York County 4-H Clover Connection May 2025
York County 4-H Clover Connection May 2025
“April Showers bring May flowers!”
County News
Welcome new volunteers and clubs!
We have two new clubs joining York County 4-H. The Blue Potato Lobsters FTC 4-H Club and the Frosted Yoshies 4-H Club are existing robotics clubs that will now be part of York County 4-H. We are very excited to have them join us and we look forward to the possibility of them sharing their robotics skills and knowledge with other York County 4-H members!
May 17, 2025 (apologies for having the incorrect date listed previously)
We’re looking for volunteer judges! Reach out to Erin if you are interested.
York County 4-H Leaders Association Meeting
May 20, 2025 6:30pm in the Extension Office
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://maine.zoom.us/j/85214893115
Or Telephone: US: +1 305 224 1968 Meeting ID: 852 1489 3115
Tick Project Citizen Science
May 10th, 9am – 11am
**For ages 8-18 and a caregiver**
It’s tick season! Become citizen scientists and help us monitor the tick population at the South Berwick Town Forest. As participants of the 4-H Tick Project, we will collect and identify ticks, record data, and prepare specimens to be sent for analysis. This ongoing project is in association with the Maine Forest Health Survey, the UMaine Tick Lab, and Learning Ecosystems Northeast.
For more information and to register, visit: https://forms.gle/azbET1V26Dwq6ns89
Additional dates and locations will be available to continue monitoring and collecting ticks through November. Contact Rebecca Tay (rebecca.tay@maine.edu) for more information or to express interest in joining this ongoing project.
4-H Nature Journaling Workshop Series
May 13th, 20th, 27th, and June 3rd, 4:30-6pm
**For ages 11-18**
The D.A. Hurd library is excited to host a 4-week nature journaling workshop series led by 4-H educator Rebecca Tay and Maine Master Naturalist Allison Donohue. Following an introductory session about phenology and bookbinding with Rebecca Tay, join guest artist, illustrator, and Maine Master Naturalist Allison Donohue for two of the sessions, as we dive into nature journaling basics and then apply what we have learned off site at the nearby Negutaquet Conservation Area. Gather for a final session to use library resources to identify plants and wildlife from your journals. Registration is required and space is limited. Find more information and register by visiting: https://dahurdlibrary.org/workshop-details
Vernal Pools Exploration
May 18, 2025 9am
Join 4-H Community Education Assistant Rebecca Tay as she explores the vernal pools at Tatnic Woods Preserve. Please sign up here: https://forms.gle/MgED9ZaYXDrsY4PGA
Betty Syvinski Scholarship Application
Due in the office by May 15th
4-H Exhibit Hall Novelty Item 2025
This year, the novelty item will be DIY birdfeeders!
Help feed our feathered friends by providing them with a healthy treat in a feeder made by you!
You can use upcycled materials, items from nature, craft supplies, and even a tea cup! Check out this website for more ideas: https://www.bakerross.co.uk/craft-ideas/search?s=bird+feeder
Club News
Four Leaf Clover 4-H Club – Leaders Else Cook, Jennifer Azara
Kidding Around – Leaders Debbi Cole, Nathan Cole
Little Falls 4-H Club – Leaders Barbara Peterson, Nancy Van Tassell, Cheryl L’Heureux
Nature Kids – Leader Jackie Lipsky
Pollinator Protectors – Leader Carolyn Reece
S.T.A.M.P.S – Leader Alicia Paley
York County Beef Club – Leaders Ann Boucher, Diane Qualey
York County Shepherds – Leaders Donna Flint, Kristi Maling
Volunteer and Leader News
If you (or someone you know) would be interested in volunteering to help setup, breakdown, judge, etc for upcoming events please fill out this event volunteer form. Older youth are welcome to volunteer to help as well.
York County 4-H Leaders Association Meeting
May 20, 2025 6:30pm in the Extension Office
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://maine.zoom.us/j/85214893115
Or Telephone: US: +1 305 224 1968 Meeting ID: 852 1489 3115
State 4-H News
May 2025
Save the Date – 4-H Summer Learning Series
This year, the 4-H Summer Learning Series will take place from July 7 to August 8. Volunteers and staff work together to provide high-quality, hands-on, experiential learning experiences via Zoom. For most workshops, materials are mailed to participants beforehand, making participation even easier (and less expensive)! Workshops and Registration will go live on May 23, 2025. Information will be updated in early March for volunteers interested in presenting workshops. Sign up for updates on our website.
Maine Delegates Represented at National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C.
This April, three outstanding youth—Sabrinnah, Kaylee, and Kai—and a chaperone, traveled from Bangor to Washington, D.C., to represent Maine at the National 4-H Conference. Over six packed days, delegates from across the U.S. and its territories gathered for roundtable discussions, leadership development, cultural exchange, and connection with federal agencies. Highlights included the high-energy pin trade, a powerful multilingual recitation of the 4-H Pledge, and engaging presentations from collegiate facilitators. The Maine group quickly bonded with delegates from other states and territories, exchanging ideas, stories, and plenty of state-themed pins. Youth explored topics ranging from youth mental health to artificial intelligence and public land access.
The delegation also toured Washington’s historic monuments by night, danced with Coyaba Dance Theater performers, and visited both Maine senators’ offices on Capitol Hill. A behind-the-scenes Capitol tour, a walk through the U.S. Botanic Garden, and a brush with American history at the Smithsonian made for unforgettable memories. The week culminated in youth-led presentations to agencies including NASA, the CDC, the USDA, and the Pentagon, showcasing real-world applications of 4-H leadership. Wrapping up the conference, delegates attended a career expo at the Smithsonian and a celebration dance where music, laughter, and new friendships filled the ballroom. From pin trading to policy discussions, Maine’s 4-H youth made a lasting impression and returned home inspired, empowered, and eager to share their experiences.
National 4-H Conference is one of several different opportunities Maine 4-H Members have to travel around the country and represent Maine on the national stage. Learn about applying for National 4-H Conference and Congress.
Skip the Stress – Get Into College with 4-H Direct Admissions!
Great news for Maine 4-H high school juniors and seniors: applying to college just got a whole lot easier. With 4-H Direct Admissions, you can be automatically considered for admission to all seven of Maine’s Public Universities—no Common App, no test scores, no essays, no recommendations, and no application feesrequired!
If you’re enrolled in any 4-H program in Maine, you’re eligible. Just click to opt in, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Click here to opt in. We will do the rest.
Click here to learn more about 4-H Direct Admissions
This is your future—made simple. #BeyondReady
Save the Date! 4-H Sheep and Goat Clinic
Maine 4-H is hosting a sheep and goat clinic on June 8th! Join us at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds for a day of hands on learning. Workshops will be for both new and experienced project members and you don’t need an animal to participate. Registration details will be available soon.
Important Announcement: Maine 4-H Days Update
We want to let you know that Maine 4-H Days will not be held in 2025. While we know this event is a cherished tradition for many, we’re taking this time to restructure and reinvent the experience to better serve our 4-H community in the future.
Our goal is to create an event that is more engaging, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving needs and interests of Maine youth and families. We appreciate your patience and continued support as we work behind the scenes to reimagine what Maine 4-H Days can be.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to share your ideas—we’re excited for what’s ahead!
Make Your Voice Heard – 4-H Annual Index Survey Now Open!
We’re inviting youth ages 12–18 to take part in the National 4-H Annual Index Survey—a brief, 8-minute survey that helps measure the impact of 4-H across the country. By participating, your child’s voice will help shape the future of 4-H in Maine and beyond.
Survey Deadline: June 30, 2025
Take the survey here: https://4hcouncil.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_envLlXgHZyRJGXs
By submitting the survey, you’re giving permission for your child to participate. Youth can choose to stop the survey at any time. Let’s make sure Maine youth are represented—thank you for supporting this important effort!
Maine Summer Transportation Institute (MSTI)
MSTI is a FREE residential camp offered at the University of Maine for current 6th – 8th graders from July 6 – 11, 2025. The camp focuses on transportation-related activities and fields. MSTI is a week-long residential program to allow students from all over the state to participate.
This includes space, roads and bridges, ports, air, and environmental impacts. Activities include building rockets, cars, and bridges; field trips to the Bangor International Airport, Cole Transportation Museum, and Maine Maritime Academy; participating in shows from the Planetarium and the Physics Roadshow; 3D-printing activity (including a tour of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center to see the World’s largest 3D-Printer and the 3D-printed house); Soil/erosion and surveying activities; a Touch-a-truck event, and more. (Activities are subject to change based on weather and availability of funds.) Additionally, students will learn about the different career opportunities within the transportation field, including engineers (environmental, geotechnical, civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.), technicians, communications and media, human resources, and so much more.
Visit the MSTI website for more information about the program and registration. Applications will be accepted through May 23, 2025.
4-H Dairy Judging May 10th
The 2025 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be held on May 10th at Lambert Run Farm in Norridgewock, ME. The event is open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members and will serve as the official tryouts for the 2025 Maine 4-H Eastern States Dairy Judging Team. For a complete schedule for the day please visit umaine.edu/4h/dairy/judging/.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.eduor 207.342.5971.
2025 UMass 4-H Cattle Academy
Registration for the 2025 UMASS 4-H Cattle Academy is now open! This event will take place from June 20-22nd at the Three County Fairgrounds, Northampton, MA. Youth who have a beef, dairy, or working steer project or are thinking about trying out a cattle project are invited to experience hands-on learning in washing, fitting, clipping, showmanship and more! Please register by June 1, 2025. See you at the academy!
Fryeburg Fair 4-H Market Lamb Intents Due June 5th
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, 2025, 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 at extension.umaine.edu/4h/fryeburg-fair-regulations-for-market-steers-and-market-lambs/.
For more information please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971; sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or the State 4-H Office at 207.581.3877.
2025 ESE Working Steer Information
The 2025 4-H ESE Working Steer Tryout information as well as updated team information can be found online at umaine.edu/4h/working-steer/. New this year are ESE Working Steer Intent forms, updated tryout requirements, team apprentice guidelines, and volunteer interest forms. 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.
Save the Date: Maine 4-H State Dairy Show July 18 – 20
The Maine State 4-H Dairy Show will be held on July 18-20th at the Windsor Fairgrounds. All 4-H dairy project members are invited to attend. There will be a grilled cheese cookoff, a milkshake making contest, and a fitting contest on Saturday followed by a show on Sunday. For more information visit umaine.edu/4h/dairy/maine-4-h-state-dairy-showor contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971; sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.
Smithsonian 4-History Project and 4-H Youth Have A Voice!
We currently have openings for the Smithsonian 4-History Project as part of the 4-H program Youth Have A Voice. In this project, 4-H’ers will conduct research and interviews to learn more about their community and share their findings through a video project with support from 4-H leaders and the Smithsonian team. The project will last from August 2025 to March 2026. See the attached flyer for more information!
Additionally, we have openings in the “traditional” 4-H Youth Have a Voice program for Maine teens (14 -19 years old or entering high school in the fall) who are interested in taking a more active role in serving their local communities, the state, or the country. Participants will learn leadership skills and ways to take part in civic action by completing a service project in a topic of their interest. Topics can range from agriculture, aquaculture, STEM education, animal care, renewable energies, disaster preparation, environmental conservation, food security, and more.
Interested teens should be ready to work both independently and with groups of peers and adults. High school teens can register for the program by completing a non-competitive application found on the program webpage. A three credit Early College course at UMaine in leadership development may also be available for interested students.
If you have any questions, please free to contact Andrew Hudacs, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, (207) 581-8204, hudacs@maine.edu.
Speak Up, Maine 4-H!
We need your ideas! We are hoping to add a new category to the Speak Up, Maine 4-H Public Speaking program and State Showcase in 2026. Members and families can fill out our idea form here: https://forms.gle/ToGyuHngd5vFWifr7
Questions? Please contact the planning committee at speakup4h@maine.eduor Laura Personette at (207) 581-8213.
Tri-County 4-H Sampler
Do you know someone who may be interested in 4-H? Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset County staff are hosting workshops on the last Tuesday of each month from April to September. There will be different workshops for youth to attend each month; this month, it will be Aquatic Touch Tank. Guardians will have a chance to talk to 4-H staff about youth enrollment and volunteer opportunities. Check back each month for the activity and location.
This is a free event. Registration is required via ZSuites, for4-H membersand non-4-H members.
Location: Newport Cultural Center, 54 Main St, Newport, ME
Date: May 27, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Emily Pigeon at emily.pigeon@maine.edu or 207.942.7396.