4-H News in Washington County – January 2025

Table of Contents

 

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Dates to Remember

January 12: Speak Up, 4-H Workshop in Hancock County
January 13: Registration Deadline for 4-H Climate Civic Action SPIN Club
January 15: 2025 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form deadline
January 22: 4-H Volunteer Connections: Preparing for Youth Engagement
January 24: 4-H Science Friday, Launching into Engineering 
February 4: Speak Up, 4-H Virtual Workshop
February 2: Oh Yea 4-H Grows True Leaders Regional Youth Council, Freeport
February 4: Speak Up 4-H: Showcase Your Spark! Virtual Workshop
February 19:  4-H Volunteer Connections: Building Connections for Success
March 1: 2025 Maine 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl tryouts
March 1: 2025 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form deadline
March 3: Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarship deadline
March 8: Speak Up, Washington County 4-H Event
March 12-16: Ignite by 4-H Conference in Washington DC 
March 19: 4-H Volunteer Connections: Growing Beyond the Ribbon
April 5: Speak Up, Maine 4-H Event in Orono
April 11-16: 4-H Conference in Washington DC
May 16-18: Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE)
November 28 – December 2, 2025: 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA

 

Egg Business Project

 

4-H Science Fridays 

4-H Science Fridays are back for 2025!

Engage in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) topics and skills with 4-H staff and volunteers throughout the 2025 year! Targeted for youth ages 9-15, this program allows youth to explore a variety of STEAM projects through hands-on activities that build curiosity, confidence and a growth mindset.

Each month 4-H Science Fridays will have a specific theme. We will meet for an hour and a half, 3-4:30pm, at the University of Maine at Machias. The program is free, registration is encouraged, as the maximum number of participants is 20.

Goals

• Become more familiar with the University of Maine at Machias campus
• Engage in high quality STEAM activities that relate to youth interests and sparks
• Promote interest and enjoyment in STEAM
• Foster a sense of belonging with peers and adults

January 24, 2025: Launching into Engineering 

We’re going to start 4-H Science Fridays off with the bang – or in this case, a fling! Youth will be introduced to the engineer design process and will be tasked with building a working catapult using simple materials.

Register for the January session and find out about more upcoming 4-H Science Fridays on the website!

 

Cobscook Currents Club Update

The club spread holiday cheer as they made and decorated dozens of homemade gingerbread cookies to add to hand-delivered gift bags for elderly residents in the greater Edmunds area. Participating in this service project has become a tradition for the club, thanks to Debbie Leighton, who has been organizing the project for over 30 years. 

 

Conservation Career Club Update

In December, teens learned what roles Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) employees take on in Washington County. Starting at the new Meserve Head in Machias, youth met with Dacey, MCHT Land Steward, to learn about the labor, community collaborations and discussions, and ecosystem considerations are needed to make a new site and trail system possible. Then, Jacob, our local Land Protection Manager discussed what the process looks like when considering and purchasing potential new land. The club got to finish the day by helping clear one of the local trails with Kyle, another MCHT Land Steward. Overall, teens had the opportunity to shadow a variety of MCHT professionals, including Cathy, MCHT Outreach Manager, who also co-leads this club, ask questions about their line of work and the journey they took to get there, as well as deepen their connection to place. 

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Oh Yea 4-H Grows True Leaders

Oh Yea! 4-H Grows True Leaders is still recovering all the programs we ran last season and from the holidays. Along with our community partner, Mano En Mano, we will have a calendar of events in February’s newsletter which will feature the programs offered to everyone in the community between 8 and 18 and those only available to our veteran members.

Please stay tuned while the senior members of our youth leadership team plan the trajectory of our spring program. We will accomplish this by holding our first Regional Youth Council at Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment in Freeport, ME on the weekend of Feb. 2.

Five of our most dedicated teens from Washington County’s Oh Yea!4-H will meet up with our counterparts from Cumberland County, Androscoggin County and the University of Vermont. This concentrated group will decide how to address the needs of in their respective communities and will represent the Northeast region at national meetings and conferences.

Although our calendar of events is yet written in stone, we are moving forward with our collaboration with Maine Coast Heritage Trust with monthly wildlife excursions around the county. The first of adventure for the season will be January 11 at Boot Head Preserve in Lubec. “This will be about a two-mile loop with lots of cool stuff along the way: a bog, a beach, and views of the ocean,” says Cathy Lookabaugh, the leader of our joint program, Crisscrossing Paths.

Furthermore, 4-H professional, Jason Palomo is working with Misha Norris from Healthy Acadia in trying to secure more avenues of transportation for our group. Finally, eight members have been selected to attend Ignite by 4-H: The Ultimate Teen Summit for the second year. Our travelers will be comprised of half veterans and half new members who have never attend a national conference.

Rest assured, Oh Yea 4-H will continue to introduce leadership skills in the themes of food systems, healthy living, S.T.E.M., career exploration, community service, and cultural diversity and celebration. Please contact the Washington County Cooperative Extension at (207) 255-3345 with any 4-H interests.

 

Speak Up, 4-H Workshop in Hancock County

Once again, Hancock County 4-H is extending the invitation to all Washington County youth! Do you LOVE to talk? Want to share more about your sparks and interests? Want to challenge yourself? Then sign them up for Speak Up, Maine 4-H Workshop!

Hancock County will be hosting a public speaking workshop on Sunday, January 12th from 2:00 – 4:30 pm. By attending this workshop, youth will begin to learn what it takes to give a good presentation and get the chance to practice the skills they learn in small groups. Small snacks and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so sign up today on the Hancock County Speak Up, Maine 4-H website to reserve your place or contact the Extension Office at 207.667.8212.

 

Speak Up, 4-H: Showcase Your Spark Virtual Workshop

 

Speak Up 4-H: Showcase Your Spark 

All Washington County 4-H youth are invited to participate in our newly named Public Speaking Tournament on Saturday, March 8th from 1:00-4:00pm in the Reynolds Center at the University of Maine at Machias. The snow date is Sunday, March 9th 1:00-4:00pm in the same location. The state showcase will be held on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at the University of Maine in Orono. The snow date is Sunday, April 6th. More details to come on our website.

 

News from the State

1. 1. Open Spots for 4-H Teen Leadership Civic Engagement Program: Youth Have a Voice!
      4-H 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. Projects can vary from environmental, social, or economic issues.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 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.Registration is open through January, 2025.  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.
   2. Summer Camp at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove
      Registration for Summer Programs at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove 4-H Camps opens on January 6, 2025, at 6 PM. We would love to see you at one of our 4-H Camps this summer! 1 and 2-week overnight camps, day camps, outdoor trips, and teen leadership camps are open for anyone to attend. This is a great opportunity to diversify your 4-H experience and continue building awesome skills. Scholarships are available from the Camps and the 4-H Foundation to help with tuition costs.Some sessions fill up fast! To start planning your summer experience, please check out the program pages on our website which have more information and dates. We are excited to welcome you to the Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove Family! For questions, please email or call Emma at the contact information below.Website: umaine.edu/tanglewood
      Email: extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu
      Phone: 207.789.5868
   3. 4-H Volunteer Connections: Register Today!
      We are offering THREE virtual interactive sessions this winter for all 4-H volunteers! Join us for regional training and networking opportunities with 4-H volunteers from our 13 states in the North East Region! Session topics include the following:- Preparing for Youth Engagement – January 22, 2025 – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
      – Building Connections for Success – February 19, 2025 – 6:30 – 8:00 pm
      – Growing Beyond the Ribbon – March 19, 2025 – 6:30 – 8:00 pmTo read more about each session and register, go to this link!  https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/volunteer-connections/Sign up for one, two, or all three! Sessions are free, but you must register! Questions? Reach out to Jen Lobley at lobley@maine.edu We hope to see you there!
   4. 2025 Engineering Week Expo
      The Maine Engineering Promotional Council (MEPC) Engineering Expowill be held Saturday, March 8th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the University of Maine Field House in Orono.  This family-friendly FREE event invites the community to explore the world of engineering through demonstrations and hands-on activities. The 4-H Science and Engineering Center will be there along with Maine engineering firms, schools, government agencies, and societies who are invested in engaging young minds in career pathways involving engineering. For more information on the Engineering Expo please go to the website:  https://www.engineeringme.com/expo.
   5. Maine Science Festival
      The Maine Science Festivalwill be held March 19-23 times TBD in February at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. This FREE event includes a Field Trip Day for 7th- 8th graders, a Teen Tech Night, and Exploration Stations that include demonstrations and hands-on activities involving the sciences. Be sure to put it on your calendar because it really is a fun event! For more information on the Maine Science Festival please go to the website: https://www.mainesciencefestival.org/.
   6. Public Speaking – Save the Date!
      The state Public Speaking event will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the University of Maine in Orono. The snow date is Sunday, April 6. Stay tuned for events and details on our website Please contact your local county office for information about your local events happening soon.
   7. 4-H Climate Civic Action SPIN Club
      This is a 3-part series for youth ages 12-18 that will dive into real world issues and what we can actually do about them. Together we will learn about climate change from a global perspective, a local perspective and explore opportunities for individual action to make a difference. This will involve hands-on, minds-on learning to unpack this big topic.This is a free opportunity for youth ages 12 – 18, and will take place over Zoom on Mondays January 27, February 3, and February 10, from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Register before January 13, 2025.
   8. Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club
      Are you interested in learning about livestock animals (such as cows, goats, or sheep)? How do we care for them? How do you know what to feed them, how do you actually do regular health checks and have proper housing? Join the 4-H Animal Science SPIN club. We will have 3 virtual sessions focused on what livestock need to live a healthy life and one field day that provides hands-on experience. Set yourself up for success in your 4-H project by learning the basics of animal care. Participants do not need any prior animal experience or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner/introductory level program.This is a free opportunity for youth ages 9 – 18, and will meet over Zoom from 4:00 – 5:15 pm on Wednesdays, January 22, 29th, and February 5, 2025, February 12th will be an optional session for youth who intend to participate in a 4-H livestock project. The final session will be geared towards youth who are beginning their journey into raising livestock. Parents are encouraged to attend this session with their child. Register before January 7, 2025.
   9. 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. 
   10. 4-H Science Toolkits
       Maine 4-H has a lending library of 4-H Science toolkits. These come with activities and materials around a variety of topics. Recent additions include:- eBird Explorers, exploring Ornithology for Cloverbuds
       – Harmful and Shifting Species, which examines species impacting the Maine coast
       – Power Protectors, which involves exploring energy use and an introduction to renewable energy through engineering design challenges.Reach out to your local 4-H staff person or email 4-HScience@maine.edu to make a reservation or with any questions.
   11. 4-H Dairy Quizbowl – Save the Date!
       The 2025 Maine 4-H dairy quizbowl tryouts will be held on March 1st at the Randall Student Center at the University of Maine Augusta. The contest will start at 10:00 AM with the written exam, followed by the individual questions portion and then the buzzer rounds.This event will serve as the official tryout for the Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Team. The top four eligible 4-H members will be selected to represent Maine 4-H at The Big E in the regional dairy quizbowl contest in September.Maine 4-H dairy quizbowl tryouts are open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members ages 9-18. Youth will be divided into two age categories, Jr. ages 9-11 and Sr. ages 12-18. If you plan on attending please notify Sadee Mehurenvia email at mehuren@maine.eduso that we can prepare for the event.For more information on the event including the contest rules, please visit extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy-quizbowl/.
   12. ESE 4-H Dairy Intent Forms Available Now!
       The 2025 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form is available online at https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy/. In order to be eligible for participation on the Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States Team next fall, 4-H members must submit their completed intent form online or to the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office before March 1, 2025. Please contact Sadee Mehuren at mehuren@maine.eduor 207.342.5971 with any questions.
   13. Maine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available
       The 2025 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form is now available onlineand must be submitted by January 15, 2025. 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 December 31, 2024 and have completed one year in a beef project prior to this year. Please contact Kristen Grondin, grondin@maine.edu, 207-581-8193, with any questions.
   14. Market Beef at Fryeburg Fair
       The 2025 Maine 4-H Intent to Sell a Market Beef Project at Fryeburg Fair is now available for eligible youth. The animal must be owned and in the youth’s possession, and the youth must be enrolled in their county by December 31, 2024. More information and the form are available on the Maine 4-H Beef page.  Online forms must be submitted, and paper copies must be postmarked by January 6, 2025.
   15. Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarships
       Every year, the Maine 4-H Foundation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to participants in the Maine 4-H Program pursuing higher education, this participation includes traditional club membership, as well as the many other ways youth can engage with 4-H, including at our Camp and Learning Centers. Dozens of different scholarships are available to applicants, and a single application is used for all.To find out more about available scholarships, and access the application and templates, visit the Maine 4-H Foundation website. Applications are due to your local UMaine Extension county office or one of our 4-H Learning Centers by March 3, 2025.
   16. Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales
       Maple Sugaring 101, also known as Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise, is a 7-week hybrid program open to Maine youth ages 9 to 18 who are interested in learning about the entire maple sugaring process and how to create a commercial grade syrup. Participants will learn about forest management, tapping trees, transporting sap, using an evaporator, grading and storing syrup, and operating a maple sugaring business.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 University of Maine Cooperative Extension experts. Online meetings are scheduled for weekday evenings, 5pm-6pm in February and March. On-site workshops will be held at participating sugarhouses following the virtual sessions. Exact dates will be released in January 2025.This program will also prepare youth for a new Level 1 digital badge called Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise. Youth who complete the program will get free access to the learning modules to earn the digital badge.Club leaders who would like to have their club participate in this program, please contact your 4-H County Professional or Andrew Hudacs by Monday, January 27, 2024: hudacs@maine.edu, 207.581.8204.Youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register. Travel beyond their home county may be required to attend onsite sessions if a sugarhouse is not available locally.For more information, please visit the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/annual-events/maple-sugaring-101/
   17. Save the Date: Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE)
       The Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE) will take place from May 16 – 18, 2025 at the Windsor Fairgrounds in Windsor, Maine. More information can be found on their website, and entry forms and schedules will be available in 2025.