Record Books & Awards are due to the Extension Office on September 18 at 4:30 PM!
What is required for my Record Book?
Recommended Order of Record Books:
- Title Page
- Table of Contents
- Yearly 4-H Summary or 4-H Story
- Personal Goal Record
- Project Records - One project form should be completed for each project area you are enrolled in.
- Project Worksheets - Many projects also have a worksheet that you will complete and include with the above forms. These go behind the project record form.
- Project Related Pictures & Clippings - Those pertaining to a particular project area should be included behind the project record.
- Supporting Materials - Can include pictures, newspaper clippings, club minutes, etc. DO NOT include ribbons, receipts, letters, etc.
- Record Book Self Evaluation
The current year's records should be placed on top of the last year's materials!
Check out this Record Keeping Overview from Iowa State Extension!
Record Book Resources
Record Keeping Checklist
Record Keeping Information.pdf
Awards & Record Books 101.pptx
Monthly Record Keeping Resources
Project Area vs Static Exhibit?
4-H record keeping should reflect the 4-H member's goals, accomplishments, and future plans!
What project record form should I use?
- Basic 4-H Project Record - 1-3 years of experience in the project area
- Experienced 4-H Project Record - 4-6 years of experience in the project area
- Advanced 4-H Project Record - 7-9 years of experience in the project area
Record Book Tips:
- Be neat. Make sure your writing is clear and to the point (type if possible).
- Check spelling, grammar, and math.
- Be sure to tell what you learned in each project throughout the year.
- Please do not include the following items: fair ribbons, feed tags, 4-H newsletter, club programs, fair write-ups, or stall cards.
- Record Book Cover - Green or Black Covers can be purchased at the Extension Office
- Just remember: this is a record book, not a scrapbook.
Record Book Rubrics
Clover Bud Book Evaluation Form
Secretary Book Evaluation Form
Treasurer Book Evaluation Form
Historian's Book Evaluation Form
General Record Book Evaluation Form
Formatting Your Record keeping System
You can use a traditional paper record keeping system or use the following formats or elements in your record keeping system.
Video or Audio Recordings
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.

More Resources
Check out these informational resources about putting together your record book!
Contact Lindsey Young or visit the Extension Office for any additional information or questions.
515-520-3783 or xMadison@iastate.edu
Forms for Record Books
- Record Book Forms
- Breeding Animal Forms
- Dairy Cattle & Dairy Goats
- Dog
- Horse & Pony
- Market Animals
- Poultry
- Rabbit
- Safety & Education in Shooting Sports (SESS)
- Photography
- Garden Projects