4-H News in Washington County – May 2026
Dates to Remember
May 15: 4-H Science Friday, Wildlife Forensics
May 16 & 17:2026 Northeast Livestock Expo, Windsor Fairgrounds
May 19: Birdfest School Days at Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge
May 22: 2026 4-H Summer Learning Series Registration Opens
May 29: Washington County STEM Showcase
June 5: Intent forms for Fryeburg Fair market lambs due
June 12: Deadline for 4-H Camp and Learning Center Scholarship
June 12-13: June Jamboree at Blue Hill Fairgrounds
June 13-14: UMASS Vet Science Academy
June 14: ESE Working Steer Tryouts at Windsor
July 6-August 7: 2026 4-H Summer Learning Series
July 11: ESE Working Steer Tryouts at Ossipee Valley Fair
July 19-31:Early College Outdoor Intensives at Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center
July 31- Aug 1: Eastern States Equine Team Try Out
August 2-12: Early College Outdoor Intensives at Greenland Point 4-H Camp and Learning Center
August 13: ESE Working Steer Tryouts: at Skowhegan Fair
November 7: Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit
Challenger Learning Center
Fifteen youth from Washington and Hancock counties met up to embark on a space mission to capture a malfunctioning satellite, and build and deploy a new one at the Challenger Learning Center in Bangor. Throughout the mission youth’s roles included operating robotic arms, collecting and analyzing weather data, and navigating crafts. Afterwards, the group headed to the Versant Power Astronomy Center at the University of Maine Orono campus to watch From Dream to Discovery, a show that explained how technologies in space are being built and constructed on the ground. It was an excellent day full of STEM, friends, and a sense of belonging.
Speak Up, Maine 4-H! Showcase
Congratulations to all four of our qualifying juniors and seniors who presented talks at the statewide public speaking showcase last month! We are so proud! Also, a big thanks to our judges, volunteers, and families who made the trek down to Orono to support these amazing youth.
4-H Camp and Learning Centers Scholarships Available
We are currently accepting requests for scholarships to attend camp at one of the 4-H Camp and Learning Centers in Maine. Youth must currently be enrolled in the Washington County 4-H Program and registered for camp. Please complete the 4-H Camp Scholarship request form by June 12, 2026 to apply. There are four scholarships remaining and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These scholarships are in addition to ones being provided by the 4-H Camp and Learning Centers.
Lubec Community Outreach Center
Last month the LCOC hosted a Glow Dance for their Parent Engagement Night and 4-H showed up on-theme! Gabby led youth in making bracelets and helped set up a glow in the dark ring toss where youth could earn prizes. In May, Gabby will be there with egg masses from a local vernal pool and a vernal pool board game.
Washington Academy Community Garden
Teens in the Sustainable Ag class at Washington Academy and the community garden committee have been hard at work preparing the garden for planting. The greenhouse is full of sprouting seedlings and there are some greens in the ground! If you are interested in volunteering in the WA Garden this summer, please reach out to Gabby Brodek for more information about opportunities: gabrielle.brodek@maine.edu or 207.255.3345
STEM Showcase
Join the Washington County Connected Learning Ecosystem for an afternoon of interactive STEM experiences at the University of Maine at Machias Reynolds Center on Friday, May 29th from 3:30-5:30pm. You can expect poster presentations, interactive and static displays of youth STEM projects, and free pizza and refreshments.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation contact Gabrielle Brodek at gabrielle.brodek@maine.edu or 207.255.3345.
June Jamboree
June Jamboree is back for another exciting weekend, and you’re invited (yes, YOU, Washington County!)! The 2026 June Jamboree will be held on June 12-13 at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds in Hancock County. 4-Hers can plan to camp with us on the fairgrounds on the 12th, and wake ready to participate in fun-filled workshops and activities on the 13th! June Jabmoree workshops will include hands-on crafts, engineering, and animal science. The “Anytime Science” and “Anytime Craft” tables will run between workshops all day on Saturday, June 13 – be sure to stop by to explore! Registration will open to enrolled 4-H members on May 11th. Workshops are first-come, first-served, so don’t delay! The public may begin registering on May 18th. Registration closes June 6th, so don’t forget to sign up for June Jamboree!
Volunteers needed! If you would like to lead a workshop at June Jamboree please reach out to Gabby Brodek and she’ll connect you with Hancock County. We can help with workshop ideas and materials!
Beyond Ready 4-H Survey
We are asking for your help in our effort to improve 4-H programs in Maine! Please help us by completing the following survey about your 4-H experiences and how they might prepare you for both work and life.
This will probably take you about 5-7 minutes to complete.
If you finish the survey, you will be able to enter a raffle for your choice of a 4-H t-shirt, hat, water bottle, towel, or lapel pin! There will be four raffle winners from across the state. The raffle will not be connected to any survey responses. It is only being used as encouragement to help us by completing the survey! Only one raffle entry is allowed per person.
We will not know the exact answers you provide on the survey. You can leave any questions blank that you don’t want to answer. You can stop any time you want. There are no right or wrong answers; we just want you to answer each question as honestly as you can.
Any Maine youth who participated in 4-H is invited to complete the survey and enter the raffle. Please complete this survey only one time for each 4-H youth.
Club Updates
Oh Yea 4-H Grows True Leaders
As we quickly approach the summer and the end of the academic school year, OH YEA 4-H is preparing for our big national conference. Since we have experienced Ignite 4-H Teen Summit the last few years in Washington, D.C., we decided to create our own conference in New York with a similar format of workshops and experiential learning activities, titled 4-H Cityscape: Exploring Urban Food Systems. It will be taking place from May 15 through May 19. Not only will we be meeting with Rutgers University’s 4-H club and attending some of their programs, but we will also be meeting with the organizers of 2026 Voices of Change Youth Leadership Conference, presented by The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH) in partnership with Medgar Evers College. As part of the conference, we will be visiting museums and galleries that are significant to the Latinx culture and the Khmer culture, as both the Washington County and Cumberland County OH YEA 4-H clubs will be traveling together. It’s going to be an exciting opportunity for many our members who have never been to the Big Apple.
As soon as we return from our NYC conference, OH YEA 4-H will be teaming up with Maine Island Trail Association for an Island beach clean-up. We will be meeting on Beals Island on May 23 at 11:00 a.m. and will return from the island at 1:00 p.m. MITA will take our club and their families out to a privately owned island by motorboat, and we will get a tour of a salmon farm along the way. Capacity is limited, so please contact UMaine Extension office at (207) 255-3345 if you interested.
4-H Science Friday
In April, youth explored Newton’s Third Law of Motion by building and testing balloon shuttles. Youth tested varying distances, amounts of balloons, slopes, and directions. The group then took the challenge outdoors, where parents and families helped with the grand finale.
In May, we’ll be diving into the world of Wildlife Forensics. Did you know that UMaine Machias offers a Wildlife Forensics class? Professor Gerry Zegers works with the Maine Warden Service on wildlife cases? He will be leading the June Science Friday!
Conservation Career Club
For the last site visit of the school year, teens met up with the Campobello Whale Rescue Team (CWRT) in Lubec to hear how the organization rescues Right Whales from entanglements with the goal of supporting and growing the population of this critically endangered species. Youth learned how a couple of volunteer fishermen formed this group over 20 years ago and how they have grown in size, research, technology, and number of rescues.
If you see an entangled whale:
- Do not approach.
- Call Marine Animal Response Society (MARS) at 1-866-567-6277
- Stand by and take photographs.
News from the State
2026 4-H Summer Learning Series
It’s that time of year again – the 4-H Summer Learning Series is coming right along, and registration will open for enrolled Maine 4-H members on May 22, and for the general public on June 5, 2026. Workshops will cover all different topics – favorites like Adulting 101 and Dissect and Detect, as well as loads of new areas: Intro to Game Lab, Mission to Mars, Science, and Art! Workshops will run from July 6 – August 7, 2026. Find out more on the 4-H Summer Learning.
The Alfond Grant
Hey there! Do you have a child or grandchild born in Maine on or after January 1, 2013? Guess what? They’ve got something special called a $500 Alfond Grant waiting for them! (The Grant was also available on a more limited basis from 2008 to 2012).
The Alfond Grant is a jumpstart for a child’s education after high school. By the time they graduate high school, their Alfond Grant could be worth up to $2,000!
The great part is that the Alfond Grant can be used for all sorts of education, such as college, trade school, or even certificates. And it can be used in Maine as well as outside the state.
Curious to know more? Check out the Alfond Grant website to get all the details. This grant is just the beginning of exciting possibilities for your child’s future education!
Animal Science Challenge
The Maine 4-H Foundation is offering a challenge to 4-H animal science committees and programs. The Foundation will match up to $3,000 per committee to support animal science programs and educational programs. A 1 to 1 match will be made for current and past donors, and 1:2 matches for new donors. Questions can be asked by contacting Susan Jennings at 207.615.7300, or email maine4hfoundation@gmail.com.
NELE- Youth Livestock Opportunity for 4-H Members!
Join the Northeast Youth Livestock Expo (NELE) for a weekend of youth livestock education at the Windsor Fairgrounds on May 16th and 17th.
Saturday is packed with interactive events, including a boer goat show, working steer demonstration, and beef judging clinic. After lunch, Dr. Colt Knight brings an engaging and entertaining look at the history of pork and where various cuts come from. Saturday afternoon offers three hands-on learning paths: cattle artificial insemination training led by Dr. Colt W. Knight, public speaking seminar and contest led by John Brubaker, and a sales talk seminar and contest led by Sydney Wilson.
Sunday continues with species-focused learning, featuring dairy and sheep clinics led by experienced industry leaders Elizabeth Menard and Sarah and Alyssa Rowe. The weekend wraps up with live equipment and handling demonstrations from the Maine Sheep Breeders Association and ArrowQuip Equipment.
Whether you’re looking to improve your show skills, gain industry knowledge, or try something new, NELE offers something for every level of experience. For more information or to register visit the NELE website. For details concerning the event, please reach out to the Northeast Youth Livestock Expo at mainelivestockexpo@gmail.com or visit our NELE Facebook page.
Fryeburg Market Lamb Intent Forms Due June 5, 2026
Intent forms for Fryeburg Fair market lambs are now available online. Market Lambs must be owned and in possession of 4-H’er by June 1, 2026, and must be a castrated male. In order to be eligible for participation, 4-H members must meet the following requirements: Send Intent to Sell Form, original bill of sale/value of lamb statement, and pictures of your animal (front and side view) to your county office by June 5th.
Animal approval forms for lambs must include the scrapie tag number and list “Fryeburg Sale” as the show class.
Additional requirements as well as the fillable online form can be found online on our Fryeburg Fair information page.
For more information please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971; sadee.mehuren@maine.eduor the State 4-H Office at 207.581.3877.
UMASS Vet Science Academy
Massachusetts 4-H Animal Science and UMASS Vet Science will be welcoming students, ages 13 to 18, interested in veterinary science as a potential career to the UMASS Hadley Farm. There will be two sessions to choose from: Session 1 will be Saturday, June 13th and 14th. Session 2 will be June 15th and 16th. Youth will be learning about the wide range of opportunities in this profession and will get tons of hands-on animal experience. Youth will be staying overnight in a UMASS dorm!
Register for UMASS Vet Science Academy – Session One.
Register for UMASS Vet Science Academy -Session Two.
If you are not a MA 4-Her, you will need to create a profile. Please select “state office” as your county. Registration will stay open until all slots are filled. Fees for this program will be $175 per attendee. Visit the UMASS Vet Science Academy payment page to pay. Financial assistance is available.
Got questions? Please email Andrew at asamuelson@umass.edu.
4-H Working Steer Tryout Information
The show season is fast approaching! Working steer ESE intent forms (due May 1st), volunteer interest forms, team member guidelines, and apprentice guidelines are all available on the 4-H Workshop Steer webpage. The dates for team tryouts are listed below.
ESE Working Steer Tryouts:
June 14, 2026 at Windsor Fairgrounds
July 11, 2026, Ossipee Valley Fair
August 13, 2026, Skowhegan Fair
If you have any questions, please contact Hillary Arsenault, ESE coordinator, at maineworkingsteer@gmail.com; 207.592.3320 or Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu; 207.342.5971
New 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Opportunity!
4-H members now have an exciting new opportunity to showcase their skills at The Big E’s first 4-H Rabbit & Poultry Show! Open to youth ages 12 and above, this event is a great way to learn new skills, compete in regional 4-H shows, and connect with others who share an interest in rabbits and poultry.
Participants can look forward to a variety of engaging activities, including breed shows, showmanship competitions, agility contests, and more. Whether you’re experienced or just getting started, this event offers something for everyone. Interested in participating or learning more? Be sure to complete the Big E’s 4-H Rabbit and Poultry interest form.
For more information please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971 or saddee.mehuren@maine.edu.
It’s Time to Think About Summer Camp!
Looking to take your Maine 4-H Experience to a new level? Check out the summer programs at your UMaine 4-H Camps! Opportunities for living in community, making new friends, building a sense of belonging, and honing your skills in a whole variety of program options such as, outdoor skills, shooting sports, STEM, creative arts, ecology, gardening, team work, and teen leadership. Each camp has scholarship opportunities to off-set tuition costs AND your County 4-H Programs have scholarships to attend camp too. One to three-week sessions available in both day and overnight settings. We hope to see you there!
Blueberry Cove, Tenants Harbor in Knox County. Dates: June 21-August 14, 2026.
Bryant Pond, Bryant Pond in Oxford County. Dates: June 21-August 14, 2026.
Greenland Point, Princeton in Washington County. Dates: June 28-July 31, 2026.
Tanglewood, Lincolnville in Waldo County. Dates: June 21-August 21, 2026.
Bryant Pond and Greenland Point contact, Bethany: 207.665.2068
Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove contact, Emma: 207.789.5868
Early College Outdoor Intensives
The UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Greenland Point are each offering Early College programs in conjunction with the University of Maine Division of Lifelong Learning. KPE 265 is a 3-credit course focused on skills in outdoor recreation. This is an introductory course in outdoor and adventure activities, forming the foundation of an outdoor leadership education. The course focuses primarily on participation in four different activity categories: canoeing; bouldering and climbing; hiking and orienteering; and challenge course. KPE 207 is a 1-credit course where participants become certified in wilderness first aid (WFA) and CPR.
Registration: Participants must complete enrollment with the University of Maine Early College Program. Once that is completed we will send you an invitation to enroll for the Tanglewood portion of the program.
UMaine tuition for this course is free for Maine high school students (public school & homeschoolers). Tuition for out-of-state students and Maine private school students is $149 for 2026 per credit for a total fee of $596 for 2026. (Please note there is an overnight fee for this course for all participants).
Overnight fees: $900, including all housing, meals, and certification fees, scholarships available.
Tanglewood:
Dates: July 19 – 31, 2026
Ages: 15 – 18
Visit the Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center website for more information and registration links.
Email extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu directly with any questions.
Greenland Point
Dates: August 2 – 12, 2026
Ages: 16 – 18
Visit the Greenland Point 4-H Camp and Learning Center website for more information and registration links.
Email extension.greenlandpoint@maine.edu directly with any questions.
4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!
Showcase YOUR Sense of Belonging!
Okay, Maine 4-H volunteers, tell us what YOU do with your club or group members to create a sense of belonging. It can be an example that includes youth, families, and new participants. Fill out the Sense of Belonging Entry Form to highlight one example of how you and/or your 4-H youth create a sense of belonging in your club! Your name will be entered into a drawing for some cool 4-H swag! YOU MAKE a difference! Tell us how you do it!
DID you MARK YOUR CALENDAR?
The Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit is going to be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Maine Arts Academy in Augusta! More details to come in the upcoming months, 4-H volunteers from across the state will enjoy engaging workshops, opportunities to build meaningful connections, and gain fresh ideas to enhance their impact in 4-H programs. Lunch will be provided.
Resources
With fair season just around the corner, it’s not too early to help your 4-H youth start to think about good sportsmanship! What is it? And how do you demonstrate it? Check out this Michigan 4-H Life Skills Activity: Sportsmanship: What is it? Here are some additional variations of the activity to try:
Ball Toss-Choose some of the qualities listed in the activity and write them in different sections of a beach ball. Have members toss the ball- wherever their left thumb lands, ask them to give an example of how the term connects to sportsmanship.
Gallery Walk-Hang four to six pieces of chart paper around the room- add a word from the activity to each piece of chart paper. Have pairs of youth participate in a gallery walk and add an example of how the word on each poster relates to sportsmanship. Once the pairs return to their original poster,have them share one or two ideas with the whole group.
Roll the Dice-List numbers 1-12 on a large piece of paper and list one quality by each number. During your opening circle, have everyone roll the dice- whichever number they roll, they give an example of how that quality relates to good sportsmanship.