4-H News in Washington County – October 2026
Dates to Remember
October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17: 4-H Volunteer Storytellers SPIN Club
October 17: Maine 4-H Day at UMaine Football
October 17: Create. Innovate.Build. Create. Innovate, Bangor
October 27 – December 1: 4-H Super Sitters Virtual Series
October 30: Project Records Due
November 2-April 12: Introduction to Project Feeder Watch Virtual Series
November 6- 4-H Volunteer Huddle, Beg, Borrow and Steal Idea Swap
November 7: Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit
November 9- December 14: 4-H Machine Learning – Intro to AI Virtual Series
November 14: 4-H Science Center Fall Open House in Orono
November 15: Deadline for 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge
November 21: 4-H Reenrollment Deadline
Maine 4-H Foundation Awards $4,000 in Scholarships to Local 4-H’ers from Washington County
Re-enrollment
As we relish in the accomplishments, projects, and shared success of the past 4-H year, it also signals the start of another! The new 4-H year begins on October 1st. 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.
Program updates
4-H Science Fridays
That’s a wrap! September rounded out this program for the 2026 year. Youth reflected on what they learned and gained from Science Fridays over the course of the year and what they’d like to see next year. We finished off the program by testing catapult designs outside and enjoying the last of the fall sunshine. We are taking a break to plan for the 2027 year!
Washington Academy Garden
Washington Academy students have been busy in the garden helping harvest the remaining carrots, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers for the Machias Food Pantry and the school kitchen! They have also been helping to winterize the garden for winter – pulling weeds, organizing, and cleaning up. Each time youth step foot in the garden they are contributing to a community effort to combat food insecurity in Washington County. Some are even realizing they do like tomatoes or carrots, they taste different from the ground!
News from the State
National 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge
4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge for Fall 2026 – now through November 15. Youth can win up to $1,000 in this national contest. Home – 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge 2026. Open to ages 13-18.
Join the New England 4-H History Team – Mapping 125 years of 4-H History
This project uses GIS to collect, organize, and visualize the people, places, projects, and memories that have helped shape 4-H communities. Explore the map and help add another story to the record. New England website and details are available, including how to submit a story.
4-H Virtual Learning: Project Feeder Watch
Introduction to Project Feeder Watch is a free 10-session online 4-H series for Maine youth ages 10-14. Participants will learn to identify common backyard birds and explore bird beaks, diets, and habitats while developing observation and documentation skills through regular feeder observations. No previous bird identification experience is required. Dates and registration details Project Feeder Watch available here.
4-H Machine Learning – Intro to AI
Machine Learning: Intro to AI is a six-part online 4-H series for youth ages 9 to 12, though teens are welcome. Participants will explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning work by making predictions, training basic models, and practicing beginner computer science skills. No prior experience is required. Participants need access to a computer or tablet. Mondays, November 9th – December 14th. Register for 4:00-5:15 session of Intro to AI or 6:00-7:15 session of Intro to AI.
Build. Create. Innovate.
This event will be held October 17 from 10am – 2pm at the Cole Land Transportation Museum (405 Perry Rd, Bangor 04401). This hands on event is fun for all ages, packed with science, technology, and creativity. Explore interactive exhibits, exciting demonstrations, and challenges to spark your curiosity and imagination. Meg will be there making Straw Rockets! For more information please go to the Build. Create. Innovate. website.
4-H Science Center Fall Open House!
The Fall Open House will be held November 14 from 10am – 1pm at the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center (491 College Ave, Orono). Come join us at this free event to see the space, meet the staff, and participate in some free, hands-on activities! Fun for all ages! We will have 2-D felting, Maine wildlife ID, touch tank, seed mosaics, and more! No registration required. For more information, please go to the 4-H Science Center Fall Open House website, or contact Jessy Brainerd at jessica.brainerd@maine.edu or 207.581.3877.
4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!
Kick off a Great 4-H Year!
Looking for ways to welcome back returning families and excite new members? Here are three quick ideas to launch your club’s new year with high energy:
Host a “Brainstorm & Brownies” Session: Give your youth total ownership of their year! Pass around sticky notes and have members write down field trips they want to take, guest speakers they want to invite, or skills they want to learn. Group them on a poster board over snacks to build your annual calendar.
Run a 4-H Scavenger Hunt: Break the ice with a quick hunt around your meeting space. Hide clues related to the 4-H pledge, the four H’s (Head, Heart, Hands, Health), or common project materials. Pair up new members with current members to help create a sense of belonging.
Launch a “First Meeting” Service Project: Start the year focused on community. Spend 15 minutes of your first meeting doing something simple, like assembling personal care kits for a local shelter or writing cards to a nursing home. Use the kick off project to discuss what other community-focused projects youth might like to participate in throughout the year.
We want to see your kickoff in action! Email us your first-meeting photos or share YOUR new kickoff idea! We would love to feature photos and ideas in next month’s newsletter. Let’s make this the best 4-H year yet! 4-H@maine.edu.
2026 4-H Volunteer Summit
A Learning and Connection Conference for 4-H Volunteers
Saturday, November 7, 2026
8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Maine Arts Academy
310 Cony Road, Augusta, Maine 04330 (Google Maps)
Join 4-H volunteers from across Maine for a day of connection, practical learning, youth development resources, and shared ideas to bring back to your club or county. For more information, visit the 4-H Volunteer Summit webpage.
Cost: $0–$30 (sliding scale)
Lunch is included in the cost of registration.
All 4-H volunteers who register and attend for the entire day will receive a Maine 4-H picnic blanket! We can’t wait to see you there!
You must register by Friday, October 23, 2026 to participate.
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! A Zoom link will be sent to your email each month.
Upcoming topics include:
Nov 6- Beg, Borrow and Steal Idea Swap
Dec 4- 4-H National Trip Opportunities
Jan 8- Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarships
Feb 5- Beyond Ready Survey Results
Mar 5- Break the Ice, Build the Group
April 2- Recognizing Growth, Not Just Achievement
May 7- 4-H STEM Toolkits
4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar
Find our 4-H volunteer training opportunities on our calendar of events here – scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!