York County 4-H Clover Connection February 2026
York County 4-H Clover Connection February 2026
LEADER SPOTLIGHT
Else-Maria Cook of Shapleigh celebrated a milestone in 2025: 50 years as a volunteer with York County 4-H, a program delivered by University of Maine Cooperative Extension. As the leader of the Shapleigh Four Leaf Clover Club, Else has shepherded dozens of youth through the 4-H experience, nurturing their sparks, instilling the importance of community service, providing enriching and fun group experiences, and encouraging participation in national 4-H trips to Washington DC.
Else’s work with 4-H follows that of another long-term volunteer and former leader of the Shapleigh Four Leaf Clover Club, Hazel Goodwin. Else did not participate in 4-H as a child, but was recruited by Hazel to help lead the Four Leaf Clover Club in 1974 and has been a steady presence ever since. Else exemplifies the vital role of volunteers in maintaining the 4-H program and providing a consistent positive adult presence in the lives of young people. The fact that many of her club
members remain involved in 4-H through their teenage years is a testament to the impact Else’s leadership has on club members. York County 4-H is deeply grateful for Else’s dedicated service and looks forward to working with Else for many more years
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-https://www.morningagclips.com/york-county-resident-celebrates-50-years-as-4-h-volunteer-with-umaine-extension/
See Else-Maria’s news article in the Weekly Sentinel Here:
County News
York County 4-H Leaders Association Meeting
February 10, 2026 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
🍀Public Speaking Tournament Registration🍀
March 7, 2026 9:30am at the Extension Office
If you are interested in participating, please complete the registration form
by March 1st. For those of you new to 4-H, you can find out more about public
speaking here: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/public-speaking/resources/
There is a virtual workshop scheduled for Feb. 4th from 6-7:30, hosted by 4-H
Professionals Gabby (Washington) and Megan (Aroostook). This session is open
to all ages, we do request that an adult log on with any youth ages 5 – 8.
The workshop is free, registration is required.
To register, log into ZSuite or go to 4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/45038
Qualifying youth ages 9 and up can participate in the State event on April 11th
Nature Journaling Series
Bring your curiosity and observation skills, and learn how to start a nature journal from scratch in this three part series open to youth aged 5+. You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from nature journaling: once you have bound your journal, learn different techniques and record what is happening in nature at that very moment.
Mondays, March 16th, 23rd, and 30th 9:30-11 D.A. Hurd Library in North Berwick
Sign up here: https://extension.umaine.edu/york/4-h/ongoing-4-h-programming/
Tuesdays, March 24th, 31st, and April 7th 4:30-5:30 Massabesic High School East Building
Sign up here: https://massabesic.coursestorm.com/course/youth-nature-journaling
NEW! York County 4-H Club Grant Application
York County 4-H Clubs may now apply for grants from the Extension Office. Please see
the application for more information. Feel free to contact Erin with additional questions. erin.mcdonald1@maine.edu or 207-324-2814
2026 Camperships now available!
Applications Due April 3, 2026
Clubs
Beachcombers – Leader Jackie Lipsky
Blue Potato Lobsters FTC 4-H Club – Leader Chris Herrick
Four Leaf Clover 4-H Club – Leaders Else Cook, Jennifer Azara
Frosted Yoshies Lego League 4-H Club – Leader Jeff Wells
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
Stay Wild – Leader Daisy Jette
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
February 10, 2026 6:30pm at 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
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 here: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/virtual-learning-hub/steam-2/
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 here:https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/virtual-learning-hub/steam-2/
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 Quiz bowl- Save the Date
The 2026 Maine 4-H dairy quiz bowl 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 Quiz bowl Team. The top four eligible 4-H members will be selected to represent Maine 4-H at The Big E in the regional dairy quiz bowl contest in September.
Maine 4-H dairy quiz bowl 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 at umaine.edu/4h/dairy/dairy-quizbowl/. 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.
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 Dairy Team Intent Forms are Due March 1, 2026
The 2026 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, 2026.
Please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971 with any questions.
2026 Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales
- 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!
4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-Credential
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.
Link to 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential webpage: https://extension.umaine.edu/micro-credentials/4h-foundations-maple-sugaring-enterprise/
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.
February 2026 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.
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- 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!