This blog will cover everything you need to know about 4-H Project Record Books, including what they are, how to access them, how to complete them, how they are judged, and a calendar of important dates to consider before they are due in July.

What are 4-H Project Record Books?

4-H Project Record Books are tools that help 4-H members to document their work and learning experiences throughout their 4-H projects. These books are essential for tracking progress, setting goals, and reflecting on accomplishments and challenges faced during the project. Completing a Project Record Book helps members to develop essential life skills such as goal-setting, record-keeping, and self-reflection.

Members should complete a record book each year that you participate in any project. Members who complete a Project Record Book and score a 85% (85/100 points) or above will be recognized and awarded a project pin at the annual 4-H Achievement Night.

THE FOUR PARTS OF A RECORD BOOK

1. The Project Report
2. The Project Story
3. Project Photos
4. Educational / Supportive Documents

Record Books are separated into four categories, based on a member’s age. Each category has a separate judging criteria and report form. These categories are:

• Cloverbud: ages 5-7 Cloverbud Project Report
• Junior: ages 8-10 Junior Project Report
• Intermediate: ages 11-13 Intermediate Project Report
• Senior: ages 14 to 18 Senior Project Report

How to Complete a 4-H Project Record Book

Completing a 4-H Project Record Book involves several key steps:

1. Download a Project Report: Select the appropriate project report for your age from the forms provided in the section above. These are the only acceptable project report forms for Miami-Dade 4-H. Using any other forms will result in disqualification.
2. Select a Project: Choose a project that interests you and aligns with your goals. Review the Florida 4-H Clearinghouse to explore our approved 4-H curriculum. This is not an exhaustive list. There may be other topics you are interested in. Your 4-H leader or agent can help you select a suitable project.
3. Set Goals: At the beginning of your project, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. These goals will guide your work throughout the project.
4. Document Your Work: Regularly record your activities, experiences, and observations related to your project. Be sure to include photos, drawings, or other visual aids that help to illustrate your work. If creating digital works, please provide publicly accessible links or QR codes in your book.
5. Reflect on Your Progress: Periodically review your goals and reflect on your progress. Consider what you have learned, what challenges you have faced, and how you have overcome them.
6. Complete Your Record Book: Fill out all sections of the Project Record Book, including the project summary, goals, activities, expenses, and reflections. Be thorough and honest in your responses. Use the rubric at the end of the project report to help you evaluate yourself. This is the same rubric that is used when judging your Project Record Book.
7. Turn In Your Record Book: Project Record Books are due to the Miami-Dade County 4-H Office by the Second Friday of July (07/12/2024).

How 4-H Project Record Books are Judged

4-H Project Record Books are typically judged at the county, district, or state level, depending on your age and category of project. The scoring sheets are available to you in the project report forms. Use them! Judges will evaluate your record book based on several criteria, including:

1. Completeness: Have all sections of the record book been filled out completely and accurately?
2. Neatness: Is the record book neat, organized, and free of errors?
3. Goal Setting: Have you set SMART goals for your project, and have you worked towards achieving them?
4. Documentation: Have you thoroughly documented your activities, experiences, and observations related to your project?
5. Reflection: Have you reflected on your progress, challenges, and learning experiences throughout the project?

Scores will be annnounced one week prior to the annual 4-H Achievement Night. Members scoring an 80/100 or above on their project record book will be recognized at Achievement Night and will receive a pin for their project completion. Books available for pick up at the 4-H office after Achievement Night.

Calendar of Important Dates:

Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

January 19th, 2024: 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM, Project Record Book Workday @ Amelia Earhart Park, Hialeah, FL:

Project Record Book member workday! Come to Amelia Earhart Park and bring all of your record book materials. Kenan will be helping members organize their materials, provide feedback on project activities, and review stories.

June 7th, 2024: 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM, Project Record Book Workday @ UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County, Homestead, FL:

Project Record Book member workday! Come to the Homestead Office and bring all of your record book materials. Kenan will be helping members organize their materials, provide feedback on project activities, and review stories.

July 12th, 2024: By 5:00pm, Project Record Books Due to 4-H Office @ Amelia Earhart Park, Hialeah, FL

Please coordinate a time for your books to be dropped off at the 4-H Office. There will be no grace period for submissions, so please do not miss this deadline

Helpful Resources:

The following videos are examples of other state’s record book projects. Documents will look a little different, but these will help you understand the big picture.

How to start a 4-H Record Book – a member’s perspective (Video)

How to do your project record book (Video)

How to do a story for your 4-H Record Book (Video)

2