4-H News in Washington County – December 2024
Table of Contents
Dates to Remember
Final 4-H Reenrollment Deadline- December 31
4-H Seasonal Craft Pop-up
Crafting Clovers 4-H Club Update
Oh Yea 4-H Grows True Leaders
Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign
News from the State
Dates to Remember
November 29-December 15: Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign
December 7: Oh Yea 4-H Grows True Leaders: Faerie-head pottery
December 10: ZSuite – A Tool for 4-H Volunteers
December 14: 4-H Seasonal Craft Pop-up, Calais
December 14: Oh Yea 4-H Grows True Leaders Outdoor Excursion (location undecided) with Maine Coast Heritage Trust
December 21: Oh Yea 4-H Grows True Leaders Book reading from local author Laura Lander’s “Finding Faeries in the Woods at Wolfe’s Neck Park at Schoodic Arts for All, Faerie-head pottery part II.
December 23: Ignite by 4-H Registration Deadline
December 31: State 4-H Re-enrollment Due
January 6: 2025 Maine 4-H Intent to Sell a Market Beef Project at Fryeburg Fair deadline
January 7: Registration Deadline for Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club
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, 2025: 4-H Volunteer Connections: Preparing for Youth Engagement
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 12-16: Ignite by 4-H Conference in Washington DC
March 19: 4-H Volunteer Connections: Growing Beyond the Ribbon
April 5: Statewide 4-H Public Speaking Tournament
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
Final 4-H Reenrollment Deadline-December 31st
Haven’t re-enrolled for 4-H yet? You still have time! 4-H re-enrollment paperwork must be received by Tuesday, December 31. If you are not re-enrolled by this date, your 4-H membership will end. Please contact Tara Wood at tara.a.wood@maine.edu or 207.255.3345 if you need assistance.
Get into the holiday spirit by joining 4-H staff, Gabby Brodek, and 4-H volunteer for this one-time workshop! Youth will be led through making several seasonal crafts, including miniature dolls, holiday cards, and an envelope that will hold your card. We will provide all the instructions and materials – all you need to bring is yourself!
This workshop will take place on Saturday, December 14th from 10:30am to 12:30pm at the Calais Free Library, 9 Union St. The event is free and limited to 15 participants. Register on our program website by December 9th to secure your spot. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation contact Gabby Brodek at 207.255.3345 or gabrielle.brodek@maine.edu.
Crafting Clovers 4-H Club Update
This club took a field trip to the Wabanaki Cultural Center and Museum in Calais to explore Wabanaki history in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. Youth discovered the wonders of the touch tank at the museum and enjoyed listening to stories spoken in native languages. We returned to the library and read Thanks to the Animals, a children’s book written by Allen J. Sockabasin, a Passamaquoddy writer and musician.
This year, Oh Yea! 4-H Grows True Leaders decided to take on a different approach to programming in response to our community partner’s input. Mano en Mano expressed that their Latinx community would be better served on weekends and that programs should focus less on STEAM and instead center around healthy living and cultural exploration and celebration. With that in mind, Oh Yea! 4-H have hosted many activities this year that concentrated on the way immigrant cultures integrate American holidays into their own celebrations. We’ve had great turn outs for:
- Cultural Comparisons – Exploring American and Latin American Fall Celebrations
- Calavera (Skull) Mask Making for Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos
- Fall Leaf Garland – Paper leaves made from old book pages
- Fall Foliage Hike at Pigeonhill Preserve with Maine Coast Heritage Trust
- Pumpkin Carving at UMaine Machias
- Dia De Los Muertos Festival with Downeast Coastal Conservancy
- Calavera painting
- Face painting
- Loteria (Bingo)
- Paper marigolds for Dia de los Muertos alters
- Tide-pooling Hike at Frank E. Woodworth Preserve with Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Oh Yea! 4-H Grows True Leaders started what we hope to be an annual tradition of attending the Maine Youth Action Network Conference in Augusta, ME. This year we took ten teenagers who participated in workshops, panel discussions, career fairs, and keynote presentations about modern concerns for Maine’s generation of teenagers. We stayed one night where we swam, eat at a nice restaurant with our Oh Yea counterparts from Cumberland County, and saw how the legislative branch work at the Augusta State House.
Five of those teenagers are enrolled in the Maine Department of Education’s Extended Learning Opportunity, run by Corrie Hunkler in Washington County, which pays our teenagers who are over 16 years old to shadow professionals from careers that they are interested in. We will also have a presentation from the Early College Readiness Program from UMaine where our high school members will enroll in courses that will satisfy both their high school requirements and university credits.
We will close off the year of 2024 with the following calendar for December:
- 7th Faerie-head pottery at Schoodic Arts for All, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- 14th Outdoor Excursion (location undecided) with Maine Coast Heritage Trust 10:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 21st Book reading from local author Laura Lander’s “Finding Faeries in the Woods at Wolfe’s Neck Park at Schoodic Arts for All, Faerie-head pottery part II.
Although anyone can attend our programs, be advised that we have limited resources and availability, so please contact the Washington County Cooperative Extension Office at (207) 255-3345 to reserve a spot. We will take a short break in programs in January, but stay tuned for an upcoming calendar of events.
Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign
This season’s Paper Clover campaign will run November 29 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.
News from the State
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 DC 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.
ZSuite – A Tool for 4-H Volunteers
By now you have heard of ZSuite, but how can it help YOU as a 4-H volunteer? If you are a club leader, ZSuite has features that you can use to help keep you organized and communicating clearly with your club members and families! Join us for a “ZSuite How-To” training via Zoom on Tuesday, December 10th from 6:00-7:00pm. To register, log into ZSuite and then gohere.Questions? Reach out to Jessy Brainerd jessica.brainerd@maine.edu or Jen Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu.
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 pm
To 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 jennifer.lobley@maine.edu We hope to see you there!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Mehuren via email at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu so 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/.
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 sadee.mehuren@maine.eduor 207.342.5971 with any questions.
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 online and 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, kristen.grondin@maine.edu, 207-581-8193, with any questions.
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.
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.
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: andrew.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/
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.