4-H Happenings, August 2023
Contents
Important Dates:
- August 7, 2023: YOUth Have a Voice applications due
- August 10-19, 2023: Skowhegan State Fair
- August 13, 2023: Deadline for sign up for National 4-H trips
- August 20-24, 2023: Experience aquaculture at Hurricane Island
- August 31, 2023: YOUth Have a Voice proposals due
- September 15- October 1, 2023: Eastern States Exposition
- October 1- December 31, 2023: 4-H Membership Renewals due
- November 24-30, 2023: National 4-H Congress
County News
Come Visit Us at the Exhibition Hall at the Skowhegan State Fair!
Time to Submit Form 990-N to the IRS
You may now file 990-N for 4-H clubs and groups for tax year July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023. This is a reminder to the 4-H clubs and groups who file the 990-Ns on their own. This is to be done by November 15. This is required by the IRS on an annual basis. An EIN will be revoked after three consecutive years of failure to file. If you need assistance please reach out to Karen Giles at karen.giles@maine.edu
Submitting Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
To access the Form 990-N Electronic Filing system:
Sign in/create an account with Login.gov or ID.me: The IRS requires a Login.gov or an ID.me account to submit Form 900-N. Form 990-N filers should use the same email address associated with their IRS account.
Review the IRS Form 990-N Electronic Filing System (e-Postcard) User Guide (pdf) for step-by-step instructions on how to submit electronic Form 990-N (e-Postcard). Most common problems can be avoided by following the User Guide.
Opportunity for Environmental Education Activities at Yankee Woodlot this Autumn
Jessica Leahy at UMaine at Orono is teaching SFR452 Environmental Interpretation & Education this fall on Friday afternoons, and is having their Project Learning Tree and Project WILD training at the Yankee Woodlot behind the Somerset County Extension Office in Skowhegan. This training will be followed by an event for youth featuring environmental education activities. Homeschool groups, 4-H members, classroom groups, youth environmental outing groups, etc. are all welcome to participate! Please let Karen Giles know if you are interested in participating by August 11 at karen.giles@maine.edu.
Club News
Somerset County Clubs are busy at the fairs these summer months, with animal projects, exhibition hall entries, and volunteering at events! Good luck to all participants!
Please share your club news- we’d love to hear from you! Let us know what is happening with your club members. Reach out to karen.giles@maine.edu to share activities, highlights, awards, or events.
State News
Events and Opportunities
National 4-H Trips and National Congress
There is still room for more applicants to apply for National trips!
Therefore, we are opening up the process to accept more applications until August 11, 2023. Please let your teens know and encourage them to apply. All information is on the website for National Congress and National Conference. Please forward applications to Jessica Brainerd. Interviews will be scheduled in very early September and we will try very hard to accommodate schedules. The delegates who previously applied do not need to re-apply. I have notified them of this process. Any questions, please feel free to email heidi.thuotte@maine.edu.
Experience the wonder of aquaculture on the beautiful Hurricane Island campus August 20 -24, 2023!
Learn about this exciting way to make a living on the water as you immerse yourself in an experience that empowers you to take ownership of your own learning as you explore aquaculture on Hurricane Island. Gain first-hand experience in aquaculture and ecology while earning Levels 1 and 2 Youth Aquaculture MicroCredentials from UMaine 4 H Cooperative Extension.
With the guidance of our expert educators and research team on Hurricane Island, you’ll engage inactivities designed to serve different learning styles as you learn about scallop and kelp aquaculture. Build confidence in Water Chemistry, Biology and Husbandry, Systems and Operations as you are challenged to put your knowledge and skills into action on our 3.2 acre aquaculture farm. Our powerful island environment gives you permission to focus on being present in the place and with the people around you, whether you are scrambling along the coast, hiking through the forest, or sorting scallop spat on the pier. This sense of community forms the base from which everyone considers their own impacts through a variety of lenses, including sustainability, climate change, and the future of Maine’s fisheries.
Our programs offer the opportunity to take charge of your own education in meaningful and lasting ways as a skilled youth aquaculturist. No Cost to Students, and there will be transportation provided from several pick-up points. Space is limited. For specific questions about the program, please email John Van Dis at Hurricane Island jvandis@hurricaneisland.net. For transportation or logistics questions, please contact Beth Clarke elizabeth.clarke@maine.edu and Ryder Scott ryder.scott@maine.edu directly.
4-H Ecological Studies (4Est) SPIN Club
Did you know that YOU are a scientist and can contribute to the science community?!? This virtual 4-H citizen scientists club encourages youth to practice citizen science in their own backyard, with a variety of citizen science opportunities to consider, and report their observations while making connections with fellow citizen scientists in their community and around the state. Along the way, we’ll learn about Maine ecology and how you can participate in research by just taking a picture.
Tuesdays September 12 – October 17, 2023 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm via zoom. This SPIN club is open to up to 12 youth ages 12 – 18. Please register by August 30, so we have time to mail the materials to you home. To learn more or sign up, visit our web page.
Fall 2023 Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors Program
Who: This program is for all Maine youth ages 14 – 18.
What: This hybrid program will provide youth with an opportunity to connect to local agriculture, build relationships with industry professionals, develop professional and advocacy skills, and explore careers in agriculture. The 2023 fall cohort will explore careers and local agriculture through in-person field trips (limited transportation available), and by attending virtual meetings to grow their professional skill set (e.g. resume writing and interviewing skills). Additionally, youth will complete a personal reflective project exploring the role of agriculture and their future. This program includes mentoring in post-secondary opportunities as well as exploring current issues around food systems, livestock, crop sciences, aquaculture, climate issues impacting food systems, food equity, and more.
Why: The goal of the Maine 4-H Ag Ambassador Program is to provide experiences for youth to explore their interest in agriculture. The program focuses on:
- connecting youth with their local food systems and industries
- exploring the richness and diversity of the Maine food system
- developing “ag-vocacy” skills
- increasing access to career and post-secondary opportunities in agri-science and food systems.
Where: Virtually and in-person throughout Maine.
When: Virtual Meeting Dates: October 18 & 25, November 1 & 15
In-Person Meeting Dates: October 21, November 10, and December 2.
How: Interested in Joining? Register Online by October 11.
Fairs and Shows
Sign Up for the Skowhegan State Fair Youth Horse Show!
Skowhegan State Fair Youth Horse Show (pdf) is looking for more entries: There is still time to sign up! Electronic submissions close Tuesday, August 8, but registration is also allowed before 9 AM on the day of the event Thursday, August 10.
For Volunteers
2023 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities
As we get ready for the new 4-H year, we are looking forward to offering a variety of learning experiences (both in person and virtual) for our 4-H volunteers. Sessions are free of charge, but require registration. Some sessions have limited space. Visit the 4-H Volunteer Calendar of Training Opportunities to learn more and register!