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\n“April Showers bring May flowers!”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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County News<\/h2>\n
Welcome new volunteers and clubs!\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n
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!<\/span><\/p>\n
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Fashion Revue<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n
May 17, 2025 <\/i><\/b>(apologies for having the incorrect date listed previously)<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
We\u2019re looking for volunteer judges! Reach out to Erin if you are interested.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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York County 4-H Leaders Association Meeting<\/b><\/h4>\n
May 20, 2025 6:30pm in the Extension Office<\/span><\/p>\n
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: <\/span>https:\/\/maine.zoom.us\/j\/85214893115<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
Or Telephone: US: +1 305 224 1968 \u00a0 \u00a0 Meeting ID: 852 1489 3115<\/span><\/p>\n
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Tick Project Citizen Science<\/strong><\/h4>\n
May 10th, 9am – 11am
\n**For ages 8-18 and a caregiver**
\nIt’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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\nFor more information and to register, visit: https:\/\/forms.gle\/azbET1V26Dwq6ns89<\/a><\/p>\n
Additional dates and locations will be available to continue monitoring and collecting ticks through November. Contact Rebecca Tay (rebecca.tay@maine.edu<\/a>) for more information or to express interest in joining this ongoing project.<\/p>\n
4-H Nature Journaling Workshop Series<\/strong><\/h4>\n
May 13th, 20th, 27th, and June 3rd, 4:30-6pm
\n**For ages 11-18**
\nThe 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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Vernal Pools Exploration<\/strong><\/h4>\n
May 18, 2025 9am
\nJoin 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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h4>\n
Betty Syvinski Scholarship<\/b><\/a> Application<\/b><\/h4>\n
Due in the office by May 15th<\/span><\/p>\n
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4-H Exhibit Hall Novelty Item 2025<\/b><\/h4>\n
This year, the novelty item will be DIY birdfeeders! <\/span><\/p>\n
Help feed our feathered friends by providing them with a healthy treat in a feeder made by you!<\/span><\/p>\n
You can use <\/span>upcycled materials<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>items from nature<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>craft supplies<\/span><\/a>, and even a <\/span>tea cup<\/span><\/a>! Check out this website for more ideas: \u00a0 <\/span>https:\/\/www.bakerross.co.uk\/craft-ideas\/search?s=bird+feeder<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nClub News<\/h3>\n
\u00a0Four Leaf Clover 4-H Club \u2013 Leaders Else Cook, Jennifer Azara<\/h4>\n
Kidding Around \u2013 Leaders Debbi Cole, Nathan Cole<\/h4>\n
Little Falls 4-H Club \u2013 Leaders Barbara Peterson, Nancy Van Tassell, Cheryl L’Heureux<\/h4>\n
Nature Kids \u2013 Leader Jackie Lipsky<\/h4>\n
Pollinator Protectors \u2013 Leader Carolyn Reece<\/h4>\n
S.T.A.M.P.S \u2013 Leader Alicia Paley<\/h4>\n
York County Beef Club \u2013 Leaders Ann Boucher, Diane Qualey<\/h4>\n
York County Shepherds \u2013 Leaders Donna Flint, Kristi Maling<\/h4>\n
\nVolunteer and Leader News<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>. Older youth are welcome to volunteer to help as well.<\/p>\n
York County 4-H Leaders Association Meeting<\/h4>\n
May 20, 2025 6:30pm in the Extension Office<\/span><\/p>\n
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: <\/span>https:\/\/maine.zoom.us\/j\/85214893115<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
Or Telephone: US: +1 305 224 1968 \u00a0 \u00a0 Meeting ID: 852 1489 3115<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nState 4-H News<\/h3>\n
May 2025<\/h3>\n
Save the Date \u2013 4-H Summer Learning Series
\n<\/strong>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<\/a>.<\/p>\nMaine Delegates Represented at National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C.
\n<\/strong>This April, three outstanding youth\u2014Sabrinnah, Kaylee, and Kai\u2014and 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.<\/p>\nThe delegation also toured Washington\u2019s historic monuments by night, danced with Coyaba Dance Theater performers, and visited both Maine senators\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Skip the Stress \u2013 Get Into College with 4-H Direct Admissions!
\n<\/strong>Great news for Maine 4-H high school juniors and seniors: applying to college just got a whole lot easier. With\u00a04-H Direct Admissions<\/strong>, you can be\u00a0automatically considered for admission to all seven of Maine\u2019s Public Universities<\/strong>\u2014no Common App, no test scores, no essays, no recommendations, and\u00a0no application fees<\/strong>required!<\/p>\nIf you’re enrolled in any 4-H program in Maine, you’re eligible. Just\u00a0click to opt in<\/strong>, and we\u2019ll take care of the rest.<\/p>\n
Click here to opt in. We will do the rest. <\/strong><\/a>
\nClick here to learn more about 4-H Direct Admissions <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nThis is your future\u2014made simple.\u00a0#BeyondReady<\/p>\n
Save the Date! 4-H Sheep and Goat Clinic<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\u2019t need an animal to participate. Registration details will be available soon.<\/p>\n
Important Announcement: Maine 4-H Days Update
\n<\/strong>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\u2019re taking this time to restructure and reinvent the experience to better serve our 4-H community in the future.<\/p>\nOur 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.<\/p>\n
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to share your ideas\u2014we\u2019re excited for what\u2019s ahead!<\/p>\n
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Make Your Voice Heard \u2013 4-H Annual Index Survey Now Open!
\n<\/strong>We\u2019re inviting youth ages 12\u201318 to take part in the\u00a0National 4-H Annual Index Survey\u2014a brief, 8-minute survey that helps measure the impact of 4-H across the country. By participating, your child\u2019s voice will help shape the future of 4-H in Maine and beyond.<\/p>\nSurvey Deadline: June 30, 2025
\nTake the survey here:\u00a0https:\/\/4hcouncil.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_envLlXgHZyRJGXs<\/a><\/p>\nBy submitting the survey, you\u2019re giving permission for your child to participate. Youth can choose to stop the survey at any time.\u00a0Let\u2019s make sure Maine youth are represented\u2014thank you for supporting this important effort!<\/p>\n
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Maine Summer Transportation Institute (MSTI)
\n<\/strong>MSTI is a FREE<\/strong> residential camp offered at the University of Maine for current 6th<\/sup> \u2013 8th<\/sup> graders from July 6 \u2013 11, 2025. The camp focuses on transportation-related activities and fields.\u00a0 MSTI is a week-long residential program to allow students from all over the state to participate.<\/p>\nThis 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Visit the MSTI website<\/a> for more information about the program and registration. Applications will be accepted through May 23, 2025.<\/p>\n
4-H Dairy Judging May 10th<\/sup>
\n<\/strong>The 2025 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be held on May\u00a010th at Lambert Run Farm in Norridgewock, ME.\u00a0The 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.\u00a0For a complete schedule for the day please visit\u00a0umaine.edu\/4h\/dairy\/judging\/<\/a>.<\/p>\nFor more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mehuren at\u00a0sadee.mehuren@maine.edu<\/a>or 207.342.5971.<\/p>\n
2025 UMass 4-H Cattle Academy
\n<\/strong>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.\u00a0Youth 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!\u00a0 Please register<\/a> by June 1, 2025. See you at the academy!<\/p>\nFryeburg Fair 4-H Market Lamb Intents Due June 5th<\/sup>
\n<\/strong>Intent forms for Fryeburg Fair market lambs are now available online.\u00a0Market Lambs\u00a0must be owned and in possession\u00a0of 4-H\u2019er by June 1, 2025, and must be a castrated male. In order to be eligible for participation,\u00a04-H members must meet the following requirements:<\/p>\nSend\u00a0Intent to Sell Form<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, original bill of sale\/value of lamb statement, and\u00a0 pictures of your animal (front and side view) to your county office by June 5th.<\/p>\n
Animal approval forms for lambs must include the scrapie tag number and list \u201cFryeburg Sale\u201d as the show class.<\/p>\n
Additional requirements as well as the fillable online form can be found online at\u00a0extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/fryeburg-fair-regulations-for-market-steers-and-market-lambs\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n
For more information please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971;\u00a0sadee.mehuren@maine.edu<\/a>\u00a0or the State 4-H Office at 207.581.3877.<\/p>\n
2025 ESE Working Steer Information
\n<\/strong>The 2025 4-H ESE Working Steer Tryout information as well as updated team information can be found online at\u00a0umaine.edu\/4h\/working-steer\/<\/a>. New this year are ESE Working Steer Intent forms, updated tryout requirements, team apprentice guidelines, and volunteer interest forms.\u00a0If you have any questions, please contact Hillary Arsenault, ESE coordinator, at\u00a0maineworkingsteer@gmail.com<\/a>; 207-592-3320 or Sadee Mehuren at\u00a0sadee.mehuren@maine.edu<\/a>; 207.342.5971.<\/p>\nSave the Date: Maine 4-H State Dairy Show July 18 \u2013 20
\n<\/strong>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\u00a0umaine.edu\/4h\/dairy\/maine-4-h-state-dairy-show<\/a>or contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971;\u00a0sadee.mehuren@maine.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Smithsonian 4-History Project and 4-H Youth Have A Voice!
\n<\/strong>We currently have openings for the Smithsonian 4-History Project<\/a> as part of the 4-H program Youth Have A Voice<\/a>. In this project, 4-H\u2019ers 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!<\/p>\nAdditionally, we have openings in the \u201ctraditional\u201d 4-H Youth Have\u00a0a\u00a0Voice<\/a> program\u00a0for Maine teens (14 -19 years old or entering high\u00a0school\u00a0in 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.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0program webpage<\/a>. A three credit Early College course at UMaine in leadership development may also be available for interested students.<\/p>\n
If you have any questions, please free to contact Andrew Hudacs, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, (207) 581-8204, hudacs@maine.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Speak Up, Maine 4-H!<\/strong>
\nWe 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<\/a><\/p>\nQuestions? Please contact the planning committee at\u00a0speakup4h@maine.edu<\/a>or Laura Personette at (207) 581-8213.<\/p>\n
Tri-County 4-H Sampler
\n<\/strong>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\u00a0Aquatic Touch Tank<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\nThis is a free event. Registration is required via ZSuites, for4-H members<\/a>and\u00a0non-4-H members<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Location: Newport Cultural Center, 54 Main St, Newport, ME<\/p>\n
Date: May 27, 5:30 \u2013 7:00 pm<\/p>\n