4-H News in Washington County – September 2025
Dates to Remember
September 26: 4-H Science Fridays: Fall Phenology
October: Conservation Careers 4-H Club begins
October 3: 4-H Volunteer Huddle Training: Goal Setting and Planning for the Year
October 15: State Youth Council Nominations Due
October 15: Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey Training
October 16: Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey Training
October 24: 4-H Science Fridays: Forensic Science
October 30: Project Records Due
November 21: 4-H Re-enrollment Due
November 28 – December 2: 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA
“The display made for this event was simply fabulous! Congratulations on a job really well done.” This comment from a fair volunteer highlights the astounding projects that were submitted to the 4-H Exhibition Hall at the Washington County Fair August 23-24. The public was blown away by the innovation, creativity and hard work that 4-H youth put into these projects throughout the year. In addition to the 4-H Exhibition Hall, youth who attended the fair could participate in 4-H activities each day, the 4-H scavenger hunt, experience the touch tank courtesy of Hancock County 4-H, and speak to Théo, a 4-H entrepreneur who was making and selling his fly fishing ties.
Washington County 4-H thanks all the volunteers, youth and families who contributed their time, effort, skills and projects to the fair. We are grateful to have a wonderful relationship with the Pembroke Trotting Association and fair committee who make this event possible each year!
There were 36 exhibits from 11 exhibitors.
Best in Project
Animal – Lux M., Mini Horse Barrel Racing
Craft – Renezmae C., 4-H poster
Engineering – Peyton R., Wooden cell phone holder
Club Exhibit – Crafting Clovers 4-H Club, Community Service Project
Garden – Bentley C., Green Peppers
Best in Show
Craft – Quinn R., Wall Hanging of Stingray
Washington County 4-H Youth Showcase Talents in Annual Photography Contest
The creativity and dedication of Washington County 4-H youth were on full display this year as part of the annual Washington County 4-H Photography Contest. Open to all enrolled 4-H members, the contest encourages participants to develop their communication and expressive arts skills through the art of photography.
This year’s entries captured everything from the quiet beauty of rural Maine landscapes to vibrant moments of daily life, reflecting not only technical skill but also a strong sense of storytelling and personal perspective. This year there were twenty-one submissions from eight youth. “The photography contest is more than just taking pictures,” said Gabrielle Brodek, 4-H Youth Development Professional. “It’s about helping youth learn how to communicate meaningfully, observe the world around them more deeply, and gain confidence in their creative expression.” The submitted photos were proudly displayed at the Washington County Fair in August, offering the public a chance to admire the hard work and artistic eye of the young photographers.
Top blue ribbons in the senior division, ages 14-18, were awarded to Independent member Peyton R. for “Smile” in the action category, and Cobscook Currents 4-H member Soren D. for “Torrents of Water” and “Apple of my Eye” in the architecture and nature/landscape categories. Top blue ribbons in the junior division, ages 9-13, were awarded to Cobscook Currents 4-H members Théo M. for “Rango with a blueberry” and Ira D. for “Down by the bay…” in the animal and nature/landscape categories.
Judge’s choice awards were awarded to Cobscook Currents 4-H Club member Théo M. for “Rango with a blueberry” and Independent member Peyton R. for “Smile”. One cloverbud from the Crafting Clovers 4-H Club (ages 5-8) was awarded a judge’s choice award, Lux M. for “My Horse Loves Flowers”.
Photos were judged by Fern Hilyard, Marketing and Communications Assistant at Washington Academy; Cathy Lookabaugh, Community Outreach Manager at Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Robert McCollum, President of the Roque Bluffs Community Center.
Photographs from the annual photography contest were on display August 23-24 at the Washington County Fair. The public loved seeing the beautiful pieces of artwork on display and complimented youth on the quality of the photos. Youth who participated in the 4-H scavenger hunt at the fair had to look at the photos to find an answer to a question! The photographs will be displayed at the Porter Memorial Library in Machias for the month of September in the Children’s Area (downstairs). Be sure to stop by and see them!
Another 4-H year begins on October 1! Re-enrollment instructions will be sent out soon, so keep an eye out for them in your inbox! All volunteers and members must complete re-enrollment by November 21. If you are experiencing issues using the online portal, ZSuite, please contact Tara Wood at tara.a.wood@maine.edu or 207.255.3345 for assistance.
Tell us all about your 4-H year through a project record! We want to know what skills you worked on, what goals you set, and your thoughts about 4-H. Project records will be due to the office on October 30, 2025, so if you haven’t already, get started by visiting our project records webpage. As always, contact the office with any questions you may have!
Club Updates
Conservation Career Club
The Conservation Career Club invites youth ages 14-18 who attend Washington Academy, Machias High School, or are homeschooled in the area, to participate in the second year of this unique club. From November to April the club will embark on monthly site visits with local career professionals in the area of conservation to gain insight into their daily work, how their work ties into conservation, and their career paths. This club is meant for any high school aged youth who wants to learn about careers in conservation, are not sure what they want to do after high school, or learn what careers are available in the county. Thanks to the Maine Career Exploration Program, youth are able to earn minimum wage for all site visits and time spent as a club! Please contact Gabrielle Brodek at gabrielle.brodek@maine.edu or 20.255.3345 for more information.
See our club webpage for more information.
Crafting Clovers
This year the club has selected PAWS Brave Hearts, the animal shelter in Calais, as their community service partner. Members decorated a donation for PAWS that will be at the Calais Free Library for the month of September, collecting items for cats and kittens.”Our club has done local trash clean ups around the library and this year we are partnering with PAWS to help their need for kitten food” says Tanya, the club leader.
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4-H Science Fridays
Youth discovered the power of blueberries at August’s meeting by mixing blueberry juice with various substances and observing color changing reactions. Blueberry juice acts as an indicator when mixed with acids and bases.
We have two more Science Fridays this year!
September 26, 2025: Fall Phenology
Changing leaves signal the shift from summer to fall, a drop in temperature, and slightly shorter days. Join us in taking part in a NASA community science protocol, Green Down, to help monitor this shift in seasons.
October 24, 2025: Forensic Science
Become a forensic scientist in a “who done it” scenario that will have youth participating in scientific procedures and working as a team to figure out who the culprit is.
For more information and to register visit the program webpage.
Oh YEA 4-H Grows True Leaders
News from the State
State Youth Council
The Maine 4-H State Youth Council nomination form is now open!
The Maine 4-H Youth Council is a chance to step up, speak out, and represent 4-H across our state. As part of this leadership group you’ll connect local and state programs, amplify youth voice in 4-H, and promote 4-H events from Maine to the national stage.
Nominees must be between the ages of 16-24 years of age and must have participated in 4-H for at least 2 years (club, independent, after school, school-based, mentoring or camp program). Nominations are now accepted from 4-H staff and directly from members.
If selected, the requirements of the Youth Council are that members be an active participant (participate in 80% of meetings) and participate in the youth council project chosen for the year. The council meets a total of 6 times per year, 4 on zoom and 2 in person.
Nominations from Extension staff and self-nominations will be accepted.
We are currently looking for youth representation from all counties plus 4-H Camps and Learning Centers and CYFAR/Northstar/OhYea programs.
Nominations are due October 15th. Nomination Google Form: https://forms.gle/aVrdVavUU6JJVCCL7
Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey: A Path to Making a Difference
Do you know someone passionate about youth development and community involvement? Share this opportunity to learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer through Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey! 4-H volunteers play a crucial role in the program’s success, whether it’s by starting a club, sharing their skills through short-term programs, or helping with local 4-H events.
If you or someone you know is thinking about becoming a 4-H volunteer, now’s the perfect time to learn more! We’re offering free one-hour virtual sessions to guide potential volunteers on their journey. You can choose from the following sessions:
October 15th from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
October 16th from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Additional session dates and times are available on the program webpage. The informational sessions are free, but registration is required. Be sure to sign up online today! For more information or if you need a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Jennifer Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu or call 207.255.3345.
Help spread the word and encourage others to become part of the 4-H volunteer family!
Join the 4-H Volunteer Huddle!
4-H volunteers are invited to participate in the new monthly training series: the 4-H Volunteer Huddle! These quick, engaging sessions take place virtually via Zoom on the first Friday of each month from 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Step onto the sideline for a fast-paced “gather–learn–discuss” session and then jump right back into the game of 4-H! Each month will feature a different topic designed to boost your skills and strengthen your strategy—you choose the sessions that interest you most.
The kickoff session will take place on October 3 and is titled, “Goal Setting and Planning for the Year”. Start your 4-H year with confidence! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn simple strategies for setting goals, staying organized, and making the most of your 4-H experience.
Details:
When:First Friday of each month
Time: 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free
Registration Required:
Login to ZSuite and go to Events, or click here to register (must be logged in to ZSuite).
For more information, to register by telephone or email, or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact: Tara Wood tara.a.wood@maine.edu, 207.255.3345.