What are 4-H Records?
The purpose of 4-H record keeping is to teach important life skills such as record keeping, planning, organizing, goal setting, utilizing resources wisely, self-discipline, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision making, and communication. Because of individual differences, youth are encouraged to select from a variety of alternatives to meet their needs and learning styles. 4-H is not just doing, but learning by doing – sharing – understanding – relating – and applying. Record keeping encourages reflection which is a critical step in the learning process. Reflection allows us to apply what was learned to other situations in life. Review the 4-H Record Information Sheet for more details.
Why complete 4-H Records?
4-H Record completion teaches members to set goals, plan how to achieve those goals, create budgets, manage money, stick to a timeline, meet deadlines, how to create a resume, and how to apply what they learn in projects to life. By completing a 4-H Record each year, you keep a record of everything you accomplished during that time. This makes 4-H Records a valuable tool in applying for scholarships, college, or jobs in the future.
Who can do 4-H Records?
Records can be completed by any 4-H member in grades Kindergarten through one year past high school graduation. Cloverbuds (grades K-2) complete their own specialized record. Youth in grades 3-12+ complete the same record form but are divided into two age categories for judging 3-5 and 6+. As a youth advances in the 4-H program and their project development, their record should continue to get more detailed and show advanced learning, leadership, and service.
What is the difference between the Participation Record and the Project Record?
The Participation Record is a summary of everything you did in 4-H, school, church, work, family, and other organizations throughout the past year. It is meant to help you reflect on what you have learned through those activities. Members-only need to complete 1 participation summary per year if they choose to utilize the record forms.
The Record is a summary of a project you completed. It may be Beef, Clothing & Textiles, Food & Nutrition, Photography, etc. You will complete 1 Record for each project area you are completing a record on.
Record Templates:
Online Record template can be used for Grades K+ (this record is completely done online, does not need to be printed to submit, and can be edited up until the deadline). Online Record link.
If you would prefer to complete a paper version you can still use the past record format, but can also choose to submit it online by sending it to pope@umn.edu by the record deadline.
Cloverbud Record Template for Grades K-2