Blue Earth County 4-H record-keeping resources

Blue Earth County 4-H record-keeping resources

What are 4-H records?

The purpose of 4-H record-keeping is to teach an important life skill. 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 it – sharing it – understanding it – relating it – and using it. Record keeping encourages reflection (understanding, relating) so that 4-H members can apply their learning to other situations.

The 4-H Program does NOT require completion of records to participate in 4-H. Clubs are encouraged to form their own guidelines concerning records. Not all members will choose to complete their records but all should be encouraged and instructed in the process. Youth who return their project records by the deadline will be eligible for record awards which are offered at the county level during the year-end Awards Ceremony which takes place in December. 

Please check out Minnesota 4-H Record Keeping Resources for more information and resources.

Record-keeping documents

The resources listed below can be found at Minnesota 4-H Record Keeping Resources.

Guides:

• Record keeping guide for youth
• Record keeping guide for parents and for volunteers

Participation summary:

• Youth participation summary - basic
• Youth participation summary - experienced

Project records:

• Youth project record - basic
• Youth project record - experienced

Supplementary materials:

• Youth planning calendar
• Youth financial statement
• goal-setting

The resources listed below this line are specific to Blue Earth County 4-H.

• Blue Earth County Record-Keeping Practices

Blue Earth County 4-H Cloverbud (grades K-2) Records

• Participation Summary - Cloverbud

Record evaluation forms

• Blue Earth County Cloverbud Record Evaluation Form  (grades K-2)   
• Blue Earth County Record Evaluation Form (grades 3+)

Record awards

Those recognized at the Year-end Award Ceremony (1st Sunday in December) are as follows;

• All Cloverbuds & Youth who completed and submitted records for evaluation.
• All youth who earned a score of 75 points or higher will receive special recognition.
• Youth who earn the highest record score of their division and/or were selected for their exemplary record-keeping skills will receive special recognition.

Record evaluation

To be considered for record awards at the end of the 4-H year, Blue Earth County members must turn their completed records in to the Extension Office by Wednesday, November 1st. 4-H Records will be evaluated by adult volunteers using the Evaluation Forms. Youth who score 75 or higher on their 4-H Records will receive recognition at the Year-end Award Ceremony at the end of October and be eligible for additional awards.

A completed record consists of:

• A Participation Summary (relevant to your experience level)
• At least one (1) Project Record (relevant to your experience level) 
• The items listed above are enclosed in protective material (Member Record Book, folder, binder, page protectors, etc.)
• An Evaluation Form (relevant to your experience level) with the first page completed and attached to the front of your protective material.
• OPTIONAL, but encouraged: pictures, clippings, drawings, stories of your activities, journals or additional items related to the project.

Submit your records via one of the following options:

1. Mail to Blue Earth County Extension postmarked one week prior to the due date.
2. Drop off at Blue Earth County Extension in-person or via the mailbox.
3. Scan and email records to Blue Earth County Extension for printing.