4-H Record Books

A record book is an accumulation of all 4-H project work done in one or more years.  4-H members should add to their record book each year, including new information over their project experiences in the past year.  Members should describe the short-term projects they participated in or completed that lead towards the long-term 4-H project work goals.  Record books should include project information that shows the size and scope of the project work (how many were involved, number of items produced, number of hours spent on project, etc).

A record book is an excellent way to look back and see how much you have grown and learned through your  4-H experience.  It can also be used to apply for a variety of 4-H  and other awards and recognition.

4-H members 9-12 years old (as of January 1, 2009) should use the County Junior Record Book Form.  4-H members ages 13-19 (as of January 1, 2009) should use the State Senior Record Book form.

To help in yearly record keeping, be sure to ask your local 4-H leader for a Monthly 4-H Records booklet.  These booklets are filled out during the meeting and help members record information such as the following:

1. What you did (number of times, number of items made, number of animals, number of acres planted and harvested, hours spent working in project or project work done, how many people were involved, etc.).
   
   
2. What you learned (what new knowledge and skills were learned, what funny or sad things happened, etc.).
   
   
3. Learning experiences participated in (including demonstrations, speeches, tours, exhibits, judging, workshops attended, lessons at local club meetings, day camps, etc.).
   
   
4. Leadership experiences you participated in (volunteer leadership: teaching or assisting with teaching, committee work, officer, etc.).
   
   
5. Citizenship activities participated in (helping others, providing a service, organizing a community-wide project, etc.).
   
   
6. Awards and recognition received.

Workshops will be offered in the spring for both Junior and Senior record books.  Most leaders will also schedule a record book discussion during a club meeting.

Junior Record Book Forms (Ages 9 to 12 as of January 1)

County Record Book Form
Example County Record Book
Frequently Asked Questions
Online Photosharing Site for 4-H Photos