Record Keeping

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:

  1. Title Page 
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Yearly 4-H Summary or 4-H Story
  4. Personal Goal Record
  5. Project Records - One project form should be completed for each project area you are enrolled in. 
  6. 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. 
  7. Project Related Pictures & Clippings - Those pertaining to a particular project area should be included behind the project record. 
  8. Supporting Materials - Can include pictures, newspaper clippings, club minutes, etc. DO NOT include ribbons, receipts, letters, etc. 
  9. 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

What project record form should I use?

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.