{"id":9571,"date":"2026-04-01T09:17:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T13:17:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/york\/?p=9571"},"modified":"2026-04-01T09:53:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T13:53:24","slug":"9571","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/york\/2026\/04\/01\/9571\/","title":{"rendered":"York County 4-H Clover Connection April 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"4-H<\/h2>\n

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Clover Question of the Month!<\/h2>\n

What is your favorite Spring activity?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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County News<\/h2>\n

York County 4-H Leaders Association Meeting<\/b><\/h3>\n

April 14, 2026\u00a0 6:30pm at the Extension Office\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\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

\ud83c\udf40Animal Approval forms for Eastern States Dairy, Horse and Working Steer are due in the Extension Office by May 1st!<\/b><\/h3>\n

\ud83c\udf40<\/b>Acton Fair 4-H Novelty Item for 2026 is Duct Tape Crafts!<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Items must be made of at least 75% duct tape.<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf40<\/b>Save the Date for June Jamboree!<\/b>\ud83c\udf40<\/b><\/h3>\n

June 6th at Cumberland Fairgrounds!<\/i><\/b><\/h4>\n

York County 4-H will join Cumberland County 4-H in offering a June Jamboree. <\/span>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. More information about June Jamboree and the York County 4-H Fashion Revue will be available soon. We will be looking for volunteers soon. If you are interested in helping out, let me know.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fashion Revue<\/b>: The fashion show will be held at June Jamboree this year! For <\/span>more information about participating visit: <\/span>https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/york\/4-h\/york-county-4-h-fashion-revue\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf40<\/b>2026 Fashion Revue @ June Jamboree<\/b><\/h3>\n

To register and for more information, visit: <\/span>https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/york\/4-h\/york-county-4-h-fashion-revue\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf40<\/b>Tractor Supply Paper Clover Fundraising Campaign<\/b> –<\/span> April 17th – May 3rd<\/b><\/h3>\n

DEMO Day, April 25th<\/i><\/b>.<\/span> This is a great opportunity to show off York County 4-H and <\/span>fundraise. Please let Erin know ASAP if your club is interested in having a table at the Sanford Tractor Supply on April 25th.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf40<\/b>Betty Syvinski Scholarship<\/b><\/a> Application<\/b><\/h3>\n

Due in the office by May 15th<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf40<\/b>NEW!<\/b> York County 4-H Club Grant Application<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

York County 4-H Clubs may now apply for grants from the Extension Office. Please see <\/span>the application for more information. Feel free to contact Erin with additional questions. <\/span>erin.mcdonald1@maine.edu<\/span><\/a> or 207-324-2814<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf40<\/b>2026 Camperships now available!\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Applications Due April 15, 2026\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2026 Campership Application<\/span><\/a> Please note that it does not have to be a 4-H camp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf40<\/b>Ongoing 4-H Programming<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Nature Journaling: <\/b>Bring your curiosity and skills of observation, and start a nature journal as we explore local Great Works Regional Land Trust preserves.\u00a0 You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from nature journaling. Each meeting will have a different theme. Basic nature journaling supplies will be provided.<\/span><\/p>\n

All About Vernal Pools (8+):<\/b> Before venturing out to local vernal pools, learn to recognize their traits and inhabitants, make a model vernal pool and see how it is affected by pollutants and weather, and consider ways humans can help this unique ecosystem continue to thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vernal Pools Walks: <\/b>Join walks at Tatnic Woods Preserve to explore the vernal pool ecosystems. Come and discover fairy shrimp and observe frog and salamander egg masses in the temporary pools. Consider joining multiple walks to see how the egg masses develop and change.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tick Monitoring:<\/b> It’s tick season! Become citizen scientists and help monitor the tick population at Savage Wildlife Preserve and Desrochers Memorial Forest,\u00a0 Great Works Regional Land Trust properties. As participants of the 4-H Tick Project, we will drag a canvas along the trail\u2019s edge, collect and identify ticks, record data, and prepare specimens to be sent for identification and disease analysis.\u00a0 Yes, kids REALLY love this program!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Clubs<\/h3>\n

Beachcombers \u2013 Leader Jackie Lipsky<\/h4>\n

Blue Potato Lobsters FTC 4-H Club \u2013 Leaders Chris Herrick, Tom Lamontagne<\/h4>\n

Four Leaf Clover 4-H Club \u2013 Leaders Else Cook, Jennifer Azara<\/h4>\n

Frosted Yoshies Lego League 4-H Club \u2013 Leader Jeff Wells<\/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\u2019Heureux<\/h4>\n

Nature Kids \u2013 Leader Jackie Lipsky<\/h4>\n

Pollinator Protectors \u2013 Leader Carolyn Reece<\/h4>\n

South Berwick Explorers- Leader Erin McDonald<\/h4>\n

York County Beef Club \u2013 Leaders Ann Boucher, Diane Qualey<\/h4>\n

York County Shepherds \u2013 Leader Kristi Maling<\/h4>\n
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Volunteer 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\u00a0event volunteer form<\/a>. Older youth are welcome to volunteer to help as well.<\/p>\n

York County 4-H Leaders Association Meeting<\/h4>\n

April 14, 2026\u00a0 6:30pm at the Extension Office\u00a0<\/b><\/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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State 4-H News\u00a0<\/strong>April, 2026\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Fryeburg Market Lamb Intent Forms Due June 5, 2026
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Intent forms for Fryeburg Fair market lambs are now available\u00a0online<\/a>.\u00a0Market Lambs\u00a0must be owned and in possession\u00a0of 4-H\u2019er by June 1, 2026, and must be a castrated male. In order to be eligible for participation,\u00a04-H members must meet the following requirements: Send\u00a0Intent to Sell Form, 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 on our Fryeburg Fair information page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For more information please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971;\u00a0mehuren@maine.edu<\/a>or the State 4-H Office at 207.581.3877.<\/p>\n

NEW DATES: Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors \u2013 Spring 2026
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Maine 4-H is now accepting registrations for the spring 2026 Agriculture Ambassadors cohort! The program is designed for youth ages 13-18 who are interested in any aspect of agriculture.\u00a0 Youth spend time getting to know each other and learn both online and in-person in sessions facilitated by UMaine 4-H Staff and community partners. Sessions will focus on career exploration, exploring the Maine Food System with farm and production visits around the state, and building relationships with industry professionals.<\/p>\n

This season we will visit local Maine Ag businesses like Libby Maple, Yeti Ridge Farm and more. Transportation assistance for these events may be available upon request.<\/p>\n

In addition to the multi-week session, youth will serve in their ambassador role with Maine 4-H for at least 1 year. Youth will pick an agricultural area to focus on (ex. livestock, ag literacy\/food systems, environmental stewardship, ag and health) during their term and explore leadership opportunities locally, statewide, and even nationally. Register today!<\/p>\n

Spring 2026 Dates
\nOnline: April 26, May 6, May 13, May 20, & May 27<\/p>\n

Maine Agriculture Symposium at the University of Maine: <\/strong>April 19-21 (two nights), we try to offer transportation as best we can.
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\n<\/strong>To register visit the Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassador Program page<\/a>. For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Alisha Targonski at targonski@maine.edu<\/a> or 207.622.7546.<\/p>\n

Maine 4-H Agriculture Symposium<\/h3>\n

Dates: <\/strong>April 19 \u2013 21, 2026
\nLocation: <\/strong>University of Maine, Orono
\nAges: <\/strong>13 \u2013 18<\/p>\n

The 5th annual 4-H Agriculture Symposium is an overnight experience for Maine youth ages 13-18. Participants will take part in hands-on learning opportunities, engage with industry professionals on the University of Maine Orono campus, develop leadership skills, and make friendships with teens from around the state.<\/p>\n

Youth will participate in interactive learning experiences like blueberry research, animal science, engineering challenge, industry panel and so much more.<\/p>\n

Current 4-H membership is not required. Assistance with transportation may be available upon request.<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> $40 (a family cap of $50)
\nTo help offset the cost of meals, lodging, and transportation for this inclusive 2-night, 3-day event. If cost is a barrier, please contact extension.4hagleadership@maine.edu; scholarships are available.<\/p>\n

Registration is required for Ag Symposium; Register Here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

4-H Dairy Judging Contest
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The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be held on May 2nd at BrookRidge Organic Dairy Farm in Lyman, ME.\u00a0The event is open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members and will serve as the official tryouts for the 2026 Maine 4-H Eastern States Dairy Judging Team.\u00a0For a complete schedule for the day please visit\u00a0the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mehuren at\u00a0mehuren@maine.edu<\/a>or 207.342.5971.<\/p>\n

UMASS Vet Science Academy
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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.\u00a0Youth 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!<\/p>\n

Register for Session One<\/a>.
\nRegister for Session Two<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you are not a MA 4-Her, you will need to create a profile. Please select \u201cstate office\u201d 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<\/a> to pay. Financial assistance is available.<\/p>\n

Got questions? Please email Andrew at\u00a0asamuelson@umass.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4-H Working Steer Tryout Information
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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\u00a0umaine.edu\/4h\/working-steer\/<\/a>. The dates for team tryouts are listed below.<\/p>\n

ESE\u00a0Working\u00a0Steer\u00a0Tryouts:<\/p>\n