Record book season is approaching! If you or someone you know is involved in 4-H or wants to become involved in 4-H, you may want to start thinking about creating a record book. Every year, our young people are encouraged to work on their 4-H projects to develop life skills, hone their talents, and gain new experiences. There are over 50 projects to choose from that allow them to grow their knowledge while having fun experiences with their friends and families.
What is a record book?
A record book is a guided book that encourages record-keeping habits. This prepares young people for future employment, college applications, and household management. Throughout the project year, they will record local, district, and state 4-H activities they have participated in during the year. Completing a record book on a 4-H project can be very self-rewarding. The record book shows the progress they make as the year passes. Record books are submitted, in January, to the county Extension Office for judging. Junior and senior level record books can be submitted at the district and state levels.
How to get started
First, 4-H'ers must choose a project to focus on for the year. Projects are divided into three project areas: Healthy Living, Civic Engagement, and STEM & Agriculture. After you select a chosen area, you will narrow down on one project. Some projects include Food and Nutrition, Food Preservation & Safety, Communication, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Fashion & Fabric, Music, Livestock, Entomology, Robotics, and many, many, more!
After choosing your project, you can get started learning! As you go on through the year, make notes and take pictures of any activities and community service opportunities you participated in. These should be recorded in your record book. At the end of the year, you will put together your record book using the templates available online and submit it to the county Extension Office for judging. If it's a winner, it can be submitted to the district and state level!
How to help
4-H parents, volunteers, and I are here to help! The 4-H website also has some great resources if you visit https://4h.uada.edu/youth/projects for project ideas, sample record books and templates, and much more. The Garland County Extension Office will also be hosting 4-H record book workshops in November with dates announced soon!
A look ahead
The Garland County Arts and Crafts Fair is approaching! From Oct. 6-8, you can enjoy the Arts and Crafts Fair. Don't forget to come by the Clover Café to purchase some delicious pumpkin rolls made by our 4-H'ers!
Oct. 1-7 is National 4-H Week. Encourage young people to join 4-H and your local adults to volunteer with 4-H! If you see any 4-H content on social media, please share and spread the word about all the wonderful opportunities that 4-H can offer.
4-H information
There are 4-H clubs for Garland County young people who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities that are available, call Sara Jackson at 501-623-6841 or email her at [email protected].
Master Gardener information
Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. They're open to the public and guests are welcome.
EHC information
Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC, call Alison Crane at 501-623-6841 or email her at [email protected].
An undated handout photo of Sara Jackson, Garland County Extension Office 4-H agent. - Submitted photo