Happy May Birthdays!

• Hunter L.   5/10
• Alexandra H.   5/23
• Joshua M.   5/24
• Phoebe H.   5/25
• Linden J.   5/25

Dates to Remember

• May 1 – ESE Dairy Team Intent to Participate Deadline
• May 1 – ESE Sheep Team Intent to Participate Deadline
• May 11 – 4-H Leader’s Association Fundraiser – “Doo-Doo Drive Thru” Compost Sale – Justalittle Farm, Lisbon Falls, 8:30 a.m. – proceeds to go towards 4-H activities in our counties!
• May 17 & 18 – 4-H @ UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus – University of Maine, Orono
• May 18 – Equine Etc.4-H Club – Open Barn Day Activity Booth, Safe Haven Farm

The Northeast Livestock Exposition

May, 17,18, & 19 at Windsor Fairgrounds with many old favorites and new events for youth!
Register by visiting the web site and click on ‘Youth’ for registration information.
New this year will be a market lamb sale with a jackpot show at Skowhegan Fair!
For the latest and most up to date information check out our Facebook page NELE Youth Events.

Activity Corner

Spring is officially here and with that comes Fishing season! Did you know fishing is a National 4-H project?  Curriculum is available to purchase from the National 4-H Supply Service or to view at your county office.

Looking for a fun activity to do to get ready for fishing? Have a casting contest! All you need is an empty aluminum can, fishing line and some friends to join you. Learn more about how to do this at the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension web site.

Volunteers Needed!

Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H is looking for folks to serve on the Topsham Fair Committee. This group will be in charge of coordinating activities and outreach during the Topsham Fair. This group will meet every other month. If you are interested please connect with Kristy!

4-H Science at Hillview Housing – Lewiston

Fatuma D. and Farhio M. had fun being leaders during the 4-H Science Fair at Hillview Housing.

1st Annual 4-H Fun Day! Presented by 4-H Teen Leaders

On April 19, 4-H Youth participated in the Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 1st Annual 4-H Fun Day! There were several sessions throughout the day including: tree identification, cooking, face painting, survival skills, science fun and sewing a reusable shopping bag. The Androscoggin-Sagadahoc 4-H Teen Leaders presented this fun-filled day of hands-on activities!

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photos by Sarah Sparks.

4-H News May 2013

Celebrating 100 Years of 4-H in Maine

2013 marks the 100th birthday of 4-H in Maine, and we want YOU to celebrate with us!

Check with your local county office to find activities in your neck of the woods, and plan on coming to the party at Maine 4-H Days this year. There will be cake, ice cream, a chance to look back on all that we’ve accomplished, as well as a chance to look forward and see what’s in the works!

Please check out our special Celebrating 100 Years website. We are, also, encouraging all of you to consider giving financially to the 4-H Foundation as we work to raise $100,000 in 2013 to support the 4-H program.

Happy 100 years Maine 4-H, and here’s to many more!

2013 Maine 4-H Days – Registration Begins in May

Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18 – 21, 2013, at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and the registration materials are now available online. As always, workshops are assigned on a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to register early. Please contact your local county office if you need paper copies of the forms.

We are in need of volunteers willing to help with all aspects of the event. Last year, Maine 4-H Days brought almost 500 individuals to the Windsor Fairgrounds, and we are preparing for even greater numbers for 2013. Volunteers are needed for: presenter assistance, office/registration help, being crafty in the Creativity Area, set-up, cleanup, and more. We request that one member of each group sign up for a minimum of one volunteer shift.

Along with many of your favorite returning workshops (Archery, ATV Certification, Modular Origami, Shades of Creativity, Blacksmithing, etc.), there are a ton of awesome new workshops this year! Decorating a 4-H Birthday Cake, Milk Science, Duct Tape Projects, Exploration of an Owl’s Diet, and so much more! The State 4-H Dairy Show will also be held during 4-H Days. All of the workshops, and their descriptions, are posted on the Maine 4-H Days web page.

2013 Maine 4-H Days – Presenters Needed

Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18 – 21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and volunteers are needed to present a variety of workshops. If you have a skill you could share with youth, anything from photography to cooking or botany, let us know! We also have 4-H Science toolkits available, and can provide materials for your workshop.

Some workshops we have had in the past include Wood Working, Jewelry Making, Fun with Science, Theatre, Cheese Making, Nature Walk, Phenology, Jump Rope Fun, Make Your Own Hula Hoop, and much more. Workshops can relate to any of the 4-H projects, from public speaking to dairy goats or robotics. We have many more ideas available if you are interested in volunteering, but aren’t sure what you’d like to offer. Youth volunteers are also needed to be presenter assistants, or to offer their own workshops.

If you are interested in volunteering, as a presenter or in another capacity, please contact Jessy Brainerd or call 207-581-3877.

Great News for 4-H Shooting Sports!

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is one of seven state 4-H programs to receive $100,000 for its youth firearm safety programming from the MidwayUSA Foundation, Inc., and Scholastic Shooting Trust. The funding is part of a $3 million donation from Larry and Brenda Potterfield, founders of MidwayUSA. In addition to supporting 4-H Shooting Sports programs, the donation provided 192 shooting sports teams nationwide endowments of $10,000 each. Last November, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife also administered $23,600 from the U.S. Department of the Interior/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support a three-year 4-H Shooting Sports partnership. Additionally, in June of last year, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation donated $10,000 to the endowment fund, which was matched by the Potterfields. In the 4-H Shooting Sports programs, youth learn marksmanship, safe and responsible use of firearms, as well as principles of hunting and archery. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics. More information on the UMaine Extension 4-H Shooting Sports program is available online.

UMaine Extension 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training Weekend

The annual 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop will be held June 14-16, 2013, at the Bryant Pond 4-H Camp & Learning Center in Oxford County. This weekend training will certify you as a State of Maine 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor in the Rifle, Shotgun, Archery or the Hunting/Wildlife discipline. (One discipline of your choice) The weekend includes meals and lodging at Bryant Pond’s beautiful Lakeside Lodge. More information is available on the website, or contact Scott Olsen or call 207-665-2068.

Eastern States Exposition – Form Deadlines

These dates are when forms are due to the Activity Coordinator! All forms must first go to the county in which you are 4-H enrolled for confirmation of eligibility. Do not wait until they are due as they will be late!

• Dairy Cattle – May 1
• Sheep – May 1
• Dog – May 15
• Horse PACKETS are due June 7

Additional information and forms are available on the 4-H website.

Eastern States Exposition – New England Center Program

Calling all 4-H youth, ages 11 and up, along with volunteers who have an interest in showcasing the many interests and talents of Maine 4-H… we want you! Join the group of dedicated performers and demonstrators as we share our love for 4-H with the fair-goers at The Big E in West Springfield, Mass, the 3rd weekend in September. It’s an experience you will not soon forget.

Maine 4-H participates with displays and demonstrations in the New England Center, which also houses creative arts competitions, and daily stage performances. Working in teams of two at stations called “pods”, youth demonstrate 4-H projects that, this year, will be focused on Robotics and Engineering. Youth, also, have the opportunity to participate in stage performances of planned presentations using costumes and other props as needed. Please call the UMaine Cooperative Extension office in Oxford County at 207-743-6329, or 800-287-1482 (in Maine), for specific details and for the team application. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will stay in the dorm, and meals and transportation will be provided. 4-Hers, participating in the New England Center Program, are eligible to apply for the Morris Scholarship.

2013 Morris Scholarship for Eastern States Participants

Maine has the opportunity to select an Eastern States Exposition participant to receive a $500 scholarship towards continuing his or her education beyond high school. Information on how to apply for this scholarship is available online.

Maine ESE Horse Tryouts

This year ESE Horse tryouts will take place on July 12, 13, and 14 at Skowhegan Fairgrounds. Reminder that riders/drivers must be 14 years old as of December 31, 2012. Information and tryout forms are posted on the UMaine Extension 4-H website. If you have questions about ESE tryouts, please contact Tina Hogan, ESE Horse Committee Coordinator, or Kristy Ouellette, Extension Educator, or call 207-353-5550.

State 4-H Dairy Program Dates

Please hold the following dates for your participation in the State 4-H Dairy Programs:

• Fitting Competition – July 20, 5:00 pm at the Windsor Fairgrounds
• Maine State 4-H Dairy Show – July 21, 9:00 a.m. at the Windsor Fairgrounds

The Dairy Packet and related forms are available on the 4-H Dairy web page.

4-H Farm-to-Fair Key Volunteers Needed

Did you get to visit the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at the 2012 Union Fair? The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association reports that the response from the public was resoundingly positive! Local families and folks visiting the area from other states (and countries) praised the exhibit for being fun and informative, a great way to teach kids about how the food they eat and products they use are produced.

A Volunteer Coordinator is needed to seek out and organize the schedule of volunteers operating the exhibit for the eight days  the fair is open (August 17-24, 2013). The person, or team of two, needs to commit to being available for all of these days. If there is a team of two, the times can be shared.

We also seek a Farm Store Coordinator, who will coordinate the products that kids will choose from to take home after they have been through the exhibit. This person will be responsible for procuring enough donations of locally-produced items to fill the store shelves every day the exhibit is open. This will be done prior to fair week, so your presence will not be needed during the fair.

If you want to volunteer or learn more, contact Cindy Rogers, 4-H Program Aide, Knox and Lincoln Counties, or call 832-0343.

Beef Heifer Project

The New England Galloway Group is announcing their annual Heifer Project, which places a Belted Galloway heifer calf with a deserving youth recipient to allow for a hands-on education in beef cattle rearing and showmanship and to develop a love of the breed. The youth selected to receive a heifer is expected to return the first heifer calf back to the program so it will continue each year. You can find the application online. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2013.

Resources for Leaders, Volunteers & Members

• UMaine Extension’s 4-H website
• 4-H National interactive website
• 4-H Supplies, Gifts, & Educational Resources website
• Michaele Bailey, 4-H Activities & Events Coordinator, UMaine Extension – Orono: 207-581-3872
• Lisa Phelps, Program Administrator, UMaine Extension: 207-356-3851

Save the Date!

• July 12-14 – Maine ESE Horse Tryouts
• July 18-21 – 2013 Maine 4-H Days
• July 20 – Dairy Fitting Competition
• July 21 – Maine State 4-H Dairy Show
• August 6-11 – Topsham Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday!

 

 

 

 

• Simeon G.  3/8
• Courtney H.  3/14
• Hannah L.  3/22
• Hannah M.  3/22
• Sarah B.  3/23
• Emma L.  3/24
• Larsson L.  3/29

Dates to Remember

• March 15 – National Trip Applications Due (Packets must be postmarked by March 15) Applications are available online
• March 16 – Robotics Expos – Machias
  Tentatively scheduled for October 19th in southern Maine
• April 19 – 1st Annual 4-H Fun Day! 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Join us for an afternoon full of fun! Put on by YOUR teen leaders
  Registration information to be sent out soon!

Activity Corner

Want to learn more about electricity? Build a flashlight with materials you probably have around the house! All you need is this simple guide, tinfoil, a battery and a light bulb. Follow this link to get started!

Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H is looking for folks to serve on the Topsham Fair Committee. This group will be in charge of coordinating activities and outreach during the Topsham Fair. Meetings will take place every other month. If you are interested, please email Kristy Ouellette or call 207-353-5550.

State 4-H News

Celebrating 100 Years of 4-H in Maine
A Message from Lisa Phelps, 4-H Program Administrator

Did you know the first 4-H club in Maine was started in 1913, and it was a Potato Club in Scarborough, Maine? Yes, indeed, it’s true! In 2013, 4-H is celebrating 100 years in Maine. I hope you will join me in celebrating the 100th birthday of 4-H in Maine and look for ways you can celebrate locally and statewide. We have a lot to be proud of about our 4-H program in Maine! Since the beginning, the youth development program of University of Maine Cooperative Extension has emphasized the importance of building the life skills needed to be successful adults.

We would not have had the strong program we have had for the past 100 years if it were not for the extremely dedicated volunteers and staff. On behalf of the thousands of youth all of you have impacted over the years, thank you for all you have done.

Please check out our special Celebrating 100 Years website! I would, also, encourage all of you to consider giving financially to the 4-H Foundation as we work to raise $100,000 in 2013 to support the 4-H program.

Happy 100 years Maine 4-H, and here’s to many more!

State 4-H Dairy Program Dates

Please hold the following dates for participation in the State 4-H Dairy Programs:

• Dairy judging – April 13, Saturday, time and location tba. Open to all 4-H Dairy project members
• Intent to Participate Form due May 1, 2013 for 4-H Dairy Team to Eastern States
• Fitting Competition – July 20, 5:00 p.m. at the Windsor Fairgrounds
• Maine State 4-H Dairy Show – July 21, 9:00 a.m. at the Windsor Fairgrounds. The new dairy packet will be posted in March.

Forms will be posted soon on the 4-H Dairy website.

Maine ESE Horse Tryouts

This year ESE Horse tryouts will take place on July 12 – 14 at Skowhegan Fairgrounds. Reminder that riders and drivers must be 14 years old as of December 31, 2012. Information and tryout forms are posted to the 4-H website with Animal Science Resources. If you have questions about ESE tryouts, please contact Tina Hogan, ESE Horse Committee Coordinator, or Kristy Ouellette, Extension Educator, or call 207.353.5550.

4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament – for Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Somerset, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington Counties

The 4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament will be held Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the University of Maine at Orono in the Bangor Room. 4-H members ages 9 -18 who have participated in their county 4-H public speaking tournament are invited to participate. For youth in counties which do not hold public speaking tournaments, arrangements may be made through their county’s Extension office to either participate in a neighboring county’s tournament or present in another format to be eligible. To register 4-H members, County offices should contact Joyce Fortier in the Hancock County Extension Office no later than March 13th or call 207-667-8212. More information on 4-H public speaking, including guidelines and judging sheets, is available on the website or contact Lisa Reilich, or call 207-598-6621.

Eastern States Exposition, New England Center Program

Calling all 4-H youth, ages 11 and up, along with volunteers who have an interest in showcasing the many interests and talents of Maine 4-H… we want you! Join the group of dedicated performers and demonstrators as we share our love for 4-H with the fair-goers at The Big E in West Springfield, MA, the 3rd weekend in September. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Maine 4-H participates with displays and demonstrations in the New England Center, which also houses creative arts competitions, and daily stage performances. Working in teams of two, youth demonstrate 4-H projects which will be focused on Robotics and Engineering. Youth also have the opportunity to participate in stage performances. All projects and demonstrations will  focus on a science theme. Please contact the Oxford County UMaine Extension office or call us at 743-6329 or 800-287-1482 (in Maine) for specific details and the team application. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Students stay in the dorm, and meals and transportation are provided.

2013 Morris Scholarship for Eastern States Participants

Maine has the opportunity to select an Eastern States Exposition participant to receive a $500 scholarship towards continuing his or her education beyond high school. Find information on how to apply online.

4-H @ UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus

If you know youth between the ages of 12 – 18, make sure they save the date! 4-H @ UMaine will take place May 17 – 18, 2013, on the University of Maine Orono campus. Details will be available online soon.

Apply Now for National Trips

National 4-H Trips are excellent opportunities to meet 4-H members from across the nation while learning about career options, experiencing educational workshops at Congress or joining a team making recommendations to National 4-H Council at Conference.  Maine 4-H youth, ages 14 – 18, are eligible to apply. Application packets must be sent to your county office and postmarked by March 15, 2013. Find out more about these trips on the website. If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Thuotte or call 207-324-2814 or 1-800-287-1535 (in Maine).

Beef Heifer Project

The New England Galloway Group is announcing their annual Heifer Project, which places a Belted Galloway heifer calf with a deserving youth recipient to allow for a hands-on education in cattle rearing and showmanship and to develop a love of the breed. The youth selected is expected to return the first heifer calf back to the program so it will continue each year. If you are interested in applying for this program, download the application here. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2013.

So You Want to Farm in Maine?

UMaine Extension in Piscataquis County is sponsoring a free, web-based course for farmers thinking about starting a new farm enterprise. The purpose of this course is to equip participants with the business knowledge and skills to start, adapt, and maintain, or expand into, a profitable land-based business.

This multi-session course will be offered on Thursday evenings in March and April in webinar format. The webinars are free but pre-registration is required. If you are unable to attend the live session of the webinar, the archived session will be available soon after. It is recommended that you have a high-speed, reliable Internet connection. Find more information and register online, or call 207-564-3301.

ESE Dairy Goat Intent to Participate – Maine Eastern States Dairy Goat Team

The Dairy Goat Animal Science Committee wants to invite youth ages 12-18 as of December 31, 2012, and in their second or higher year of the Dairy Goat 4-H project, to tryout for the Maine ESE Dairy Goat team. Youth interested in this opportunity must submit an Intent to Participate by April 15, 2013. No late forms will be accepted. The Intent form is available online.

Submitting an intent form does not guarantee a position on the team and does not commit a youth to participating. If you have questions about the process please contact Tami Hussey or call 207-282-3201.

2013 Maine 4-H Days

Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18 – 21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and the State Dairy Show will be on the July 20 – 21. If you are interested in helping to plan next year’s event, please contact Jessy Brainerd or call 207-581-3877.

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

Start making plans now to visit our Nation’s Capitol during the week of June 29 – July 6, 2013. CWF is a leadership program conducted by the National 4-H Council for high school youth ages 15 – 18. Delegations of 4-Hers from across the country spend six days touring the city and attending leadership skill-building workshops. You will stay at the National 4-H Conference Center just outside Washington, DC. Visiting the most popular sites in Washington will be a part of the trip, including spending the 4th of July in our nation’s capitol. There is a mandatory orientation for Maine delegates on April 27. More information is available online, or contact your county 4-H office for details about how to be a part of this experience.

4-H Farm-to-Fair Key Volunteers Needed

Did you get to visit the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at the 2012 Union Fair? The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association reports that the response from the public was resoundingly positive! Local families and folks visiting the area from other states (and countries) praised the exhibit for being fun and informative, a great way to teach kids about how the food they eat and products they use are produced.

In order to continue the success of this exhibit at Union Fair, two key volunteer roles will need to be filled as soon as possible. A Volunteer Coordinator is needed to seek out and organize the schedule of volunteers operating the exhibit for the 8 days that the fair is open (August 17-24, 2013). The person, or team of two, needs to commit to being available for all of these days. If there is a team of two, the times can be shared.

A Farm Store Coordinator, who will coordinate the products that kids will choose from to take home after they have been through the exhibit, is also needed. This person will be responsible for procuring enough donations of locally-produced items to fill the store shelves every day the exhibit is open. This will be done prior to fair week, so an on-site presence will not be required during the fair.

If you can help or want to learn more, contact Cindy Rogers, 4-H Program Aide, Knox and Lincoln Counties, or call 207-832-0343.

Save the Date!

• May 10th – Regional 4-H Volunteer Recognition – Celebrating 100 Years of 4-H – Poland Spring Inn
• May 11 – Leader’s Association Fundraiser – Compost Sale. All Clubs are expected to participate.
• May 17-18 – 4-H @ UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus
• July 12, 13 & 14 – Maine ESE Horse Tryouts
• July 18-21, 2013 – Maine 4-H Days (date change)
• July 20-21, 2013 – State Dairy Show

Happy Birthday!

• Caleb H. 2/2
• Elizabeth R. 2/4
• Sarah C. 2/14
• Hailey N. 2/22
• Reid A. 2/25
• McKenzie G. 2/29

Dates to Remember

• February 6th – 6 p.m. Educational Program on 4-H Science with Sarah Sparks, Leaders/Teen Leaders Meeting 7 p.m.
• February 9th – NH Dairy Goat Seminar
• February 16th – 2nd Annual Tanglewood Snowshoe Race
• February 17th – Dairy Quiz Bowl Tryout
• February 26th – 4-H Honorary Page Program for UMaine Day at the Legislature
• Apply Now for National Trips!

Activity Corner

Visit the online 4-H Filmmaking Studio! Here you can find learning modules on the basics of creating your own film, telling your story, using your camera, as well as other tips and tricks for filmmaking. Have fun while you learn!

4-H Club News

Fun with Science and Math – Locke, Stock, and Arrow 4-H Club

 

Our January meeting was themed math and science, so we had several different stations set up where the kids learned about electricity, how a storm works, and we also did some word problems. At our last meeting we elected a new secretary, Zach H. Our next meeting will be in February complete with a sledding party!

Equine Etc. went to Coffin Pond! We could not skate or sled but had a great time on a small hike. We had hot cocoa and homemade donuts and lots of great snacks during our meeting. What has your club been up to?

 4-H State News

Celebrating 100 Years of 4-H in Maine

A Message from Lisa Phelps, 4-H Program Administrator:

Did you know the first 4-H club in Maine was started in 1913, and it was a Potato Club in Scarborough, Maine? Yes, indeed, it’s true! In 2013, 4-H is celebrating 100 years in Maine. I hope you will join me in celebrating the 100th birthday of 4-H in Maine and look for ways you can celebrate locally and statewide. We have a lot to be proud of about our 4-H program in Maine! Since the beginning, the youth development program of University of Maine Cooperative Extension has emphasized the importance of building the life skills needed to be successful adults. We would not have had the strong program we have had for the past 100 years if it were not for the extremely dedicated volunteers and staff. On behalf of the thousands of youth all of you have impacted over the years, thank you for all you have done.

Please check out our special Celebrating 100 Years Web site. I would also encourage all of you to consider giving financially to the Maine 4-H Foundation as we work to raise $100,000 in 2013 to support the 4-H program. Happy 100 years Maine 4-H, and here’s to many more!

Maine 4-H Foundation Post-Secondary Education Scholarships

Information and applications for Maine 4-H Foundation’s post-secondary education scholarships are now available online. These scholarships are available to all current 4-H youth in Maine, high school seniors or recent graduates, who are pursuing higher education. The deadline for applications to be received at the local county Extension office is March 4, 2013. If you have any questions please contact Dana Rickman or call 207-353-5550.

State 4-H Dairy Program Dates

Please hold the following dates for your participation in the State 4-H Dairy Programs:

• Quiz Bowl Tryout – Tryouts for the Dairy Quiz Bowl Team is Sunday, February 17, 1:00-4:00 p.m., at the Farm Bureau office, Augusta. Open to all 4-H Dairy project members. Snow date is Monday, February 18. Snow cancellation will be made the evening before. Call 581-3872 for storm cancellation message.
• Dairy judging – Saturday, April 13, time and location TBA. Open to all 4-H Dairy project members.
• Intent to Participate Form due May 1, 2013 for 4-H Dairy Team to Eastern States.
• Fitting Competition – July 20, 5:00 pm at the Windsor Fairgrounds.
• Maine State 4-H Dairy Show – July 21, 9:00 am at the Windsor Fairgrounds. The new dairy packet will be posted in March.

Forms are or will be posted on the Maine 4-H Dairy Web site.

UMaine Day at the Legislature – 4-H Honorary Page Program

UMaine Day at the Legislature, Tuesday, February 26th, is quickly approaching! Since legislators like to see 4-H members from their districts, 4-Hers who are age 13 or older are encouraged to serve as Honorary Pages. The Maine 4-H program has up to 30 slots for Honorary Pages.

What does a page do? Pages hand out information to Representatives or Senators, or deliver phone and other messages to Representatives and Senators on the floor. If you are interested in serving as a page, please contact Debra Kantor in Somerset County or call 1-800-287-8957.

Requests to serve will be filled in the order they are received, but the final deadline to register is February 8th. If the slot for your legislative district has been filled, your name will be added to a wait list in the order it is received. If you are leaving a message, please be sure to say “I am interested in serving as a 4-H Page at the Legislature on February 26”. Your slot will be reserved if you leave this complete information:

• full name
• age
• mailing address
• county
• phone number
• email address
• name of your school
• name of your 4-H Club
• name of your Maine State Representative
• name of your Maine State Senator

4-H Honorary Pages will be in the Capitol from 8:30am– 3:00pm. A parent or 4-H volunteer provides transportation and chaperoning.

Maine ESE Horse Tryouts

ESE Horse tryouts will take place July 12-14, 2013, at Skowhegan Fairgrounds. Riders/drivers must be 14 years old as of December 31, 2012. Information and tryout forms will be posted to the 4-H Web site the first week of February. If you have questions about ESE tryouts please contact Tina Hogan, ESE Horse Committee Coordinator, or Kristy Ouellette, Extension Educator, or call 1-800-287-1458 (toll-free in Maine).

Save the Date for 2013 Maine 4-H Days

Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18-21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and the State Dairy Show will run July 20-21. If you are interested in helping to plan next year’s event, please contact Jessy Brainerd or call 207-581-3877.

February Vacation Day Camp at Tanglewood 4-H Camp

This outdoor day camp will be held at Tanglewood 4-H Camp in Lincolnville, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Feb. 19-20 ( for ages 6-8) and Feb. 21-22 (for ages 9-13). Aftercare is available each day until 4 p.m. It’s a fun-filled adventure packed with outdoor exploration, wildlife tracking and sledding, all of which encourage personal growth in harmony with nature. The cost is $65.00/child for the two-day program. Register or find more information online, email Patti or call 207-789-5868.

2013 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl and Hippology Meetings

Horse quiz bowl and hippology meetings began January 26th and will be held once a month on Saturday or Sunday. 4-Hers interested in trying-out for the Maine teams which compete nationally in Kentucky at the Eastern 4-H Horse Round-Up exposition are required to attend these meetings. Material is designed for 4-Hers ages 14-18, though all ages are welcome to attend and material will be revised for younger 4-Hers.

Meetings will consist of working with quiz bowl buzzers, labeling horse diagrams, hands-on activities, review of workbook assignments, field trips to equine facilities, lectures/demonstrations by equine professionals, and educational games. Home assignments will consist of assigned readings, short research essays, and review quizzes. All materials provided free of charge.

Topics to be covered each month:

• January – history of the horse, breeds and breed associations, coat colors and markings.
• February – physiological systems and anatomy, to include skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems.
• March – foaling, yearling care, and dental aging and care
• April – infectious diseases of the horse, common health conditions and problems, first aid, and vices
• May – nutrition, feeds, the healthy horse, poisonous plants, and common parasites and flies
• June – conformation, unsoundness’s, horse judging principles, shoeing, and farrier equipment
• July – tack, riding disciplines and events, farm management, and pasture care
• August – equine genetics, breeding and reproduction
• September – Review
• October – Regional Competition
• November – National Competition

For more information about time and place of meetings, contact Edie Kershner or call 207-322-4601.

Celebrate Awesome! 2013 Engineering Expo

The Engineering Expo will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus. Suggested donation is $2/person at the door. Over 1,500 children and adults are expected to experience first-hand the many contributions that Maine Engineers make to our communities and way of life. Maine’s top engineering firms, engineering schools, educators, government agencies, industry, and engineering societies will provide hands-on activities and exhibits throughout the field house. The fun, dynamic, and positive environment is designed to help encourage our youth to pursue careers in engineering.

No registration is required to attend. Find more information on the Maine Engineering Promotional Council (MEPC) Web site.

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

Start making plans now to visit our nation’s capitol the week of June 29 – July 6, 2013. CWF is a leadership development program conducted by the National 4-H Council for high school youth ages 15-18. Delegations of 4-Hers from across the country spend six days touring the city and attending leadership skill-building workshops. The Maine delegation will stay at the National 4-H Conference Center just outside Washington, DC. Visiting the most popular sites in Washington will be a part of the trip, including spending the 4th of July in our nation’s capitol. There is a mandatory orientation for Maine delegates on April 27th. More information is available online. Contact your county 4-H office for details about how to be a part of this experience!

4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament – for Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Somerset, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington Counties

The 4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament will be held Saturday, March 23rd at the University of Maine, Orono, in the Bangor Room. 4-H youth ages 9 to 18 who have participated in their county 4-H public speaking tournament are invited to participate. For youth in counties which do not hold public speaking tournaments, arrangements may be made through their county’s Extension office to either participate in a neighboring county’s tournament or present in another format to be eligible.

Registration for the regional tournament must be handled through the youth’s county Extension office. County offices should contact Joyce Fortier, or call 207-667-8212, with registrations no later than March 13, 2013. For more information on 4-H public speaking, including guidelines and judging sheets contact Lisa Reilich or call 207-598-6621.

Invention Convention

The Invention Convention is a statewide competition promoting important life and work skills for Maine middle school students. Throughout the school year, students work to identify and solve problems by using a four-step, systematic approach to innovation. After competing against their peers at a local level, top students will be invited to attend the state conference where they compete for the top invention awards. The competition is open to any school offering grades 6, 7, and/or 8, as well as children who are homeschooled. More information is available on the Maine Invention Convention’s Web site, or by contacting Angela Marcolini at the University of Maine’s Foster Center for Student Innovation, or by calling 207-581-1454.

Eastern States Exposition

Calling all 4-H youth, ages 11 and up, along with volunteers who have an interest in showcasing the many interests and talents of Maine 4-H… we want you! Join a group of dedicated participants as we share our love for 4-H with the fair-goers at ‘The Big E’ in West Springfield, MA, during the 3rd weekend in September. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Maine 4-H participates with displays and demonstrations in the New England Center, which also houses creative arts competitions, and daily stage performances. Working in teams of two at stations called “pods”, youth demonstrate 4-H projects this year will be focused on Robotics and Engineering. Youth also have the opportunity to participate in stage performance. Please call the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office in Oxford, ME, at 207-743-6329 or 800-287-1482 (toll-free in Maine) for specific details and for a team application. Students stay in the dorm, and meals and transportation are provided. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Sign up now!

New Hampshire Dairy Goat Seminar

This seminar is being held during the NH Farm and Forest Exposition on Saturday, February 9th, 2013 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. The schedule for the Dairy Goat Seminar starts with District meeting at 10:00 followed by “Transitioning to a Commercial Goat Dairy” at 10:30.

This event will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester NH. Free for 4-H youth and $5.00 per family. Find a complete brochure on the Farm and Forest Exposition at their Web site.

4-H Farm-to-Fair Key Volunteers Needed

Did you get to visit the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at the 2012 Union Fair? The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association reports that the response from the public was resoundingly positive! Local families and folks visiting the area from other states (and countries) praised the exhibit for being a fun and informative way to teach kids about how the food they eat, and products they use, are produced.

In order to continue the success of this exhibit at Union Fair, two key volunteer roles will need to be filled as soon as possible. A Volunteer Coordinator is needed to seek out and organize the schedule of volunteers operating the exhibit for the 8 days that the fair is open (August 17-24, 2013). The person, or team of two, needs to commit to being available for all of these days. If there is a team of two, the times can be shared.

We also seek a Farm Store Coordinator, who will coordinate the products that kids will choose from to take home after they have been through the exhibit. This person will be responsible for procuring enough donations of locally-produced items to fill the store shelves every day the exhibit is open. This will be done prior to fair week, so your presence will not be needed during the fair.

If you would like to help or want to learn more, contact Cindy Rogers, UMaine Extension 4-H Program Aide for Knox and Lincoln Counties, or call 207-832-0343. Thank you!

4-H @ UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus

If you know any youth ages 12 to 18, make sure they save the date! 4-H @ UMaine will take place May 17 – 18, 2013, at the University of Maine in Orono. Details will be available online in February.

Apply Now for National Trips!

National 4-H Trips are excellent opportunities to meet, and learn with, other 4-H members from across the nation. Participants explore many career options, and learn through educational workshops at Congress or become a part of a team making recommendations to National 4-H Council at Conference.

All Maine 4-H youth, ages 14 to 18, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members both at the time of application and the time of the actual trip. Application packets must be sent to your county office and postmarked by March 15, 2013. More information is available on the Web site, or contact Heidi Thuotte or call 1-800-287-1535 (toll free in Maine).

2013 Morris Scholarship for Eastern States Participants

This is the year that Maine has the opportunity to select an Eastern States Exposition participant to receive a $500 scholarship towards continuing his or her education beyond high school. You can find out how to apply for this scholarship online.

Save the Date!

• May 17-18 – 4-H @ UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus
• July 12, 13 & 14 – Maine ESE Horse Tryouts
• July 18-21, 2013 – Maine 4-H Days (Date Change)
• July 20 & 21, 2013 – State Dairy Show

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday!

• Octavia H. 1/3
• Sophia B. 1/7
• Christopher DuB. 1/9
• Grace P. 1/9
• Hope DiV. 1/10
• David T. 1/11
• Bridget S. 1/14
• Jabreel M.A. 1/15
• Alexandria C.K. 1/17
• Noah A. 1/18
• Andrew V. 1/18
• Issa O.P. 1/22
• Joel D. 1/24
• Jacob M. 1/26
• Zachary M. 1/26
• Anna W. 1/31

Dates to Remember

• January 3 – Windsor/Fryeburg Fairs Intent to Participate Forms Due
• January 9 – Teen Leaders Meeting 6PM – Open to all teens (aged 13-18) who would like to be a part of a leadership club focused on expanding leadership skills, planning county wide events, community service and college planning.
• Apply Now for National Trips!

Activity Corner

Winter is officially upon us. During the cold winter months, learning about birds in our community can be a fun activity to do as a 4-H project or with your family. Visit Cornell University’s “All About Birds” where you can learn about bird ID skills, different ways to attract birds to your backyard, and lots more with Birding Basics!

Communications Toolkit: Fun, Skill-Building Activities to Do With Kids

Experts such as parents, teachers, employers and others who work with young people know that communication skills are essential tools for kids’ success. The Communications Toolkit PDF (Michigan 4-H, 1999, 172 pages) is designed for individuals who work with young people aged 12 and up and who want fun, easy and meaningful communication activities to use with clubs, classrooms, camps, after-school programs and other settings where kids come together. In the toolkit you will find background information for group leaders, skill sheets with tips and basic information, group icebreakers, hands-on activities, handouts and other resources that will help kids build on their skills in several key areas.

4-H Club News

     

Robo Dojo, our Lego Robotics Team, won Rookie of the Year at this year’s FIRST LEGO League (FLL) competition! WOOT WOOT!!

Hello! The 4-H club Equine Etc. would like to share with everyone that we just recently had our annual clover cash auction! Every year we all work hard to earn cash by doing things such as performing some community service, attending 4-H events, and also things to do with school. We hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H is looking for folks to serve on the Campership/Scholarship Committee. This group will design the standards & criteria, and application process, for youth to apply. We will meet 1-2 times for 90 minutes. If you are interested please contact Robin Beck or call 207- 320-2325.

4-H State News

Save the Date for 2013 Maine 4-H Days!

Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18-21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and the State Dairy Show will be on the 20th & 21st. If you are interested in helping to plan these events, please contact Jessy Brainerd or call 207-581-3877.

Invention Convention

The Invention Convention is a statewide competition promoting important life and work skills for Maine middle school students. Throughout the school year, students work to identify and solve problems by using a four-step, systematic approach to innovation. After competing against their peers at a local level, top students will be invited to attend the state conference where they compete for the top invention awards. The competition is open to any school offering grades 6, 7, and/or 8, as well as children who are homeschooled. More information is available on the Maine Invention Convention’s Web site, or by contacting Angela Marcolini at the University of Maine’s Foster Center for Student Innovation, or by calling 207-581-1454.

4-H Farm-to-Fair Key Volunteers Needed!

Did you get to visit the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at the 2012 Union Fair? The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association reports that the response from the public was resoundingly positive! Local families and folks visiting the area from other states (and countries) praised the exhibit for being a fun and informative way to teach kids about how the food they eat, and products they use, are produced.

In order to continue the success of this exhibit at Union Fair, two key volunteer roles will need to be filled as soon as possible. A Volunteer Coordinator is needed to seek out and organize the schedule of volunteers operating the exhibit for the 8 days that the fair is open (August 17-24, 2013). The person, or team of two, needs to commit to being available for all of these days. If there is a team of two, the times can be shared.

We also seek a Farm Store Coordinator, who will coordinate the products that kids will choose from to take home after they have been through the exhibit. This person will be responsible for procuring enough donations of locally-produced items to fill the store shelves every day the exhibit is open. This will be done prior to fair week, so your presence will not be needed during the fair.

If you would like to help or want to learn more, contact Cindy Rogers, UMaine Extension 4-H Program Aide for Knox and Lincoln Counties, or call 207-832-0343. Thank you!

Eastern States Exposition

Calling all 4-H youth, ages 11 and up, along with volunteers who have an interest in showcasing the many interests and talents of Maine 4-H… we want you! Join a group of dedicated participants as we share our love for 4-H with the fair-goers at ‘The Big E’ in West Springfield, MA, during the 3rd weekend in September. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Maine 4-H participates with displays and demonstrations in the New England Center, which also houses creative arts competitions, and daily stage performances. Working in teams of two at stations called “pods”, youth demonstrate 4-H projects this year will be focused on Robotics and Engineering. Youth also have the opportunity to participate in stage performance. Please call the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office in Oxford, ME, at 207-743-6329 or 800-287-1482 (toll-free in Maine) for specific details and for a team application. Students stay in the dorm, and meals and transportation are provided. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Sign up now!

New Hampshire Dairy Goat Seminar - Transitioning From a Hobby to a Commercial Goat Dairy

This seminar is being held during the NH Farm and Forest Exposition on Saturday, February 9th, 2013 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. The schedule for the Dairy Goat Seminar starts with District meeting at 10:00 followed by “Transitioning to a Commercial Goat Dairy” at 10:30.

This event will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester NH. Free for 4-H youth and $5.00 per family. Find a complete brochure on the Farm and Forest Exposition at their Web site.

Apply Now for National Trips

National 4-H Trips are excellent opportunities to meet, and learn with, other 4-H members from across the nation. Participants explore many career options, and learn through educational workshops at Congress or become a part of a team making recommendations to National 4-H Council at Conference.

All Maine 4-H youth, ages 14 to 18, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members both at the time of application and the time of the actual trip. Application packets must be sent to your county office and postmarked by March 15, 2013. More information is available on the Web site, or contact Heidi Thuotte or call 1-800-287-1535 (toll free in Maine).

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

Start making plans now to visit our Nation’s Capitol during the week of June 29-July 6, 2013. CWF is a leadership program conducted by the National 4-H Council for high school youth ages 15 to 18. Delegations of 4-H’ers from across the country spend six days touring the city and attending leadership skill-building workshops. The Maine delegation will stay at the National 4-H Conference Center just outside Washington, DC. Visiting the most popular sites in Washington will be a part of the trip, including spending the 4th of July in our nation’s capitol. There is a mandatory orientation for Maine delegates on April 27th. For more information visit the Web site or contact your county 4-H office for details about how to be a part of this experience.

4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament – for Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Somerset, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington Counties

The 4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament will be held Saturday, March 23rd at the University of Maine, Orono, in the Bangor Room. 4-H youth ages 9 to 18 who have participated in their county 4-H public speaking tournament are invited to participate. For youth in counties which do not hold public speaking tournaments, arrangements may be made through their county’s Extension office to either participate in a neighboring county’s tournament or present in another format to be eligible.

Registration for the regional tournament must be handled through the youth’s county Extension office. County offices should contact Joyce Fortier, or call 207-667-8212, with registrations no later than March 13, 2013. For more information on 4-H public speaking, including guidelines and judging sheets, contact Lisa Reilich or call 207-598-6621.

Save the Date!

• July 18-21, 2013 – Maine 4-H Days (Date Change)
• July 20 & 21, 2013 – State Dairy Show

Happy Birthday!

• Bradley H. 12/3
• Obi B. 12/5
• Kristen J. 12/10
• Skye B. 12/10
• Candace B. 12/12
• Richard C. 12/14
• Victoria I. 12/16
• Pepper H. 12/18
• Jasmine J. 12/25
• Olivia H. 12/30

Dates to Remember

• December 10 – 4-H Food Drive Collection
• December 10 – 100 Years of 4-H in Maine T-Shirt Orders Due to County Office
• December 31 – Reenrollment Forms Due to County Office

Activity Corner

Build your knowledge of human and equine intestinal anatomy, as well as math, using these simple activities from Cornell University’s “Horse Guts and Math” activity guide. The activities are fun and use materials most folks have around their house. The guide is available as a free download here!

Communications Toolkit: Fun, Skill-Building Activities to Do With Kids

Experts such as parents, teachers, employers and others who work with young people know that communication skills are essential tools for kids’ success. The Communications Toolkit is designed for individuals who work with young people aged 12 and up and who want fun, easy and meaningful communication activities to use with clubs, classrooms, camps, after-school programs and other settings where kids come together. In the toolkit you will find background information for group leaders, skill sheets with tips and basic information, group icebreakers, hands-on activities, handouts and other resources that will help kids build on their skills in several key areas. Follow this link for the toolkit (172 pages, 1999).

4-H Club News

Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H is looking for folks to serve on the Campership/Scholarship Committee. This group will design the standards, criteria and application process for youth to apply. This group will meet 1-2 times for 90 minutes. If you are interested please contact Robin Beck or call 320-2325.

4-H Achievement Night November 18, 2012

 

 

 

 

4-H State News

Save the Date for 2013 Maine 4-H Days

Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18 – 21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and the State Dairy Show will be on the 20th & 21st. If you are interested in helping to plan next year’s event, please contact Jessy Brainerd or call 581-3877.

Market Steers for Windsor and Fryeburg

4-Hers raising a steer for the 2013 market steer shows at Windsor or Fryeburg Fairs need to send in an Intent to Participate Form  by January 3, 2013. We appreciate you completing your paperwork early. Please enroll or re-enroll as a 4-H member early, and send your completed Intent to Participate form to your county office. The earlier we receive your paperwork, the earlier we can begin tagging animals, and avoiding tagging during the winter months.

Invention Convention

The Invention Convention is a statewide competition that promotes important life and work skills for Maine middle school students. Throughout the school year, students work to identify and solve problems by using a systematic approach to innovation. After competing against their peers at a local level, top students will be invited to attend the state conference where they compete for the top invention awards. The competition is open to any school offering grades 6, 7, and/or 8, as well as children who are homeschooled. Find more information about the Maine Invention Convention at their Web site, or contact Angela Marcolini at the UMaine Foster Center for Student Innovation or call 207-581-1454.

The curriculum will teach and lead students through four steps:

1. Identify a Problem. Students begin the project by identifying a real-world problem through the use of a variety of methods including traditional research and insight mining. They are encouraged to draw from their experiences and learnings to identify the largest and most frequent problems people experience. The problem they choose should not only be meaningful to others, it should also be one they are passionate about solving.
2. Generate Ideas for Solutions. Using the reliable Innovation Engineering® tools and system for idea generation, students create “meaningfully unique” ideas for solutions the problem they identified. A meaningfully unique idea is one that solves a problem in a better, more efficient way. Through the use of the Innovation Engineering® ideation tools, students will have the chance to leverage the diversity of their peers and generate ideas they can get excited about creating.
3. Make it Real. Once students choose the solution they are most excited about, they must begin the process of making it reality. As part of this stage, they make the idea real by articulating it through written concept pitches and creating a prototype. The most important part of this is the documentation of the invention process, which is achieved through an inventor’s notebook and a mock provisional patent application. Rapid cycles of learning should be stressed so students may process their learnings as they happen and make continuous improvements to their idea.
4. Present the 3 Ps. Once the student has created their invention, the final step is to present the “three Ps” – Problem, Promise, and Proof. Students must provide answers to the following questions: What problem is being solved? What is the promise the invention can make? Why should customers believe this promise? They prepare to present these answers in oral, written, and visual formats.

Envirothon 2013

Envirothon is a state- and nation-wide environmental competition where high school students test their knowledge of natural resources and current environmental issues. Teams consisting of 3-5 students compete first at a regional level, answering questions and solving hands-on problems at five stations: Wildlife, Water/Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, and a Current Natural Resource Issue. This year’s Issue is ‘Sustainable Forestland Managment: Achieving Balance with Forest Products, Environmental Concerns, Traditional Recreation, Tourism, and Increased Developmental Pressure. The top four teams from each Regional Envirothon then compete at the State Finals. Teams can be formed from schools, home school organizations, and other civic organizations such as 4-H.

Envirothon is an academic program that is aligned with the Maine Learning Results. As well as advising teams for competition, teachers throughout Maine successfully incorporate Envirothon concepts and hands-on activities into their science curricula. The program raises students’ awareness of local and national environmental issues. Envirothon integrates math, language arts, cultural land-use history, and science in ways unique to the field. Students build critical thinking and decision-making skills as they practice solving real environmental problems.

In addition to learning about the environment, applying new knowledge, collaborating to address natural resource issues, and meeting young environmentalists from around the state and nation, Maine participants are eligible for scholarships from the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture at the University of Maine, Orono. Winners of the National Envirothon receive individual college scholarships valued at over $1000. Through this program, students have an opportunity to meet and learn from state soil scientists, biologists, foresters, and other natural resource professionals.

A registration packet is available here as a pdf. More information is available on their Web site.

Military Teen Adventure Camps 2012-2013

Nearly 1600 military teens (14-18 years old) will have an opportunity to participate at little to no cost in adventure camps scheduled April 2012 through March 2013. These high energy, high adventure, and high experience camps are planned across the United States from Alaska to Maine and from Colorado to Georgia as well as states in between.

Each camp offers a unique outdoor experience that will allow a teen to build leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills while participating in activities like backpacking, river rafting, canoeing, wilderness survival, rocketry, rock climbing, GPS use, mountain biking, first aid, winter camping, dog sledding, ropes courses, camp cooking, archery, and other camp activities. Camps for youth with special needs (mental, physical, and emotional) are also planned in California, Ohio, and New Hampshire. For military youth already in the Pacific Rim, two camp dates are available in Hawaii. More information can be found on the Web site.

Save the Date!

• January 3, 2013 – Windsor & Fryeburg Fairs – Intent to Participate Forms Due
• July 18-21, 2013 – Maine 4-H Days (Date Change!)
• July 20 & 21, 2013 – State Dairy Show

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday!

• Brynn C. 10/01
• Sophie K. 10/01
• Dagny S. 10/02
• BrieAnna H. 10/04
• Henry R. 10/05
• Rory S. 10/10
• Per A. 10/13
• Charlotte D. 10/15
• Scott A.10/18
• Zayn B. 10/21
• Silas S. 10/21
• Morgan H. 10/26
• Jill M. 10/31

Dates to Remember

• October 1 – New 4-H Year Begins!
• October 12 – Project Records due to UMaine Extension office – Project Records should be judged (1 time) by a club leader before arriving at the office.
• October 24 5:30 pm – Project Record Judging and Pizza – Each club should have 2 VOLT certified volunteers in attendance for project record judging.
• October 27 – Robotics Expo
• October 31 – 4-H Reenrollment Paperwork Due to Extension Office

Activity Corner

4-H Eco-Bot Challenge

Throughout the month of October, University of Maine Cooperative Extension will join millions of young people across the nation and in Maine to become scientists for a day during the fifth annual 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD).  As part of 4-H NYSD, youth and volunteers may participate in the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge: the 2012 National Science Experiment in which youngsters explore how robots function and could be used to help clean up hazardous materials spills. The 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge will demonstrate that by utilizing engineering principles, youth can have a positive impact on communities and ecosystems.

To combat a national shortage of young people pursuing science college majors and occupations, and to enhance the nation’s contribution to the sciences, 4-H NYSD demonstrates that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and are fun and attainable options for college degrees and future careers. Currently, more than five million young people across the nation participate in 4-H STEM programs.

Find more information on the 4-H NYSD Web site. To register for a local 4-H Youth Science Day activity in Bath, Perry, Windham, Poland, Searsport, Windsor or Topsham, visit the UMaine Extension 4-H Web site.

4-H Club News

A Horse of Many Colors is open to new members and is NOT doing animal projects this year. This year’s projects will be:

• Club Campout
• Cooking Healthy Snacks
• Craft Stations
• Math & Science Day
• Sledding Party
• First Aid
• Group Craft Project
• Community Service Project
• Floating Classroom (to Peak’s Island)
• Moxie Festival
• Topsham Fair
• Apple Picking and Picnic

Equine, Etc is holding a 4-H Food Drive Challenge.  Each 4-H club in Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties is being challenged to gather as much non-perishable food as possible by November 7, 2012.  Bring the items to the Leaders’ meeting scheduled for the evening of November 7, where it will be collected and donated to a local food pantry.  The 4-H club that collects the most food will be announced November 18 at Achievement Night.  The prize for the winning club is a pizza party hosted by the members of Equine, Etc!

Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H is looking for volunteers to serve on the Campership/Scholarship Committee. This group will design the standards and criteria and application process for youth to apply. This group will meet 1-2 times for 90 minutes. If you are interested please contact Robin Beck or call 207-320-2325.

4-H Science Experiment Series

When: Tuesdays, October 2nd thru November 6th, 4:00 p.m.

Where: Patten Free Library, Bath ME

Fee: None

To Register: Contact Carol at the Library 207-443-5141

• October 2nd – Join in the 2012 National Science Experiment, the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge, which explores how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment, while offering a glimpse into the future of science, technology, engineering and math.
• October 9th – Think Like a Scientist and participate in a secret egg-carrying mission.
• October 16th – Discover Form and Function and practice your engineering skills.
• October 23rd – Engineer and design in this exciting Catapult Building Challenge
• October 30th – Sense of Balance – Use the skills from building a catapult to build your own balance beams
• November 6th – Arm in Arm Building – build a robotic arm.

The 4-H Science Experiment Series

• is open to youth ages 5-18 years old – youth ages 5-10 must be accompanied by an adult to participate.
• is designed so that no prior experience is needed.
• is free – registration is requested and includes materials for the experiments.

For more information about the experiment series, contact Sarah Sparks or call (207) 353-5550 or (800) 287-1458 (in Maine), TDD: 1-800-287-8957. You can also find details on the Events Calendar.

UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for this program should contact Sarah Sparks or call 1-800-287-1458 to discuss their needs.

4-H National Youth Science Day Experiment

The 2012 National Science Experiment, the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge, explores how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment, while offering a glimpse into the future of science, technology, engineering and math. Youth will assemble their own Eco-Bot, then discover how the robot functions. Youth will design a set of control surfaces to program the Eco-Bot to perform a simulated environmental clean-up project.

Join in the experiment at one of these sites, or host your own 4-H National Youth Science Day site!

• October 2nd, 4:00 pm, at Patten Free Library in Bath (207-443-5141)
• October 16th, 6:30 pm, at Ricker Public Library in Poland (207-998-4390)
• November 6th, 6:00 pm, at Topsham Public Library (207-725-1727)

The 2012 4-H National Science Experiment Eco-Bot Challenge

• is open to youth ages 5-18 years old – youth ages 5-10 must be accompanied by an adult to participate.
• is designed so that no prior robot experience is needed.
• is free – registration is requested and includes materials for the experiment.

Please register at the hosting library. For more information about the experiment, contact Sarah Sparks or call (207) 353-5550 or (800) 287-1458 (in Maine), TDD: 1-800-287-8957. You can also find details on the Events Calendar.

UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for this program should contact Sarah Sparks or call 1-800-287-1458 to discuss their needs.

Horse Health Education Conference

Horse owners, care takers and pre-veterinary students will learn about the most serious infectious diseases that can affect their animals and what can be done to improve biosecurity and prevent disease outbreaks on the farm at the upcoming Horse Health Education Conference.  The featured speaker is Dr. Mary Rose Paradis, Large Animal Medicine, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, New Grafton, MA.

When:  Saturday, November 17, 2012

Where: Pineland Equestrian Center, New Gloucester ME

Fee: $15/adult or $10/students for early registrations received by November 9 (a limited number of scholarships are available). Late and walk-in registrations are $25/adult or $20/student.

Register online or send your check made out to UMaine Extension with your name, address, phone, and email to Melissa Libby, 134 Hitchner Hall, UMaine Extension, Orono, ME 04469-5735. Bring your own lunch or purchase lunch ticket at check-in. For more information contact Melissa Libby or call 207-581-2788 or 1-800-287-7170 (in Maine).

UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for this program should contact Melissa Libby at 207-581-2788 or 1-800-287-7170 (in Maine) to discuss your needs.

Maine 4-H News

Fall Paper Clover Promotion

The Maine 4-H Foundation Paper Clover Promotion runs the month of October at businesses across the state. Clubs are invited to participate and are asked to contact their UMaine Extension office about how they can help promote 4-H!

Jolly 4-H Market

The Jolly Farmers and Jolly Juniors of Coopers Mills would like to invite all 4-Hers and 4-H groups throughout the state of Maine to join us in our first Jolly 4-H Market on October 6, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Windsor Fairgrounds in the Commercial Building. Crafters may set up at 8:00 a.m. Bring crafts and market items of all kinds to sell: jewelry, ornaments, flowers, pumpkins, etc. No raffles or bake/food sales allowed. All exhibitors must be active members of 4-H

Cost is $10.00 for 8’ space (you provide your own tables and chairs) or $15.00 for 8’ space including 1 table and 2 chairs. The Jolly Farmers and The Jolly Juniors 4-H clubs will have a concession stand with hotdogs, popcorn, drinks and other delectable goodies. For more information contact Darlene Newcombe or call 207-549-4532.

Robotics Expo

You’re invited to join us for a day of fun with robotics and science on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at the University of Southern Maine, Gorham campus. The event is open to any youth, ages 5-18, participating in or interested in 4-H robotics program. Prior robotics experience is not needed to attend. In the morning, individuals and teams will have the opportunity to share their ideas and creations with judges and other participants in a non-competitive ‘science fair’ format. During the day, youth participate in a workshop and in an on-site challenge event. Pre-registration is required.

More information is available on the program Web site or contact Sarah Sparks or call 1-800-287-1458 or if you have any questions.

Maine Innovation Convention Invites 4-H Participants!

The Maine Innovation Convention, hosted by the Foster Center for Student Innovation at the University of Maine, announces an informational meeting for educators/volunteers on October 27, 2012, 8 AM – 4 PM at the Foster Center for Student Innovation, University of Maine, Orono. The goal of the Convention is to provide an opportunity for Maine middle school students to think creatively and practically as they explore, create, and promote innovative solutions to everyday challenges in their world and beyond. Throughout the school year, middle school participants work with their peers to identify and solve problems by using the Innovation Engineering process, developed and taught at the University of Maine.

More information on the Maine Innovation Convention is available on the Web site or contact Angela Marcolini or by phone at (207) 581-1429.

National 4-H Notes Maine Project Success

The National 4-H Council has posted a report on its “Join the Revolution of Responsibility” Web site about a $4,000 grant from the UMaine Extension’s 4-H Engaging Youth, Serving Communities program.  The award helped a fundraising effort by students at Sebasticook Valley Middle and Nokomis Regional High schools in Newport to raise $6,000 to build an off-road walkway between the two schools. Less than a half-mile apart, students from the two schools previously walked along the side of the road.

Military Teen Adventure Camps 2012-2013

Nearly 1600 military teens (14-18 years old) have an opportunity to participate (at little to no cost) in adventure camps scheduled April 2012 through March 2013. These high energy, high adventure, and high experience camps are planned across the United States from Alaska to Maine and from Colorado to Georgia as well as states in between.

Each camp offers a unique outdoor experience that will allow a teen to build leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills while participating in activities like backpacking, river rafting, canoeing, wilderness survival, rocketry, rock climbing, GPS use, mountain biking, first aid, winter camping, dog sledding, ropes courses, camp cooking, archery, and other camp activities. Camps for youth with special needs (mental, physical, and emotional) are also planned in California, Ohio, and New Hampshire. For military youth already in the Pacific Rim, two camp dates are available in Hawaii. More information is available online.

The University of Maine 4-H Shooting Sports Program Update

The University of Maine 4-H Shooting Sports Program has established an account in the MidwayUSA Scholastic Shooting Trust. Donations to this fund are currently being matched 3:1 by the owners of MidwayUSA. We can draw up to 5% annually from this account for program support. Currently, our account balance is over $50,000.00. Additionally, UMaine 4HSS has received donations of equipment from the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance of over $3000.00, and from the NRA Foundation of over $3500.00. For more information contact Scott Olsen or visit the program’s Web page.

Market Steers for Windsor and Fryeburg

4-Hers raising a steer for the 2013 market steer shows at Windsor or Fryeburg Fairs need to send in an Intent to Participate Form by January 3, 2013. We appreciate you completing your paperwork early. Please enroll or re-enroll as a 4-H member early, and send your Intent to Participate form to your county office. The earlier we receive your paperwork, the earlier we can begin tagging animals, and avoiding tagging during the winter months.

Save the Date!

• November 7 – 4-H Food Drive Collection
• November 17 – Horse Health Education Conference
• November 18 – 4-H Achievement Night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday!

• Brittnie N. 9/4
• Madison McC. 9/4
• Kaylin B. 9/8
• Brenden K. 9/13
• Hope McC. 9/14
• Lily H. 9/14
• Jordan C. 9/16
• Connor V. 9/17
• Sierra T. 9/18
• Lilyana D. 9/23
• Avery A. 9/24
• Lauren C. 9/24
• Lindsey W. 9/28
• Ashley W. 9/30

Dates to Remember

• September 10 – 4-H Volunteer Forum Registration Closes
• September 28 – Cumberland Fair Dog Show
• September 29 – Eastern States Exposition Maine Day Bus Trip – Reserve your bus seats now!
• September 29 – Blazin’ A Trail for a Cure
• October 6 – Jolly 4-H Market
• October 12 – Project Records due to UMaine Extension office – Project Records should be judged (1 time) by a club leader before arriving at the office
• October 24, 5:30 pm – Project Record Judging – Each club should have 2 VOLT-trained volunteers in attendance for project record judging

Activity Corner

As the new 4-H year approaches and we begin to gather our clubs and plan for the coming year, think about including a team building activity during your club meetings.  Check out this Web site for some ideas, or feel free to share some of your own!

Volunteers Needed

Blazin’ A Trail for a Cure volunteers needed! For table registration, t-shirts, things that come up with the equine, helping guests settle in, the food table, decorating, and whatever else comes up on that day.

• Date: 9/29 rain date 9/30
• Time: Would like to have volunteers there by 8:30 a.m.
• Where: 58 Ridge Rd. (Rte.9), Lisbon Falls.
• Contact: Call Sandy at 353-8242 or 212-4737 (c) for directions. It is very easy to find.

We really need breakfast items (fruit, muffins, donuts, juice, coffee, water etc…) and paper goods.

Thank you very much!

Clubs Needed to Host Activities!

What: Lisbon Harvest Festival

When: Sept 29 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: MTM Center, Lisbon Falls

Looking for 4-H clubs to do kid-friendly activities and talk with people about 4-H. If you are interested in hosting a table please email Ross Cunningham.

4-H Club News

Equine Etc. – Equine Etc. 4-H Club had a fun month in August. Most of the members of Equine Etc. participated in the 4-H horse shows and had a great time learning, riding and helping out.

Our car wash was rained out so we are having a bake sale at Tractor Supply in Brunswick on September 15th. It will be a fun day, please come support us if you can. In September we are, also, having a family day at Rocky Ridge Farm to go apple picking and share a treat.

Pink Spurs 4-H Club Fun Town Trip! 

    

 

4-H Science Experiment Series 2012

Tuesdays, October 2nd thru November 6th starting at 4:00 p.m. 
Patten Free Library, Bath ME

Join in the 2012 National Science Experiment, the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge, exploring how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment, while offering a glimpse into the future of science, technology, engineering and math.

• October 9th – Think Like a Scientist and participate in a secret egg carrying mission
• October 16th – Discover Form and Function and practice your engineering skills
• October 23rd – Engineer and design in this exciting Catapult Building Challenge
• October 30th – Sense of Balance – Use the skills from building a catapult to build your own balance beams
• November 6th – Arm in Arm Building – build a robotic arm

The  4-H Eco-Bot Challenge is

• Open to youth ages 5-18 years old, but youth ages 5-10 must be accompanied by an adult to participate
• Open to all skill levels – no prior experience needed
• Free but pre-registration is required and includes materials for the experiments

Register at the library with Carol. For more information about the experiment, contact Sarah Sparks at 207-353-5550 or 1-800-287-1458 (in Maine), TDD: 1-800-287-8957 or by email.  See a full schedule of events on the UMaine Extension Events Calendar.

UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goal. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for this program should contact Sarah Sparks at 1-800-287-1458 to discuss their needs.

4-H National Youth Science Day Experiment

The 2012 National Science Experiment, the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge, explores how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment, while offering a glimpse into the future of science, technology, engineering and math. Youth will assemble their own Eco-Bot, then discover how the robot functions. Youth will, also, design a set of control surfaces to program the Eco-Bot to perform a simulated environmental clean-up project.

Join in the experiment at one of these sites, or host your own 4-H National Youth Science Day site!

• October 2nd, 4:00 pm, at Patten Free Library in Bath
• October 16th, 6:30 pm, at Ricker Public Library in Poland
• November 6th, 6:00 pm, at Topsham Public Library

The 4-H National Science Experiment Day is

• Open to youth ages 5-18 years old, but youth ages 5-10 must be accompanied by an adult to participate
• Open to all skill levels – no prior experience needed
• Free but pre-registration is requested and includes materials for the experiments

Register at the hosting library. For more information about the experiment, contact Sarah Sparks at 207-353-5550 or 1-800-287-1458 (in Maine), TDD: 1-800-287-8957 or by email. See a full schedule of events on the UMaine Extension Events Calendar.

UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goal. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for this program should contact Sarah Sparks at 1-800-287-1458 to discuss their needs.


4-H News

Registration for the 2012 Northeast Region Volunteer Forum is Still Open!

For the first time, we are offering a virtual forum so that more participants can take advantage of this fabulous opportunity. You will gather at sites within your state on three consecutive Monday evenings to hear from experts in the field, discuss with your colleagues and peers, and interact with those in other states via video technology. Webinar topics include: How to manage a club with youth of all ages and diverse needs; how to deal with difficult people as well as how to include teen leaders; and the final video will focus in on parents, specifically how to handle challenging parents and how best to include them in 4-H programming.

Don’t delay! Register online now! Anyone requiring disability-related accommodations is asked to note that in the box or contact Ellen Rowe at 802-751-8307 or via email no later than October 8 in order to best assist you. The first 100 volunteers and teen leaders to register will be placed into a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card!  And, for those interested in taking something home with them, we’re pleased to offer a virtual auction. Bidding opens October 29 and all proceeds will benefit the Vermont Food Bank and American Red Cross.

New England 4-H Dog and Beef Poster Contests

There are great opportunities for youth in the 4-H Dog Care Project, and the 4-H Beef Project to participate in The Big E, even without going to W. Springfield, MA. 4-Hers of all ages can give their entries to a team member or chaperone headed to The Big E for submission. All entries must be received in time for display September 30, 2012.  There are two different contests available:

The New England 4-H Beef Poster, Ad or Logo Contest

The New England 4-H Dog Program Poster Contest

Fall Paper Clover Promotion

The fall Paper Clover promotion at all Tractor Supply Company stores is coming September 19th-30th, 2012. Maine 4-H Paper Clover runs the month of October at businesses across the county. Clubs are invited to participate and contact their UMaine Extension office about how they can help promote 4-H.

Cumberland Fair 4-H Dog Show

The Cumberland Fair 4-H Dog Show will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 3:30 P.M. at the Livestock Arena, Cumberland Fairgrounds, 197 Blanchard Road, Cumberland. The 4-H Dog show will include showmanship, obedience, and a fun obstacle course. Entry forms are due by September 21, 2012. This show is open to 4-H youth in any county. More information and entry forms for the Cumberland Fair 4-H Dog Show are available on the Web site, or email Sara Conant or call 207-892–5855.

Eastern States Bus Trip, September 29, 2012

It’s time to reserve seats for the buses traveling to Eastern States Exposition (ESE aka the “Big E”) in West Springfield, MA, for Maine Day on Saturday, September 29, 2012. This is the day that Maine Dairy Goat, Sheep, and Dog teams will be showing – so come and root for your fellow Maine 4-Hers!!

This one-day trip is sponsored by the Maine Trustees of the ESE to encourage Maine 4-Hers who don’t presently participate in ESE events to see the activities for 4-H youth. Two buses are reserved for us, but seats fill up quickly, so please make your registrations early.

All youth must go with a chaperone but, because this event is primarily for youth, seats are limited to no more than two adults per child. The bus ride and admission to the “Big E” are free, but all individuals on this trip are expected to march in the parade at 5 pm. It works well if you wear a 4-H t-shirt if you have one, and for clubs to bring their club banner to display during the parade.

Items you might want to bring along are: light snacks, water, a good book, Rated G movies (there is a DVD/VCR on the bus), a pillow, and a blanket. There will be rest stops along the way. Other items to consider bringing: clothing to identify your club, a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a hat with a visor, sun glasses, sun screen, a back pack, personal spending money, a camera, and a watch. If you have a cell phone, it will be helpful for logistics. Please include your cell phone number when you register.

Please leave valuable items at home. We will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Bus stops will be determined based on location of riders. Reservations must be made in writing or by email to Jessy Brainerd, 103 Libby Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5741

When you register, please give full name(s), child’s age, address, home phone and cell phone number of each person in your group. Reservations are due by Friday, September 7, 2012 (call after this date to check on seat availability). A confirmation letter will be sent to you two weeks before the trip giving you the time and pick up location. Pick up will be bright and early in the morning, but the return trip will be staggered. One bus will leave right after the parade; the second bus will leave after the evening events. So when you register, let us know if you’d like to return on the early or late bus (we will try to assign you to your preferred bus, however, there are a limited number of seats on each).

Volunteers are needed to serve as Bus Monitors. Bus Monitors will serve as the contact person for other passengers on their bus, and will make sure everyone gets back on the bus at the rest stop. If you’d be willing to serve in this capacity, please let us know when you sign up. If you have questions, please contact Jessy Brainerd or Michaele Bailey at 800-287-0274 or 207-581-3877.

Jolly 4-H Market

The Jolly Farmers and Jolly Juniors of Coopers Mills would like to invite all 4-Hers and/or 4-H groups throughout the state of Maine to join us in our first Jolly 4-H Market. Bring crafts and market items of all kinds to sell. Items might include jewelry, ornaments, flowers, pumpkins, etc. No raffles or bake/food sales allowed. All exhibitors must be active members of 4-H.

The Market will run October 6, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Windsor Fairgrounds in the Commercial Building. Crafters may set up at 8:00 a.m. Cost: $10.00 for 8’ space (you provide your own tables and chairs) or $15.00 for 8’ space including 1 table and 2 chairs. The Jolly Farmers and The Jolly Juniors 4-H clubs will have a concession stand with hotdogs, popcorn, drinks and other delectable goodies. For more information contact Darlene Newcombe or call 207-549-4532.

Robotics Expo

You’re invited to join us for a day of fun with robotics and science on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham campus. The event is open to any youth, ages 5-18, participating in or interested in 4-H robotics program. Prior robotics experience is not needed to attend. In the morning, individuals and teams will have the opportunity to share their ideas and creations with judges and other participants in a non-competitive ‘science fair’ format. During the day, youth participate in a workshop and in an on-site challenge event. Pre-registration is required.

More information is available online, or contact Sarah Sparks or call 1-800-287-1458 if you have any questions.

National 4-H Notes Maine Project Success

The National 4-H Council has posted a report on its “Join the Revolution of Responsibility” Web site about a $4,000 grant from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Engaging Youth, Serving Communities program.  The grant helped a fundraising effort by students at Sebasticook Valley Middle and Nokomis Regional High schools in Newport to raise $6,000 to build an off-road walkway between the two schools. Located less than a half-mile apart, students from the two schools previously walked along the side of the road.

Military Teen Adventure Camps 2012-2013

Nearly 1600 military teens ages 14-18 will have an opportunity to participate, at little to no cost, in adventure camps scheduled April 2012 through March 2013. These high energy, high adventure, and high experience camps are planned across the United States from Alaska to Maine and from Colorado to Georgia as well as states in between.

Each camp offers a unique outdoor experience that will allow a teen to build leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills while participating in activities like backpacking, river rafting, canoeing, wilderness survival, rocketry, rock climbing, GPS use, mountain biking, first aid, winter camping, dog sledding, ropes courses, camp cooking, archery, and other camp activities. Camps for youth with special needs are also planned in California, Ohio, and New Hampshire. For military youth already in the Pacific Rim, two camp dates are available in Hawaii. Information may be found at the following Web site.