Have you ever questioned why turning in Record Books at the end of the year was a thing in 4-H?
A lot of unspoken hours and hard work goes into youth’s completion of their 4-H Projects. Performance Standard Awards are a way to not only gain recognition for completing 4-H activities, but implement careful planning and development that enhances a youth’s personal growth and life skills. It is important to note that there are different levels of Standard Performance Awards that a youth can reach. Coupled with Record Books, Performance Standards help give youth direction. Record Books are a longstanding tradition that helps youth map out their plans, growth, and successes throughout the year.
You may be asking “Why are End of the Year Awards so important?”. Rightfully so, when youth are having a record year, they should be recognized for their hard earned accomplishments! Performance Standard Awards promote a positive self-concept through participating in educational experiences and teach youth to progress toward self-set goals. This allows youth to gain insights into their own interests, efforts, and abilities. The growth in a youth throughout the year can often be measured through their Record Book.
Record Books for the current 4-H year are typically due in June, with the Awards Ceremony falling in July. Please Consult your 4-H leader for any club requirements prior to county turn in. End of the Year Awards are not required on a county level, however we encourage all youth to strive for county level awards. Many of our Lee County youth already meet many of the requirements in their normal scheduled 4-H year, and they certainly deserve to be recognized for their hard work.
Requirements for End of the Year Awards
The Performance Standard Awards sheet helps break down the youth’s requirements for Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald levels. These awards levels are open to all Lee County 4-H enrolled youth ages 8 to 18 in the current 4-H year. Similarly, Cloverbud’s (ages 5 to 7) have their own requirements for the Clover Award, and will receive a participation award upon completion.
The Lee County 4-H Awards Program Guidelines walk youth through the requirements and examples for each level of award. Additionally, they cover how to put together their Record Book for judging at the end of the year. It is important to note that while many activities are available throughout the 4-H Year for Awards Credit, youth may be able to think outside of the box. Some activities needed for awards may require approval by the 4-H Agent. To get approval for a 4-H Workshop or Talk, please fill out the 4-H Workshop & Talk approval form.
If a youth isn’t going for End of the Year Awards, they must fill out a Member in Good Standing form. This form states that the youth has attended 2/3’s of their club meetings, has followed all club by-laws, and has completed in full at least one project book. The form must have a parent and leader signature as well, before turning it into the 4-H office.
To view all documents discussed, please click here.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your leader or the 4-H office!
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