185x300.jpeg 185w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-633x1024.jpeg 633w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-768x1243.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-949x1536.jpeg 949w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-87x140.jpeg 87w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-317x513.jpeg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-423x684.jpeg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-634x1026.jpeg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-846x1369.jpeg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X-951x1539.jpeg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/12\/Independent-Art-X.jpeg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,185px\" \/>in neighbors served by Eastern Area Agency on Aging while talking about ways to make marks on surfaces and discussing sketchbooks. Our next meeting will be on January 6, and from then on will be held on the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">second<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Tuesday of the month. Members must enroll through ZSuite by December 31.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Our January 6 focus is \u201cSketchbooks and Goal-setting: Art is a discipline!\u201d Youth are encouraged to bring their own in-progress sketchbooks, and Piscataquis 4-H will supply a basic Project Record\/Sketchbook to each club member. A variety of media will be available for experimentation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We&#8217;ll talk about artistic goals youth have for the coming year and put them in writing in their Project Records\/Sketchbooks. Besides its utility to the artist, this sketchbook can become an exhibit in the Piscataquis Valley Fair! Completed Project Record\/Sketchbooks are due at the end of the 4-H year (September 30), and will qualify for recognition at the Annual Meeting.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>Growing Piscataquis 4-H\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A one-hour live Zoom introduction to 4-H volunteering, plus Q and A with UMaine Extension\u2019s volunteer specialist, will be held several times over the next few months. The list of days and times can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/start-your-4-h-volunteer-journey-training\/\">Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey Training webpage<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Want to access the material on your own time? There\u2019s a new module available in ZSuite in the Clover Academy section! Content includes the concepts of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">positive 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you&#8217;re not a 4-H volunteer yet, and you&#8217;d like to become one, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/volunteers\/how-do-i-become-a-volunteer\/\">How Do I Become a Volunteer? webpage<\/a> for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There&#8217;s a new Lunch and Learn series that might be of interest if you&#8217;re considering volunteering with 4-H in any capacity. You don&#8217;t have to be a volunteer, and you don&#8217;t have to pre-register! Find the first Friday half-hour Lunch and Learn sessions on the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/4-h-volunteer-huddle\/\">4-H Volunteer Huddle webpage<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Have a skill to share, but can\u2019t commit to leading a club? Contact Trisha by email (<a href=\"mailto:trisha.smith1@maine.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trisha.smith1@maine.edu<\/a>) and make an appointment or stop by the office (hours: M, Th, F 8 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m.) to see Anette.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/volunteers\/how-do-i-become-a-volunteer\/\">How Do I Become a Volunteer? page<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and don\u2019t hesitate to reach out if you hit a snag.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Contact Trisha by email (<\/span><a href=\"mailto:trisha.smith1@maine.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">trisha.smith1@maine.edu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">) and make an appointment or stop by the office (hours: M, Th, F 8 a.m. &#8211; 4 p.m.) to see Anette.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong><a id=\"state\"><\/a>State 4-H News<\/strong><\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>Deadline Extended for National 4-H Trips!<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Great news! The application deadline for the National 4-H Conference and National 4-H <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Congress has been extended to December 14. Youth ages 14\u201318 are encouraged to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">apply for these incredible national leadership opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trip Dates:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National 4-H Conference: April 10\u201315, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National 4-H Congress: November 27\u2013December 1, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Interviews for both trips will take place the week of December 15. Selected applicants will <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">be contacted with their interview date and time.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Are you interested in learning about livestock animals (such as cows, goats, or sheep)? <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How do we care for them? How do you know what to feed them? How do you actually do <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">regular health checks and have proper housing? Join the 4-H Animal Science SPIN club. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We will have 3 virtual sessions focused on what livestock need to live a healthy life, and one <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">field day that provides hands-on experience. Set yourself up for success in your 4-H project <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">by learning the basics of animal care. Participants do not need any prior animal experience <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner\/introductory level program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a free opportunity for youth ages 9 \u2013 18.\u00a0 Virtual sessions will be on Thursdays, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">January 22, 29, February 5, 2026, 4:00-5:15 pm.\u00a0 February 12 will be an optional <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">session for youth who intend to participate in a 4-H livestock project. The final session will <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">be geared towards youth who are beginning their journey into raising livestock. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/virtual-learning-hub\/agriculture-animal-science\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Learn More <\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/virtual-learning-hub\/agriculture-animal-science\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and Register Here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> before January 9, 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>4-H Public Speaking Update<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You asked, we\u2019re excited! Performing Arts demonstrations will now be part of Speak Up, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maine 4-H, the statewide Public Speaking Program. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">From dramatic monologues to musical performances, this creative category is your time to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">express yourself and share your spark center stage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Performing Arts demonstrations include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a spoken introduction<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">your performance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and a spoken conclusion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges\u2019 support for all categories, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">will be available soon on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/public-speaking\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Speak Up, Maine 4-H website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and through county staff. Stay <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">tuned!<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>4-H Volunteer Corner: Your Corner for Connection, Tips, and Tricks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Nurturing Sparks (Part 3 of 3)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once you notice a spark, did you know you can actually help fuel it? 4-H volunteers support <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">youth sparks by facilitating exploration through varied activities, fostering a supportive <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">environment where questions are valued, encouraging exploration, and building <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">relationships that empower youth to discover and develop their passions. Connecting youth <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">with resources, mentors, or new opportunities is a great way to help fuel the spark. Other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ideas for you as a 4-H volunteer include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Modeling curiosity: <\/strong>Showing your own excitement for learning and discovery can <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">encourage youth to adopt a similar mindset.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Showing genuine interest:<\/strong> Listening actively to the youth&#8217;s thoughts, opinions, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">aspirations to build trust and encourage their self-expression can be powerful. Sometimes <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">we all need a sounding board.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Allowing for silence and space:<\/strong> Giving youth time to think, process information, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">formulate their own ideas without the pressure of immediate answers can be helpful. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Circling back to a topic after a few weeks, asking if they have given any more thought to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">something, or inquiring to see how you might help them with a next step, can help youth <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">feel supported.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>4-H Volunteer Huddle<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Join us for a short \u201cgather and learn session to help you up your game. We meet on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">first Friday of each month from 12:00 to 12:30 pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4-H volunteer or just getting started, there\u2019s something for everyone. We\u2019d love to see you <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">there! No registration required!<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dec. 5: Delegating\/Asking parents and other adults to help<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">January 2, 2026: Navigating 4-H Curriculum Resources<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>4-H Volunteer Connections<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">January 21, 2026: Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6:30-8:00 pm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Connect with 4-H volunteers from states in the Northeast region to hear inspiring 4-H <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">volunteer stories, including those recognized through the National 4-H Salute to Excellence <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Award. Come celebrate success, learn from peers, and strengthen your own impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Resource Spotlight<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Do you work with Cloverbuds (youth ages 5-8)?<\/strong> If so, check out these resources! <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We love our friends at Ohio State University for creating an amazing collection of<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/u.osu.edu\/cloverbudconnections\/click-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Explore hands-on 4-H Cloverbud activities designed for young learners.<\/strong><\/a> All organized by themes, there\u2019s something <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">for everyone! <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A welcoming environment is the cornerstone of a successful 4-H club meeting.\u00a0 Try <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/news\/icebreakers_for_4_h_cloverbuds\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Icebreakers for Cloverbuds<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">from Michigan State University!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Looking for some holiday craft ideas for younger youth?<\/strong> Check out this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/4-h.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/08094637\/4H-at-Home-Holiday-Activity-Guide-and-Cookie-Making-Recipes-2020.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Holiday <\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/4-h.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/08094637\/4H-at-Home-Holiday-Activity-Guide-and-Cookie-Making-Recipes-2020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Activity Guide (PDF)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> from the National 4-H Council. There is even a cookie recipe collection <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">included!<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>The Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter is published monthly.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>For questions or more information, contact:<\/strong> Anette Moulton, Administrative Specialist, by email at <a href=\"mailto:anette.moulton@maine.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">anette.moulton@maine.edu<\/a>, phone at 207.564.3301, or Trisha Smith, Positive Youth Development 4-H Professional, email <a href=\"mailto:trisha.smith1@maine.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trisha.smith1@maine.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Office Hours:<\/strong> Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>*Information on this website is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned in this website. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>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).<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Piscataquis County 4-H Calendar Welcome to the Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter County 4-H News State 4-H News Piscataquis County 4-H Calendar December 31: Enrollment deadline for 2025 (Ignite, 4-H Congress, other National trips) Late January: Date\/time TBD: 4-H Public Speaking Workshop\/first meeting of Macaws 4-H Public Speaking Club March 21: 12:30 &#8211; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[64,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9819","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-4-h","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter, December 2025 - Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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