York County Clover Connections May 2026
May 2026 4-H Newsletter
York County Clover Connections May 2026
A monthly newsletter for York County 4-H Members
Table of Contents
Upcoming Dates| County News | Local 4-H Workshops and Events | State News
Upcoming Dates to Remember
May 8th – Last day to register for the Sewing Workshop for Beginners
May 11th – Last day to register for the Fashion Revue
May 12th – 4-H Leaders Association Meeting, 6:30pm
May 15th – Betty Syvinsky Scholarship applications due in the Extension Office
May 15th – Teens as Teachers application due in the Extension Office
May 16th – Sewing Workshop for Beginners at Little Threads Studio, 1-3pm
May 29th – Last day to register for June Jamboree!
June 6th – June Jamboree!
County News
4-H Leaders Association Meeting
The May 4-H Leaders Association meeting will take place on May 12th at the Extension Office and via Zoom. Also, if you are a volunteer with York County 4-H, there is a 4-H mug and certificate of appreciation waiting for you in the Extension Office. Let us know ahead of time if/when you plan to come in to pick it up. Erin will also have them with her at the Acton Fair Food Booth cleanup in August.
Zoom info:
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
Fashion Revue
The 2026 Fashion Revue invites 4-H members to get their creative juices flowing and sew, crochet, knit, up-cycle, embellish, or style an item or outfit to be showcased at a 4-H fashion show! The Fashion Revue is open to all ages, with categories for Cloverbuds (ages 5-8 years), beginner, intermediate, and advanced sewers, knitters, crocheters, embellishers, and stylists. Projects can include garments, accessories, totebags, scarves, hats, and much more! The Fashion Show will take place at June Jamboree at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on June 6th. For more information and to register, visit the York County Fashion Revue webpage. Registration deadline is May 11th.
Teens as Teachers
Are you looking to learn some new skills this summer? Do you have a passion for helping others learn? Consider applying for York County 4-H’s Teens As Teachers program!
Teens as Teachers is a grant-funded program for teens ages 14 to 18 who are interested in gaining leadership and communication skills while enriching the lives of younger kids in their communities. The program takes place from late June to early August and is only a few hours a week, which means you can combine this opportunity with another job or camp. The expected time commitment is between 20 and 22 hours total. Teens will earn a $300.00 stipend once they complete the program. Applications are due May 15, 2026.
June Jamboree
York County 4-H will join Cumberland County 4-H in offering a June Jamboree.
There will be opportunities for livestock exhibitors and non-animal focused 4-Hers alike. Crafts, games, food, and fun for all!! This is also where the York County 4-H Fashion Revue fashion show will be held. You must register to participate in June Jamboree. We are also looking for help with activities. If you are interested in helping with any of the activities below, please contact Erin ASAP at email erin.mcdonald1@maine.edu
- Face-painting or craft table
- Field Day events or obstacle course
- Setup or Cleanup
- Activity Passport table
Local 4-H Workshops and Events
Little Threads Sewing Studio in Alfred, ME
Sewing workshop for Beginners – May 16, 2026 (1pm – 3pm)
Spend a couple hours learning how to use a sewing machine and come away with a tote bag (subject to change) that you can submit to the 4-H Fashion Revue! This workshop is aimed specifically at 4-H members ages 6 and up who are novice sewists or have limited access to a sewing machine. If the workshop is not filled by May 1st, registration will open to 4-H members of all sewing levels. Registration closes on May 8th. Space is limited to 10 participants. All youth who sign up for this workshop are expected to also register for and participate in the York County 4-H Fashion Revue.
Nature Journaling, Vernal Pools and more…
Locations in the South Berwick area – throughout the spring and summer
Ongoing Programs with Rebecca Tay – Follow link for more information.
Feeling adventurous? Get outside and practice your observation skills with Nature Journaling. Check up on all of the frog and salamander activity during local Vernal Pool walks. Or, become a citizen scientist and contribute to local Tick Monitoring efforts (it’s more fun than it sounds!!).
State News May, 2026
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 website.
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 www.MyAlfondGrant.org 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.
Hancock County June Jamboree
June Jamboree is back for another exciting weekend, and you’re invited! 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! 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!
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, 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 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.edu or 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 Session One.
Register for 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 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 one at extension.umaine.edu/4h/working-steer/. 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 interest form.
For more information please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971 or sadee.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 website for more information and registration links.
Email Tanglewood directly with any questions.
Greenland Point
Dates: August 2 – 12, 2026
Ages: 16 – 18
Visit the website for more information and registration links.
Email Greenland Point directly with any questions.
MAY 2026 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!
4-H Volunteer Huddle:
Join us for the last “gather and learn session” in this year’s series. 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, we’d love to see you there! No registration required!
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.
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.