4-H News in Washington County – November 2024

November 1, 2024 4-H News, News

Table of Contents

Dates to Remember
Crafting Clovers 4-H Club
Conservation Career 4-H Club
4-H Science Fridays
Oh Yea 4-H Grows True Leaders
4-H Re-enrollment Reminder
News from the State

Dates to Remember

November 1: 4-H National Trips Applications Due
November 4: Oh Yea 4-H Felt Ornament Crafting of Harvest Emblems – Princeton Elementary, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m
November 9: Oh Yea 4-H Crossing Paths: Frank E. Woodworth Harrington Preserve, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
November 11: Maine STEM Film Challenge Registration Deadline
November 12 & 19: Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey Virtual Training
November 14–15: Maine Youth Action Network Conference, Augusta, Maine
November 16: Oh Yea 4-H “What Is Thanksgiving: A Latinx Perspective” – Mano En Mano, 2 Maple St. Milbridge, ME 04658 
November 23: Registration Deadline for 4-H Teen Leadership Civic Engagement Program: Youth Have a Voice
November 29: Washington County Deadline for 4-H Re-enrollment 
November 29-December 15: Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign
December 23: Ignite by 4-H Registration Deadline
December 31: State 4-H Re-enrollment Due
March 12-16, 2025: Ignite by 4-H Conference in Washington DC 
April 11-16, 2025: 4-H Conference in Washington DC
November 28 – December 2, 2025: 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA

 

Crafting Clovers 4-H Club

We got spooky at our club meeting in October as youth transferred their creating skills to seasonal crafts, including cotton ball ghosts, cardboard tube creatures and building a skeleton out of a bag of bones. These kids are mastering foundational skills like using scissors, tying and knots, artistic expression and spatial awareness as it relates to arts. A club volunteer also shared their experience with 4-H growing up, with a focus on dog training and showing, gardening and crafts.

Youth working on crafts at the club meeting. Youth showing off crafts made at the club.

 

Conservation Career 4-H Club

High school students went on their first site visit, shadowing a Maine Outdoor School (MOS) educator teaching outdoor lessons about the carbon cycle with local middle schoolers. Youth also got to meet the co-founder of MOS, Hazel Stark, when we stopped for lunch at Mibridge Commons – hearing more about the variety of work she does and how she got to where she is today. 

Youth exploring the outdoors at the Conservation Career Club meeting.

 

4-H Science Friday 

Becca Whitney, 4-H Community Education Assistant, made the last Science Friday session one to remember, utilizing her expertise as a Forensic Scientist to provide youth with an engaging opportunity to dive into the world of criminal investigation. Becca led youth through investigating a mock crime scene where youth secured the scene, identified evidence, took photograph evidence and collected evidence from the scene using protocol. Evidence was taken back to the “lab”, one of the classrooms on the University of Maine at Machias campus, to begin analyzing the evidence. Youth learned several protocol techniques, practiced using different scientific tools and conducted fingerprint analysis. 

That’s a wrap! October completed our 4-H Science Friday program for the 2024 year. We will be taking the next couple of months to plan for 2025. Keep an eye out for more information after the holidays!

Youth taking photos at Forensic Science 4-H Science Friday. 4-H CEA showing youth how to extract fingerprints at Forensic Science 4-H Science Friday. Youth extracting fingerprints at Forensic Science 4-H Science Friday. Youth taking their own fingerprints at Forensic Science 4-H Science Friday.

 

Oh Yea 4-H Grows True Leaders 

We’ve experienced great attendance thus far with 4-H kids bringing their family and friends along for the education and the festivities.  Oh Yea! 4-H Grows True Leaders succeeded with all these programs in October:

  • Fall Garland with Princeton Elementary’s 4-H
  • 4-H teens enroll in Extended Learning Opportunity through Maine Department of Education
  • Cultural Comparison – Calavera Mask-Making
  • Crossing Paths: Fall Foliage Hike at Pigeon Hill Preserve with Downeast Coastal Conservancy
  • Pumpkin Carving at UMaine Machias

4-H'ers on a hike! 4-H'ers on a hike! 4-H'ers on a hike!

4-H'er with a leaf garland creation. 4-H'er with a mask he created. 4-H'er carving a pumpkin.

For the month of November, Oh Yea! 4-H offers the following: 

  • 1st – Dia de los Muertos celebration, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Seacoast Mission, 6 Weald Bethel Ln., Cherryfield, ME 04622
  • 4th – Felt Ornament Crafting of Harvest Emblems – Princeton Elementary, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
    • Loteria, Calavera (skull) painting, face-painting, and food
  • 9th – Crossing Paths: Frank E. Woodworth Harrington Preserve, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at trail head
    • Tide-pooling and coastal exploration
  • 14th – 15th – Maine Youth Action Network Conference, Augusta, Maine
    • !!! Closed program, no vacancy !!!
  • 16th – “What Is Thanksgiving: A Latinx Perspective” – Mano En Mano, 2 Maple St. Milbridge, ME 04658 
    • Preparing a turkey, making tamales and/or other food that Latinos eat during American Thanksgiving

Although these programs have a core group of participants enrolled, all programs are open to new and interested members.  However, resources are often limited, so please call the UMaine Machias Cooperative Extension to register or explore interested programs or events at (207)  255-3345.

 

4-H Re-enrollment Reminder

Remember to re-enroll in 4-H! Here in Washington County we would like for you to re-enroll by November 29. 

All 4-H volunteer and members must re-enroll by December 31 to stay an active in the new 4-H year.

If you manage your family’s account via ZSuite, reenrollment is just a few clicks away:

Login at 4h.zsuite.org

·       Click on the PRIMARY profile and enter your 4-character PIN. 

·       Click on the name of the youth member you wish to enroll. 

·       Click on ENROLL MEMBER NOW.

·       Review/update the requested member information. When you are done with that, click NEXT

·       Here you will read and electronically sign the 4-H participation waiver(s), click NEXT

·       Here is where you will select your club or clubs and desired projects. There may be clubs and projects listed that carried over from your enrollment during the last program year.

·       To add clubs, select your county. This defaults to the county submitted when you created your account. You may need to select another county to find your desired club.

·       Select your Club from the drop-down menu. Select ADD CLUB.

·       To add projects for any of the clubs, select ADD PROJECT for the desired clubs. Select the desired project from the drop-down menu. Select ADD PROJECT and selection will be added to the club. Feel free to add additional clubs or projects. If you make a mistake or wish to remove a project, select the X and confirm you wish to delete the project.

When done making your selections, click Submit.

Enrollment records need to be active/green status before engaging in 4-H activities and to register for events.

If you do not use ZSuite, please contact Tara Wood at tara.a.wood@maine.edu or by telephone at 207.255.3345 to request paper forms.

 

News from the State

  1. Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign Launches This Month
    This season’s Paper Clover campaign will officially launch on November 29 and will run through December 15, showcasing 4-H during the busiest retail period of the year! Funds raised through the campaign are used to support 4-H Leadership activities and camp scholarships. Also limited edition, collectible 4-H holiday ornaments are also available in Tractor Supply stores nationwide.  Featuring three unique designs, 100% of the funds raised from ornament sales will benefit 4-H.
  2. Registration is Open for 4-H Teen Leadership Civic Engagement Program: Youth Have a Voice
    Youth have a Voice is a program for teens and recent high school graduates who are interested in taking a more active role in serving their local communities, the state, or the country.  Youth will learn leadership skills and ways to participate in civic action by completing a service project in a topic of their interest.Youth projects will be in one of the three categories:
    – Public Service Leader: Carry out a community service project of their choosing.
    – Youth Board Member: Join a board or advisory council as a youth representative.
    – Policy Leader: Provide input to a policy or rule being developed.The program is open for teens ages 14+ years old or entered high school in the fall of 2024. Teens are matched with adult mentors and 4-H staff advisors to provide guidance on their projects, assist their learning of civic processes and plan ways to meet project goals. The total time commitment may vary from 30 to 80 hours depending on the type of project. Monthly statewide program meetings will be online via Zoom and occasional in-person gatherings will be scheduled for participant availability at central locations.The program will admit new members in fall/early winter 2024 as resources become available. Interested teens will need the following items to register for the program:
    – Fill out the application form.
    – Two letters of recommendation from adults who are not related to the applicant.
    – Brief description (100 to 500 words) about why you are interested in this program.
    – A signed Program Requirement Summary Form.Registration is open through Saturday, November 23, 2024.  To register or learn more, visit our website. Individuals with questions or who need to request an accommodation, please contact Andrew Hudacs, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, 207.581.8204.
  3. Congratulations to the 4-H Sheep Team
    Seven Maine 4-H Members and fifteen of their Sheep proudly represented Maine at the Eastern States Exhibition this year.  Members took home some impressive awards including Champion Showmanship, Clara D.; Champion Lead Line, Laney K.; Champion Bred & Owed Ewe, Thomas F., First Place, Educational Display; as well as numerous ribbons in breed classes, skill-a-thon, and the lamb cook off.  Above all the members were able to connect with youth from other states and enjoy their time at the Big E.Highlights included riding on the 4-H float during the parade and taking a spin on the Sky High Super Wheel with fellow members from Massachusetts,  Connecticut & Rhode Island.
  4. Ignite by 4-H
    Who is eligible: All 4-H enrolled youth of high school age (14-18) 
    When is the event: March 12-16, 2025
    Where: Washington D.C. metro area at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
    Timeline: Applications need to be completed by Dec 23rd Cost: The Maine 4-H Foundation has graciously funded the majority of the registration and travel costs for youth.  Youth will be responsible for $300 towards the cost of the trip. We encourage youth to reach out to the County offices and programs to seek out additional funding support. If youth need help or assistance please have them contact tara.marble@maine.edu.
    Spark your imagination and passion! Join us from across the U.S. in Washington, D.C. for Ignite by 4-H! The four-day interactive summit helps teens find their spark through inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, off-site experiences, career exploration, and connecting with peers as an inclusive teen event in March 2025.Ignite is a step forward in the journey of becoming beyond ready. At Ignite, teens collaborate, create and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world—becoming resilient and READY for everything life has to offer. The possibilities are endless at Ignite by 4-H. Ignite will include:

    • High impact programming featuring immersive workshops and experiences, renowned speakers and industry leaders
    • Career exploration and work readiness opportunities
    • Networking and connection with like-minded peers
    • Skills to drive community impact
    • D.C. area experiences and activities

Other info can be seen on the official website here: https://4-h.org/events/ignite-by-4-h/ 
Applications are on a Google Form here or cut and paste this URL:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ0fe430u0YW_ngp4OwYSLMrCSv-EC8T6tUhejg1ZUQOJ-eQ/viewform?usp=sf_link. If there are any questions or concerns please contact tara.marble@maine.edu.

  1. Explore Maine’s Aquaculture Industry with Virtual Field Trips from 4-H
    Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) are an innovative way for youth to explore and learn about places and people that would otherwise be infeasible! These immersive, online experiences bring Maine’s thriving aquaculture industry to life—no travel required.Accessible at no cost, the Virtual Field Trips are designed to break down geographical and financial barriers, making high-quality, hands-on learning available to all. Register online to receive a link to the VFTs. Each field trip also comes with complementary 4-H activity guides and lesson plans to help facilitate meaningful engagement with youth.The first VFT currently available features the University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR), a large-scale, land-based aquaculture facility in Franklin, Maine. Additional virtual field trips are in development and will be rolled out throughout 2025 and 2026. These experiences offer insight into seafood production, workforce development, career exploration, and STEM concepts related to aquaculture technologies.To register for a virtual field trip, visit umaine.edu/hancock/aquaculture/vft.For more information: contact Carla Scocchi, 4-H Youth Development Professional, carla.scocchi@maine.edu. 
  2. Know someone who is interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer? Tell them about Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey!
    University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a two-part online informational session for adults interested in becoming Maine 4-H volunteers on November 12 & 19 from 6 – 7 p.m. “Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey” 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. Registration is required. The sessions are free. To register, visit our website.For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jennifer Lobley, jennifer.lobley@maine.edu, 207.255.3345.
  3. 4th Annual Maine STEM Film Challenge
    Join us for our 4th annual Maine STEM Film Challenge! Hosted by the STEM Outreach program at the University of Southern Maine, the Maine STEM Film Challenge is a fantastic fall semester opportunity open to students of any level. This challenge is self-paced and very easy to get started with.Divisions Include:
    – K-3 grades
    – 4-5 grades
    – 6-8 grades
    – 9-12 grades
    – Any college grade

Teams of 1 to 10 students storyboard, design, edit, and produce a 3 to 10 minute informational, multimedia video about any STEM topic of their choice. Films are evaluated on content, production quality, artistic merit, and accessibility. Groups of any kind are welcome to participate, including schools, community groups, and families.

Full challenge description, rules, rubrics, and past winning videos are available on the Maine STEM Film Challenge website: MSFC Website. If you’d like to be kept in the loop during the challenge season, click on the “Pre-Registration” link to get started! For more information, email msfc@maine.edu. Registration deadline is November 11, 2024.