4-H News in Washington County – February 2026
Dates to Remember
February 17-20: Winter Ecology Camp
February 17-20: Winter STEM Virtual Workshop Series
February 18: 4-H Volunteer Connections: AI for 4-H: What to Know and How to Use It
February 19: Oh Yea, College Visit
February 21: Winter Family Fun Day at Middle River Park
February 23-March 10: 2026 Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales
February 25- April 1: Intro to Artificial Intelligence Virtual Club
February 27: 4-H Science Friday
March 2: Maine 4-H Foundation Post Secondary Scholarship Applications Due
March 3-24: 4-H Maine App Challenge Series
March 6: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! Public Speaking Tournament Registration Deadline
March 6: 4-H Volunteer Huddle
March 7: 4-H Dairy Quiz bowl tryouts
March 7: Oh Yea, Planetarium and Greenhouse Tours
March 14: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! Public Speaking Tournament in Calais
March 15: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! Public Speaking Tournament in Calais Snow Date
March 21: Oh Yea 4-H, Ice Skating Trip
April 10-15: 4-H Conference in Washington DC
April 11: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! State Public Speaking Tournament in Orono
April 12: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! State Public Speaking Tournament in Orono Snow Date
This winter has blessed us with plenty of snow, some sunshine, and chilly temperatures. It’s a perfect recipe for Downeast Coastal Conservancy’s annual Winter Family Fun Day at Middle River Park on Saturday, February 21st from 10am-2pm. You can check out the 4-H table to explore model ice cores and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife table for interactive fun. Don’t forget to customize your cardboard sled for the competition at noon!
Text for Winter Family Fun Day: Saturday Feb. 21st at Middle River Park, 10: Frosty Feet Snowshoe Run led by Bold Coast Runners, 11-1: 4-H table and winter activity, 11-1: Maine DIF&W interactive table, 11-2: Cobscook Shores gear trailer providing cross-country skis and snowshoes for youth to use, 11-2: Campfire, hot dogs, and s’mores, 12: Custom cardboard sled competitions, awards for furthest distance and best design, Downeast Coastal Conservancy logo, photos and clipart of winter scenes including youth in a cardboard sled, snowy forest scene, bridge covered in snow and cross country skiing
Speak Up, Washington County 4-H!
Whether you are preparing an act for our new Performing Arts category, mastering skills of a demonstrative or illustrative talk, or excited about the location change, there is plenty to look forward to this public speaking season!
The Speak Up, Washington County 4-H: Showcase Your Spark! Event will be held at Washington County Community College on Saturday, March 14th at 1pm. Register by Friday, March 6th.
Don’t forget to review the Resources to Assist You in Planning Your Presentation.
*Notice that all youth are required to make a statement about how their talk is connected to 4-H*
Club Updates
Cobscook Currents
Members of the Cobscook Currents 4-H Club attended an ice fishing derby recently!
Crafting Clovers
The Crafting Clovers met up on a chilly Saturday to use their hands to create a new fiber craft, weaving on a paper plate! We all thought the set up was easy-peasy, until we got to the first three circles of weaving. It was hard getting started but we got the hang of it! Because of the difficulty of the craft, youth had the opportunity to utilize their regulation skills, stepping away and taking breaks when needed, asking for help, and preserving to reach their goal of a finished product.
Reminder: February’s club meeting on Saturday, Feb. 21st is cancelled. Calais Free Library has invited all Crafting Clovers to attend their Love your Library event on Saturday, Feb. 7th!
4-H Science Friday
4-H Science Fridays kicked off the 2026 year with a very fun, interactive exploration of watersheds. Youth helped build up a landscape in an enviroscape model and observed how runoff and pollution occur in a watershed.
Join 4-H Professional, Gabby Brodek for 4-H Science Friday: Thin Ice-Walkers on Friday, Feb. 27th 3-4:30pm where youth will learn the science behind walking on ice and play games related to surface tension. For more information and to register visit the program webpage or contact Gabby Brodek at gabrielle.brodek@maine.edu or 207.255.33445
LCOC Parent Engagement Night
4-H Professional, Gabby Brodek, led youth who attend LCOC’s afterschool program in an ice core modeling activity where youth got to investigate the layers on an ice core and make claims about what they think happened at that moment of time in the past. Youth found innovative ways to melt their ice cores and deconstruct them. Gabby will be back in March to lead youth through a circuit activity.
Oh Yea 4-H Grows True Leaders
February
Thurs., Feb. 19 from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
LOCATION: Mano en Mano, 2 Maple St., Milbridge, ME (for transportation to university)
College Visit to Husson University’s New England School of Communications: 4-H teens interested in touring the campus of one of Maine’s top institutions of higher education will receive transportation from our community partner, Mano en Mano. As our members approach the end of their high school career, 4-H is here to help them pursue their educational goals in agricultural coursework or other majors.
Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
LOCATION: Middle River Park, Machias, ME
Winter Family Fun Day: OH YEA! 4-H will join Downeast Coastal Conservancy’s annual winter competition where participants race homemade sleds for speed and distance. A panel of judges will vote on the best sled design. 4-H members will provide an activity table for the public and explore their cooking skills by providing warm snacks and drinks.
March
Saturday, Mar. 7 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Mano en Mano, 2 Maple St., Milbridge, ME (for transportation to University of Maine)
UMaine Planetarium and Greenhouse Tour: Back by popular demand, 4-H members and their families can see the University of Maine’s planetarium presentation at Versant Power Astronomy Center. While one group watches the show, the other group will tour the Dwight B. Demeritt Greenhouse on campus, and then they will switch.
Saturday, Mar. 21 from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
LOCATION: 90 Acme Rd, Brewer, ME 04412
Ice Skating at Penobscot Ice Arena: OH YEA! 4-H will join Mano en Mano for the third year of healthy exercise on the ice. We will occupy the entire arena, and our 4-H teens will prepare a nutritious lunch of traditional Mexican tortas. Youth of all ages are encouraged to attend with their entire family. Please register beforehand.
April
Fri., April 10 – Sun., April 12
LOCATION: Mano en Mano, 2 Maple St., Milbridge, ME (for transportation to hotel.)
Swiss Chalets Village Inn, 457 Intervale Resort Loop, Intervale New Hampshire
OH YEA 4-H Northeast Regional Youth Council – Conway, NH: A few teen delegates from OH YEA 4-H will confer with members from other OH YEA sites from Maine and Vermont for our annual youth council. The council will share successful experiences and make decisions for OH YEA’s future trips, projects, and goals. Members will complete an application of interest for participation.
Mon., April 20 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
LOCATION: Mano en Mano, 2 Maple St., Milbridge, ME (for transportation to university)
Visit to University of New England: 4-H teens interested in touring the campus of one of Maine’s top institutions of higher education will receive transpiration from our community partner, Mano en Mano. As our members approach the end of their high school career, 4-H is here to help them pursue their educational goals in agricultural coursework or other majors.
Wed., April 22 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and Thurs., April 23 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Rayitos de Sol Garden behind Mano en Mano, 2 Maple St., Milbridge, ME
Rayitos de Sol Community Garden Day: OH YEA 4-H members will hone their gardening skills with our new community garden at Mano en Mano. Younger 4-H members will meet indoors on Wednesday’s garden day to start seed germination. The next day will take place outdoors and will require the help of 4-H teenagers to prepare the garden for the entire community. The community will follow the leadership of Incredible Edibles (Women for Healthy Rural Living) as we tend to the crops. Food will be provided.
Sat., April 25 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
LOCATION: Rayitos de Sol Garden behind Mano en Mano, 2 Maple St., Milbridge, ME
Dia de los Niños: OH YEA 4-H members will have their first food-themed escape room at Mano en Mano’s annual Children’s Day Celebration. Like the past years, there will be games, screen printing, face-painting, crafts and learning tables for youths of all ages to enjoy. Culturally significant
food will be provided.
May
Sat., May 9 from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
LOCATION: Mano en Mano, 2 Maple St., Milbridge, ME
Dia de Las Madres: OH YEA 4-H teens will support Mano en Mano’s biggest cultural event of the spring. Come join the Latinx community of Milbridge as they show their love and respect for their mothers with food, entertainment, and crafting tables. Food will be provided, and some will be prepared by the 4-H members.
Fri., May 15 – 19
LOCATION: New York, NY
OH YEA! 4-H National Conference for Urban Agriculture and Innovation
As OH YEA 4-H has attended Ignite Teen Summitt in Washington, D.C. the past two years, we have opted to create our own conference of leadership workshops and experiential learning through onsite visits of the Big Apple’s cultural hubs, rooftop gardens, and urban farms that fight hunger in neighborhoods that have become food deserts. We will take as many high schoolers as our budget allows to represent our great program across the state line.
Sat., May 23 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Mano en Mano, 2 Maple St., Milbridge, ME (for transportation to Jonesport, ME)
Island Boat Excursion: Exploration of the Seafaring Industry: OH YEA! 4-H will embark on a boat trip around the coast of Jonesport to islands and waterways maintained by the Maine Island Trail Association. We will explore this important part of our food system as our boats buzz past salmon pens and lobster buoys. On the island, lunch will be provided, and 4-H members will provide community service with a beach clean-up.
June- August
Thurs., June. 4 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm
LOCATION: Mano en Mano, 2 Maple St., Milbridge, ME
Rayitos de Sol Community Garden Day: OH YEA 4-H members will continue their work at the community garden at Mano en Mano. The evening will end with a cookout featuring vegetables harvested by our 4-H members and their families. The community will follow the leadership of Incredible Edibles (Women for Healthy Rural Living) as we tend to the crops. Food will be provided.
Fri., June 19 – Sun., 21
LOCATION: Echo Lake, ME
Juneteenth Camping Celebration: 4-H members and their families will celebrate people of color with an overnight camping trip to Echo Lake. Kids can explore nature, participate in games and competitions, and do some outback cooking with the guidance of one of the nature conservancies in our county.
Wed. June 24 – Fri., June 26
LOCATION: University of Maine at Machias
Summer of Science Teen Teacher’s Training: Every year the culminating event of OH YEA 4-H’s calendar is the Summer of Science training for our teen teachers. 4-H teens will learn the university-sponsored curriculum that they will then teach to the youth at Blueberry Harvest School. Transportation and lunch will be provided as the members learn the S.T.E.M. lessons.
June 27 – August 14
LOCATION: Milbridge Elementary School
Teen Teachers at Blueberry Harvest School: 4-H teens will use the leadership and mentoring skills they have gained throughout the year
as they implement the Summer of Science curriculum.
STEM Snippet
Check out this month’s STEM Snippet from our 4-H STEM Specialist! Have you seen any tracks in the snow this winter?
Text from February STEM Snippet, First block: Animal Track STEM, 5 minutes outside clipart of animal tracks in snow, Second block: Try it, Look for animal tracks in snow or mud. Follow them for a short distance. clipart of youth looking through a magnifying glass, Third block: Notice and Wonder, How many toes do you see? Which way was the animal going? Was it walking or running? clipart of animal tracks and youth showing excitement, Fourth block: Gear Down: Cloverbuds, Point and name the tracks. Compare big vs. small prints. Move like the animal. Clipart of youth outside in winter, Fifth block: Gear up: Tweens & Teens, Measure stride length. Compare different tracks. Create a Maine Animal Tracks guide. Clipart of teen, Sixth block: 4-H Tip, Sharing ideas and explaining thinking helps young people build confidence and learn that their voices matter. Clipart of clover. Clipart of fox in winter.
News from the State
4-H Intro to Artificial Intelligence Club
The 4-H Intro to Artificial Intelligence Club will provide an introduction to what artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are. This will be a 6 session series for ages 9+ that focuses on the foundations of AI, including introduction to AI, pattern recognition, human versus machine learning, AI in daily life and ethical awareness. Participants will take a closer look at how these are currently being used, learn about what AI does well and what it does not do well and considerations for using AI.
Artificial Intelligence has incredible capabilities. This series will reveal some opportunities and challenges of this emerging technology in a safe learning environment. In this club, youth will explore this emerging powerful technology with guidance and support from 4-H staff.
– Ages: Youth ages 9-18
Dates/Times: Wednesdays, February 25 – April 1 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Capacity: Limited to 10 youth
Registration deadline: February 12, 2026
Register for Intro to Artificial Intelligence Club here!
4-H Maine App Challenge Series
The 4-H Maine App Challenge series will provide an introduction to Tyler Technologies’ Maine App Challengeand provide guided support for developing an app. This will be a series for ages 13+ that focuses on the foundations of developing a web-based application, including introduction to the Maine App Challenge. Participants will engage in design thinking, prototyping, and problem solving all while going through the process of developing their own app. At the end of the series, participants, if they choose, will be able to submit their application to the Maine App Challenge for the chance to earn valuable prizes, including scholarships totaling $10,000. In this series, youth will engage in hands-on learning, computer programming, and design with guidance and support from experts at Tyler Technologies and 4-H. Participants must be Maine residents.
Participants will need access to a computer and be required to create a org login. Devices need to be one per participant (sharing a device is not advisable for this session). Tablets and mobile devices do not work with this platform. Participants must be Maine residents.
– Ages: 13-18
Dates/Times: Tuesdays, March 3 – 24, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Registration Deadline: February 12, 2026
Capacity: Limited to 12 youth
Register for 4-H Maine App Challenge Series here!
Note – the Maine App Challenge is open to 4-Hers regardless of participation in this series.
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 2, 2026.
Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl- Save the Date!
The 2026 Maine 4-H dairy quizbowl tryouts will be held on March 7th at Maine Farm Bureau building in Augusta, ME. 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 Mehuren via email at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu so that we can prepare for the event.
More information is available online on the 4-H Dairy Quizbowl webpage. For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971 or sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.
4-H Public Speaking Update
You asked, we’re excited! Performing Arts demonstrations will now be part of Speak Up, Maine 4-H the statewide Public Speaking Program.
From dramatic monologues to musical performances, this creative category is your time to express yourself and share your spark center stage.
Performing Arts demonstrations include:
– a spoken introduction
– your performance
– and a spoken conclusion
Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges’ support for all categories, are now available on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website and through county staff. Stay tuned!
Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form Now Available
The 2026 Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form is now available online and must be submitted by April 17th, 2026. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Sheep Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September (including teen leads).
The Eastern States Exhibition (Big E) 4-H Sheep Program brings together 4-H members from six states in Springfield, MA for three days of events that showcase their animals, knowledge and skills. Members must be 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2026 and have completed at least one year in a sheep project.
Please contact Megan Cook with any questions or for more information at
megan.cook@maine.edu or 207-532-6548.
ESE 4-H DairyTeam Intent Forms are Due March 1, 2026
The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form is available online. 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, 2026.
Please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971 with any questions.
- Virtual Session – Unit 1: Woods Work, Monday, February 23, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Virtual Session – Unit 2: Sugarhouse, Monday, March 2, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Virtual Session – Unit 3: Kitchen and Business, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Independent club members or youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register!
The University of Maine System (UMS) 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential is a FREE learning pathway for teenage youth to learn the essential aspects of the maple industry. Students completing the program demonstrate the foundational knowledge and skills to work in a maple forest, sugarhouse, and produce commercial-grade maple syrup and value-added food products. Additionally, participants understand how skills and traits gained during work in the maple industry are transferable to other workplace situations.Students ages 14+ may enroll in the micro-credential pathway and learn the material through an instructor-led class or by self-study.Here is the link to 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential webpage.Students progressing along the micro-credential pathway will earn and receive a digital badge at each milestone they achieve. There are three digital badge levels of knowledge and skills on the pathway that must be completed before proceeding to the next level. The 4-H Maple Sugaring 101 virtual program will prepare students for the Level 1 digital badge.To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please email andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or by phone, 207.581.8204.
4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!
Why Belonging Matters
Young people thrive when they feel safe, accepted, and valued. Belonging gives them the confidence to try new things, take healthy risks, and grow. All youth need to feel included a meaningful way. When youth feel like they belong, it can help reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression by providing supportive relationships and a sense of community.
When youth feel that their ideas matter and they are an important part of a team, it builds their self-confidence and self-worth.
4-H programs emphasize teamwork, cooperation, and communication, which helps members develop strong social skills and build lasting friendships.
Belonging to a supportive group helps youth navigate life’s challenges by encouraging them to persevere through adversity, grow from failure and demonstrate resiliency.
For adolescents, a sense of belonging is essential for healthy development and helps shape their identity and how they connect with others.
4-H Volunteer Huddle: Join us for a short “gather and learn session” to help you up your game. We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00-12:30 pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. We’d love to see you there! No registration required!
February 6, 2026-Igniting Youth Sparks: Hands-On Strategies for 4-H Volunteers
Discover how to identify and nurture the unique passions, interests, and talents—“sparks”—that inspire young people to thrive. Get hands-on activities and strategies for igniting and sustaining youth sparks in their 4-H clubs.
March 6, 2026- Prepare for the Fair
This 4-H volunteer information session will highlight how mentors can guide youth in preparing their animals and themselves for a successful fair experience. Volunteers will learn ways to support members with showmanship skills, animal care, and confidence in the show ring.
Please note: The Zoom link and password will be emailed to all enrolled 4-H volunteers or you can email Tara Wood tara.a.wood@maine.edu to request it.
4-H Volunteer Connections
AI for 4-H: What to Know and How to Use It
February 18, 2026 6:30 – 8 p.m.
The webinar will share an introduction to artificial intelligence, ideas for 4-H volunteers, and pitfalls to avoid. No matter your current level of experience, there will be information for you. You will learn what generative AI is and what it is not through real examples of how it might support your 4-H work. Register here!
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars and save the date! We are hosting a conference for Maine 4-H Volunteers on Saturday, November 7th! You are not going to want to miss it! More details to come in the upcoming months!