Philosophy of 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.
Guidelines for 4-H Record Keeping
All 4-H'ers are encouraged to develop a record keeping system that includes:
- Record keeping for one or more project(s) using the "Basic, Experienced or Advanced Project Record" below
- Completion of Yearly 4-H Summary (4H-96) or a 4-H Story
- Member self-evaluation and/or a member-mentor conference
- Title page
4-H'ers are encouraged to select one or more of the following for their project records:
- Basic Project Record (4H-96A) for juniors
- Experienced Project Record (4H-96B) for intermediates
- Advanced Project Record (4H-96C) for seniors
- Project worksheets/manuals for livestock
- Photography Project Worksheet (4H-643WS)
- SESS Project Record Log
- Additional support materials may also be added
4-H record keeping should reflect the 4-H'ers goals, accomplishments, and future plans.
All record books should be completed by the club's deadline and turned into the club leaders traditionally in August/September who will use the Record Book Evaluation in nominating for County Record Book Awards. Those awards are presented at the 4-H Awards Banquet annually.
Amigo Clover's Record Book - a sample record book