Record Book Information

Why do you need 4-H records?

A 4-H record book is a summary of the details of the 4-H year and the projects that you were enrolled in. 4-H Records help you see what you have accomplished and learned and if you have met your goals.  Your records should reflect all of the work done in a project area-not just fair exhibit. Be sure to list all leadership/citizenship responsibilities. Example: showing another member how to clip their calf is leadership and taking home baked cookies to an elderly neighbor is citizenship. Activities and events that overlap into several project areas need to be recorded in each project area. Be sure to include what you have learned from your projects. Under 4-H participation include working in the Snak Shak, Host/Hostess, 4-H Carnival, etc.

4-H Record Order

1. Title page (include your name, photo, club name, grade in school, years in 4-H)

2. Expected Standards for Bremer County 4-H Club Members, completed and signed by leader.

3. Local 4-H Club Program (if available).

4. 4-H Yearly Summary, 4-H Story, or Participation Summary, filled out.

5. Project Record (Basic, Experienced, or Advanced), Video Tape, Audio Tape, Portfolio, OR a computerized format,

   (completed Project Record sheet for each project area, not for each fair exhibit, must include in livestock areas)

6. 4-H Project Worksheets (beef, dairy, horse, dog, horticulture, swine, sheep, photography, crop, poultry,

    vegetable garden, home grounds improvement) 

7. Related photos and clippings are strongly encouraged.

8. Tab by project with current year on top.

9. Be neat and orderly. Use proper spelling, math, and grammar.  Tell what you learned in each project area.

Project Record Forms

1. Basic:Junior member (first or second year in project).

2. Experienced: Intermediate or third/fourth year in project.

3. Advanced: Senior member or fifth (plus) years in project.

A Project Record must be filled out in each project area to have a completed book in order to win an award. If you choose not to complete the proper forms you are not eligible for an award. It is better to use a level higher than a level lower. The experienced and advanced require more information such as income and expense and reflections about the project.

Record Book Helpful Hints

Keep each section in order by year (Title page, Expected Standards, 4-H Summary is one section). Project records for each project area are in another section. Keep each section separate using divider tabs. This will make your Record Book neater, easier to evaluate, and easier for you to find something. Ribbons, certificates, etc. should be kept in a 4-H Scrapbook-but don't forget to tell about them in the Project Records or Summary.

Citizenship/Community Service-helping or working for the benefit of others or the community for no pay with the

     goal of benefiting someone else.

Club citizenship examples-host a meeting, lead pledges, serve on a committee, give to 4-H’ers for 4-H, promote 4-H

     during National 4-H Week, help a club with its club community service project.

County citizenship examples-herdsmanship at fair, pick up trash, fair cleanup, help at fundraisers such as the Snak

     Shak and Omelet Brunch, donate to Cedar Valley Friends of the Family.

Project citizenship examples-donate to charity, food pantry and/or needy family; help at workshops, plant flowers

     in community, help younger members with animal project.