Philosophy for 4-H Record Keeping

The purpose of 4-H record keeping is to teach how to keep records, which is an important life skill. Record keeping is an ongoing process that does not end when the 4-H year ends. Youth are encouraged to select from a variety of alternatives to meet their individual record keeping needs and learning styles.

In 4-H, using a record keeping system is a recommended practice for youth in grades 4-12 to track participation, goals, achievements, and reflections throughout your 4-H journey. This record keeping system can be referred to when writing award applications, resumes, scholarship applications, or preparing for meetings or speeches. You can find more information in our publication Iowa 4-H Record Keeping Overview 4H 5000.

Objectives for 4-H Record Keeping

• To learn how to set goals, how to make plans for action, and how to decide how well you did (evaluation).
• To learn the skills of record keeping and organization to use now and in the future.
• To learn to communicate and summarize.
• To learn responsibility by completing a task.
• To evaluate information that will market personal skills through future resumes and application forms.

Guidelines for 4-H Record Keeping

All 4-H members are encouraged to develop a record keeping system that includes:

• Recordkeeping for one or more project areas.
  • Project Area or Exhibit? 4H 5500 includes information on the difference between a project area and an exhibit.
• Setting goals for your project areas and exhibits.
  • Goal Setting: Writing Project Area and Exhibit Goals 4H 5511 can guide you.
  • You can use a Goal Calendar 4H 5001 if you wish.
• Summarize your learning annually
  • You can write a 4-H story.
  • You can use the Yearly Member Summary 4H 5011.
• Reflect and evaluate your journey.
  • You can use Yearly Self-Evaluation 4H 5012 as a self-evaluation or as a guide for a member-mentor discussion.
• Project records document your goals and achievements in a project area. Choose one for each project area you wish to record information on.
  • Basic 4-H Project Record (4H 0096A)
  • Experienced 4-H Project Record (4H 0096B)
  • Advanced 4-H Project Record (4H 0096C)
• Project Worksheets are an optional tool that can help you plan or track aspects of your project.

Formatting Your Recordkeeping System

Iowa 4-H offers a selection of record keeping forms that members may use to guide their record keeping process. Record keeping forms are a suggested format and are not required. Members are encouraged to select a format that fits their personal needs and their learning style. However, record keeping forms may be encouraged by clubs and counties as a guide for learning record keeping skills, or for award application processes.

The record keeping format selected should reflect a 4-H member’s goals, accomplishments, and plans. You can try different methods of record keeping. Some people like to keep track of information on a computer or spreadsheet. Others may want to keep track in a notebook or on a record keeping form. Consider the following.

• Record Keeping Overview 4H 5000 has sections on alternate formats.
• 4-H Yearly Planner 4H 5010
• Using 4-H Forms and Documents explains ways to make accommodations when working with documents.
• National 4-H Member's Record Book Covers

4-H record keeping should reflect the 4-H member's goals, accomplishments, and future plans