4-H in Washington County – August 2023
Dates to Remember
August 18: 4-H Science Friday- DNA, Strawberries and You
August 18: Come Grow with 4-H Garden Exhibit Registration Deadline
August 26 & 27: Washington County Fair, Pembroke
August 31–September 4: Blue Hill Fair
September 12–October 17: 4-H Ecological Studies (4Est) SPIN Club
October 18–December 2: Fall 2023 Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors Program
We had a blast at July’s 4-H Science Friday, Kite Making! With the help of local 4-Hers and volunteers, youth and families built kites of all kinds that you could see flying around the campus mall at the University of Maine at Machias. Join us for August’s 4-H Science Friday, DNA, Strawberries, and You on August 18! Register here: extension.umaine.edu/washington/4-h-science-fridays-at-umaine-machias.
The Cobscook Currents 4-H Club worked on a community service project! They cleared quite a bit of weeds, burdocks, and debris, from a community member’s front yard! A thunderstorm sent them to their cars early, but they promised to return to complete the work. Thank you to the club volunteers and members for all of your hard work, traveling, weeding, good spirits, and small tokens of caring.
Gabby, the 4-H Youth Development Professional, joined the club. When she handed the community member a small bouquet of wildflowers, he responded , “Thank you. No one ever gave me flowers…”
Cobscook Currents 4-H Club– made the best, better!
Washington County Fair Scavenger Hunt
Update: The Washington County Fair Scavenger Hunt will be available at the 4-H tent at the Washington County Fair on both Saturday, August 26th and Sunday, August 27th. Youth can complete the list of items and clues to win a completion prize AND enter their name in a raffle to win a $50 prize (prize available both days)!
Come Grow with 4-H Garden Exhibit at the Washington County Fair
Reminder: Please remember to register for the Come Grow with 4-H Garden Exhibit by Friday, August 18th! For more details and to register, visit the Come Grow with 4-H Garden Exhibit website [extension.umaine.edu/washington/4-h-garden-exhibit].
Washington County 4-H Photo Contest Update
We received 34 submissions for the 2023 Washington County 4-H Photo Contest! We will be announcing the results soon!
2023 Blue Hill Fair Exhibit Information
To learn out more about exhibiting in the Blue Hill Fair, visit the 2023 4-H Blue Hill Fair Exhibit Hall Information Booklet [ https://www.bluehillfair.com/pdf/2023/2023-4-H-Information-Booklet-2.pdf].
News from the State
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 30th, so we have time to mail the materials to you home. To learn more or sign up, visit out 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 11th.