{"id":6576,"date":"2024-01-04T14:25:15","date_gmt":"2024-01-04T19:25:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/?p=6576"},"modified":"2024-01-04T15:34:27","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T20:34:27","slug":"4-h-happenings-january-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2024\/01\/04\/4-h-happenings-january-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"4-H Happenings, January 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Contents<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#important-dates\">Important Dates<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#county-news\">County News<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#state-news\">State News<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#events-and-opportunities\">Events and Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#fairs-and-shows\">Fairs and Shows<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#for-volunteers\">For Volunteers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#leaders-meeting-minutes\">Leaders Meeting Minutes<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a id=\"important-dates\"><\/a>Important Dates:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>January 5, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2023\/12\/12\/4-h-happenings-december-2023\/#intent-to-sell\">Steer\u00a0Intent to Sell forms due for Fryeburg Fair<\/a><\/li>\n<li><b>January 10, 2024:\u00a0<\/b><a href=\"#volunteer-workshops\">4-H Volunteer Workshop \u2013 Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Programs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>January 15, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#intent-to-participate\">Steer Intent to Participate forms due for ESE<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>January 16, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#volunteer-journey\">Start your 4-H Volunteer Journey Part 1<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>January 17, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong>County Leaders\u2019 Association Meeting<\/li>\n<li><strong>January 23, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#volunteer-journey\">Start your 4-H Volunteer Journey Part 2<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>January 26, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong>Deadline to apply for <a href=\"#national-trips\">National 4-H Trips<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>February 5, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong>Deadline to register for <a href=\"#maple-sugaring\">Maple Sugaring 101<\/a><\/li>\n<li><b>February 13, 2024:\u00a0<\/b><a href=\"#volunteer-workshops\">4-H Volunteer Workshop \u2013 Be a Positive Communicator<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>February 17, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#dairy-quizbowl\">Maine Dairy Quizbowl<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>February 17, 2024: <\/strong>Deadline to submit <a href=\"#dairy-intent-forms\">Eastern States Dairy Intent forms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><b>March 12, 2024:\u00a0<\/b><a href=\"#volunteer-workshops\">4-H Volunteer Workshop \u2013 Finding Space for Mental Wellness in Every Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>March 27, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong>Deadline to register for <a href=\"#tide-workshop\">TIDE workshop series<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>April 8, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#solar-eclipse\">Solar eclipse<\/a> in Maine<\/li>\n<li><b>April 9, 2024:\u00a0<\/b><a href=\"#volunteer-workshops\">4-H Volunteer Workshop \u2013 Animal Science: Strong Relationships and Sportsmanship<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>June, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong>Citizenship Washington Focus trip<\/li>\n<li><strong>June 5, 2024:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#intent-to-sell\">Lamb Intent to Sell forms due for Fryeburg Fair<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"county-news\"><\/a>County News<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><b><a id=\"scholarships\"><\/a>Scholarship Applications Opening<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you have a junior or senior who is planning to go on to higher education after high school? There are some exciting scholarship opportunities available for 4-H members through the County Leaders Association, the Maine 4-H Foundation, UMaine, and others! Reach out to <\/span><a href=\"mailto:karen.giles@maine.edu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">karen.giles@maine.edu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> at the Extension Office for more information, requirements to apply, and deadlines for submissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"rockhounding-club\"><\/a>New RockHounding Club Opportunity Starting in 2024<\/b><\/h4>\n<p>We are looking for participants for a new Rockhounding SPIN club starting in 2024. This hands-on experiential club will feature in person and virtual learning modules, utilizing the Gem &amp; Mineral 4-H STEM Toolkit as well as other resources to study, identify and record rocks, gems, and minerals found in Maine. Participants will learn about the history of and discuss contemporary concerns regarding mining in Maine. We are planning to incorporate field trips to gem and mineral destinations, i.e. the Gem &amp; Mineral Museum in Bethel, Poland Mining Camp, and the Gem &amp; Mineral Show in Augusta. We plan to introduce special guest speakers in careers such as Geology, Paleontology, Earth Sciences, Oceanography, GIS, as well as introductions to other resources and groups. Please reach out to Karen Giles\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:karen.giles@maine.edu\">karen.giles@maine.edu<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"maple-sugaring\"><\/a>Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Not long after the New Year celebrations have ended and Maine hunkers down for several more weeks of winter, some farmers and landowners across the state turn their attention to maple sugar season. Depending on the weather, maple trees start to release their sweetness anytime between February and April and there\u2019s a lot of work to be done to prepare for collecting the sap and boiling it down into syrup.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Maple Sugaring 101 is a 6-week program open to Maine youth ages 9 and up who are interested in learning about the entire maple sugaring process. Participants will learn about forest management, tapping trees, transporting sap, using an evaporator, grading and storing syrup, and operating a maple sugaring business.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Each week, participants will learn about the process and connect with other young maple sugar makers through online meetings and in-person workshops led by Extension and University of Maine experts. Online meetings are scheduled for Wednesday evenings: <strong>February 7<\/strong>, <strong>February 14<\/strong>, and <strong>February 28<\/strong>. On-site workshops will be held at participating sugarhouses following the virtual sessions. Youth will need to travel to participating sugarhouses.<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_5993421455241639273gmail-docs-internal-guid-acf67281-7fff-3b3d-e6b2-13def3bfc4f3\">Enrollment in 4-H is required, but there is no cost. Enrollment ends <strong>February 5<\/strong>, 2024<\/span><\/p>\n<div>Please get in touch with\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:karen.giles@maine.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">karen.giles@maine.edu<\/a>\u00a0for more information in Somerset County.<\/div>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"tide-workshop\"><\/a>Tidepool Immersion Discovery + Ecology Workshop Series<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Explore the intertidal zone and help with marine science research! In this workshop, we will learn about animals you might find during low tide and use some amazing equipment to take awesome pictures on your phone to identify them. Along the way, we\u2019ll learn about invasive species, climate change, species identification, and how you can participate in research by just taking a picture. Please note that the ability to get to the beach and supervision are required (at least once, between sessions). Participants must have access to a durable digital camera (a phone is fine). This workshop is supported by Maine EPSCoR at the University of Maine. Register by March 27, so supplies can be mailed to attendees\u2019 homes.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dates:\u00a0Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00, <strong>April 9<\/strong>, 2024 through <strong>May 11<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In person field day at SMCC, South Portland (optional) scheduled in South Portland on <strong>April 13<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0(rain date April 14).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ages\u00a011-18<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most activities will be held via Zoom. Materials will be provided and shipped directly to participants before the workshop. In-person field day scheduled in South Portland on April 13 (rain date April 14th). Participants will be asked to visit the ocean at least once, at low tide, during this series. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Facilitators: Emily P. and Sam B.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/4-h-tidepool-immersion-discovery-ecology-workshop-series\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pre<\/span><b>&#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">registration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is required by <strong>March 27<\/strong>, 2024.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Come to Work at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove!<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove are now hiring for our spring and summer seasons! Positions include Educators, Counselors, Trip Leaders, and more. Please visit <a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/tanglewood\/employment\/\">our website<\/a> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">for more\u00a0information and to apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Young Explorers Early Childhood Enrichment<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Young Explorers at Blueberry Cove, our new early childhood enrichment program, is accepting registrations for 2024! The program focuses on play, sensory learning, and developing social skills in an outdoor setting. Explorers spend time with our camp animals, play at the forest and beach, and read stories. Ages 3 &#8211; 5, M, W, &amp; F from 9 am &#8211; 12 pm. Visit the <a href=\"\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/tanglewood\/st-george-school-programs\/young-explorers-day-program\/\">program page<\/a> for more information.<\/span><br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"club-news\"><\/a>Club News<\/h3>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"new-clubs\"><\/a>Are You Interested in New Clubs?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>We have some new clubs starting soon and will be looking for volunteers and members to join! Please reach out to Karen Giles\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:karen.giles@maine.edu\">karen.giles@maine.edu<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Embden, Goat Club<\/li>\n<li>Fairfield, Horse &amp; Mixed Club<\/li>\n<li>Anson, Cloverbud Afterschool SPIN club<\/li>\n<li>Palmyra, Mixed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i>Please share your club news- we\u2019d love to hear from you! Let us know what is happening with your club members. Reach out to\u00a0<\/i><i>karen.giles@maine.edu<\/i><i>\u00a0to share activities, highlights, awards, or events.<\/i><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"state-news\"><\/a>State News<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"events-and-opportunities\"><\/a>Events and Opportunities<\/h3>\n<h4><b><a id=\"solar-eclipse\"><\/a>Solar Eclipse Coming to Maine!<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On <strong>April 8<\/strong>, 2024 Maine will experience a full solar eclipse, a once in a lifetime opportunity!<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>What is a solar eclipse? <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When the moon orbits the earth, sometimes the moon moves between the earth and sun. At the right angle, the moon blocks the sun\u2019s light from reaching earth and causes a solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse the Moon\u2019s shadow is cast upon earth in certain locations.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>What is a total solar eclipse? <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A total solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are in a direct line. It is visible from only certain locations on earth during a solar eclipse when the center of the Moon\u2019s shadow hits the earth, the sky goes dark and we can experience changes in a short amount of time (temperature, sounds, etc.).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/plus.nasa.gov\/video\/space-place-in-a-snap-what-is-a-solar-eclipse-2\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This link will bring you to a short animation from NASA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0that explains what we will see during a solar eclipse and why it happens. Curious whether you\u2019ll be in the path of totality?\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eclipsesoundscapes.org\/eclipse-lookup-tool\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This solar eclipse look up tool\u00a0<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">allows you to see whether you will experience a total or partial solar eclipse on April 8<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stay tuned for more eclipse information and opportunities!<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>4-H Tick Project<\/b><\/h4>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/hancock\/4h\/tick-project\/\">4-H Tick Project<\/a>\u00a0is a community science project engaging K-12 youth and educators, made possible through a partnership between\u00a04-H Youth Development,\u00a0UMaine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab,\u00a0Maine Forest Tick Survey, and members of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.learningecosystemsnortheast.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learning Ecosystems Northeast<\/a>\u00a0partnership. The project provides youth an opportunity to explore ticks and tick-borne diseases, which is a connected story of climate, ecosystem change, and public health.<br \/>\n<b><br \/>\n<\/b>All educators\u00a0interested in teaching about ticks in Maine are encouraged to participate in the project\u00a0at no cost to you.\u00a0This is a great project for 4-H clubs,\u00a0SPIN clubs, homeschool groups, and more. For more information and to register, visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/hancock\/4h\/tick-project\/\">4-H Tick\u00a0Project webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"national-trips\"><\/a>National 4-H Trips for 2024\/2025<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/national-trips\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Trip websites<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> will be updated by the beginning of the year. They will be updated with as much information as known currently, and will continue to be updated as information is available. The State of Maine 4-H Program sends 4 delegates to &#8220;The National 4-H Conference&#8221; in Washington DC held in <\/span><b>April 2025. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(National Conference delegates for 2024 were selected this past year.) State of Maine 4-H also sends 4 delegates to &#8220;The National Congress&#8221; on <\/span><b>November 29-December 3, <\/b>2024<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">to be held in Atlanta, GA. Interviews for both these trips will be set for Friday and Saturday <\/span><b>February 9 and 10, 2024 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">via zoom. All online applications are due on <\/span><b>January\u00a026, <\/b>2024<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, to your county office. As with all of our trips, special thanks to the Maine 4-H Foundation for supplementing significantly to these trips. For more information or help with the interviewing process, please contact <\/span><a href=\"mailto:heidi.palmer@maine.edu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">heidi.palmer@maine.edu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CWF will be held on <strong>June 20-27<\/strong>, 2024 in Washington DC.\u00a0 We have reserved space for 15 Maine delegates. The cost will be in the area of $1200 + or -.\u00a0 We will most likely fly and will be staying at a different hotel than in the last couple of years. Be sure to connect with your county office and let them know your interest. They in turn will correspond, on behalf of their entire county to me.\u00a0 **They also will know if there is additional help in funding the trip through your county. A big &#8220;Thank You&#8221; to The Maine 4-H Foundation for significantly funding this incredible trip. <\/span><b>(County Offices, Heidi Palmer will need your delegate names by\u00a0March 20, 2024). <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This trip is amazing and very well known and liked. This trip will be on a first come basis. There are limited spaces as the program is only being run for 1 additional week from our spoken week. So only two weeks total. An orientation will be planned as we get closer and will be on the website and communicated to candidates directly. If you need more information, you can check the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/annual-events\/citizenship-washington-focus\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CWF UMaine website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in early January, or email, Heidi Palmer:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:heidi.palmer@maine.edu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">heidi.palmer@umaine.edu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>National 4-H Congress, November, 2023<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Congress this year was held in Atlanta GA.\u00a0 Maine sent 3 delegates and 1 chaperone in November.\u00a0 Congratulations to Kendall S. and Sadie O. from Cumberland County, Nathan D. from Waldo County, and our chaperone, Jenn Grant from Cumberland County.\u00a0 A very special &#8220;thanks&#8221; to Jenn for agreeing to chaperone.\u00a0 Congratulations to our Maine delegation!<\/span><br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"fairs-and-shows\"><\/a>Fairs and Shows<\/h3>\n<h4><b><a id=\"intent-to-sell\"><\/a>Fryeburg Market Animal Intents Now Available<\/b><\/h4>\n<p>Intent to sell forms for Fryeburg market projects are now available\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/animal-science-resources\">online<\/a>. Steers must be owned and in the possession of the 4-H member by\u00a0<strong>December 31<\/strong>\u00a0and intent forms, including RFID tags, bill of sale, and photos of the steer must be submitted by<strong>\u00a0January 5<\/strong>. Lambs must be owned and in the possession of the 4-H member by\u00a0<strong>June 1<\/strong>\u00a0and intent forms, including bill of sale, scrapie tag number, and photos of the animal, must be submitted by<strong>\u00a0June 5<\/strong>. For more information on 4-H market animal\u00a0projects please contact\u00a0your county cooperative extension office or call 207.581.3877.<\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"intent-to-participate\"><\/a>Maine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available<\/b><\/h4>\n<p>The 2024 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/animal-science-resources\/beef\/\">now available online<\/a>\u00a0and must be submitted by\u00a0<b>January 15, 2024<\/b>. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Beef Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September. Youth must be 12-18 years old as of\u00a0<strong>December 31<\/strong>, 2023 and have completed one year in a beef project prior to this year. Please contact Kristen Grondin,\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:kristen.grondin@maine.edu\">kristen.grondin@maine.edu<\/a>, 207.581.8193, with any questions.<\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"dairy-intent-forms\"><\/a>ESE 4-H Dairy Intent Forms<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The 2024 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form is available <a href=\"\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/dairy\/\">online<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. In order to be eligible for participation on the Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States Team this fall, 4-H members must submit their completed intent form online or to the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office before\u00a0<strong>February 17<\/strong>, 2024. Please contact Sadee Mehuren at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:sadee.mehuren@maine.edu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">sadee.mehuren@maine.edu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0or 207.342.5971 with any questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"dairy-quizbowl\"><\/a>2024 Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Contest<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl contest will be held on <strong>February 17<\/strong> at the UMA Randall Student Center in Augusta, ME. The contest consists of a general knowledge exam, individual questions, and buzzer questions. The contest will serve as the official tryout for the Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Team that will represent Maine 4-H at ESE this fall. All 4-H dairy project members ages 9-18, regardless of whether or not they wish to try out for the quizbowl team, are invited to participate. Contestants will be divided into two age divisions, Jr.&#8217;s ages 9-11 and Sr.&#8217;s ages 12-18.\u00a0 In the event of inclement weather on the 17, the event will be rescheduled for February 24.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>For a complete set of rules for the contest, study materials, and directions to the venue please visit the <a href=\"\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/dairy\/\">program page<\/a>. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mehuren at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:sadee.mehuren@maine.edu\">sadee.mehuren@maine.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"for-volunteers\"><\/a>For Volunteers<\/h3>\n<h4><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5424 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/02\/4h-clover.png\" alt=\"4H Clover\" width=\"125\" height=\"132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/02\/4h-clover.png 150w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/02\/4h-clover-105x111.png 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/><b><a id=\"volunteer-journey\"><\/a>Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you know someone who is interested in becoming a 4-H Volunteer? Tell them to Start Their 4-H Volunteer Journey!<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a two-part online informational session for adults interested in becoming Maine 4-H volunteers on <strong>January 16<\/strong> &amp; <strong>23<\/strong> from 6 &#8211; 7 p.m. \u201cStart Your 4-H Volunteer Journey\u201d will provide participants with information about the UMaine Extension 4-H youth development program through four short e-Learning modules. Attendees will also participate in an experimental learning activity, learn about the key aspects of positive youth development, and be introduced to ages and stages of youth. The two one-hour virtual sessions will wrap up with an outline of next steps and an introduction to a county staff contact to help with the application process if desired.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Registration is required. The sessions are free. To register, visit our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/start-your-4-h-volunteer-journey-training\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jennifer Lobley,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:jennifer.lobley@maine.edu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">jennifer.lobley@maine.edu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, 207.255.3345.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"volunteer-workshops\"><\/a>4-H Volunteer Workshops for the 2023-2024 4-H Year<\/b><\/h4>\n<p>We invite you to participate in our 4-H Volunteer Connections virtual workshops! Join other 4-H volunteers from the North East region to learn, share and engage with one another on a variety of topics related to 4-H. All workshops are free and offered via Zoom in the evenings from 6:30 \u2013 8:00 pm.<\/p>\n<p>Topics include:<\/p>\n<p><strong>January 10<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Programs<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>February 13<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Be a Positive Communicator<br \/>\n<strong>March 12<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Finding Space for Mental Wellness in Every Program<br \/>\n<strong>April 9<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Animal Science: Strong Relationships and Sportsmanship<\/p>\n<p>Click\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdi7p1q-kaQgxmfmr7oeVxv5GdU7KMtG_0Y71fBP2ZDrRBa0w\/viewform\">here<\/a>\u00a0to register now! Come to one or come to all! We look forward to connecting with YOU!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"leaders-meeting-minutes\"><\/a>Leaders Meeting Minutes<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>There was no meeting in December.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Next Meeting: <\/b><b><span data-rich-links=\"{&quot;dat_df&quot;:{&quot;fres_frt&quot;:1,&quot;dfie_ts&quot;:{&quot;tv&quot;:{&quot;tv_s&quot;:1705492800,&quot;tv_n&quot;:0}},&quot;dfie_l&quot;:&quot;en&quot;,&quot;dfie_p&quot;:{&quot;fres_frt&quot;:0,&quot;tres_tv&quot;:&quot;MMM d, y&quot;},&quot;dfie_dt&quot;:&quot;Jan 17, 2024&quot;,&quot;dfie_pt&quot;:3,&quot;dfie_tpt&quot;:0,&quot;dfie_tzi&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;type&quot;:&quot;date&quot;}\">Jan 17, 2024<\/span><\/b><b>, 5-7 p.m. at the Somerset County Extension Office. All club leaders are welcome!<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Contents Important Dates County News State News Events and Opportunities Fairs and Shows For Volunteers Leaders Meeting Minutes Important Dates:\u00a0 January 5, 2024:\u00a0Steer\u00a0Intent to Sell forms due for Fryeburg Fair January 10, 2024:\u00a04-H Volunteer Workshop \u2013 Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Programs January 15, 2024:\u00a0Steer Intent to Participate forms due for ESE January 16, 2024:\u00a0Start your 4-H [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":150,"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":[115,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6576","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-4-h-happenings-news","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>4-H Happenings, January 2024 - Cooperative Extension in Somerset 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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