Please scroll to the bottom of this page for all record book and project record forms.
Record Book and Project Record Information
The 4-H program has a long history of record keeping. The focus reflects the importance of this life skill in our daily lives. In 4-H, young people have tracked their activities, events, profits and losses, skill development and learning experiences, and much more using the iconic 4-H Record Book. In addition to record keeping, the 4-H Record Book gives members an opportunity to reflect on their year, measure their achievements and growth, and set goals, and develop plans to meet those goals.
What is the difference between a Record Book and Project Records?
A Record Book is a complete book that reflects the 4-Hers work for the current year and also serves as a cumulative record. A 4-H Record Book is documentation of all 4-H activities at the club, county, state level, and national level in which a youth has attended and participated. This also includes community activities and the progress of a youth in each respective 4-H project. Many 4-H members will attest to the benefit and importance of Record Books and record keeping as they apply for higher education, prepare their resume, and submit applications for jobs. Included in the record book are:
Project Records are individual records about one particular project. The county requires every youth to complete at a minimum a project record for every project they are enrolled in as of June 1st. For example, a member enrolled in woodworking, market swine, and poultry as of June 1st this year, will turn in three project records at the end of the year (a woodworking project record, a market swine project record, and a poultry project record). In 2018, there is a major change-4-H members may combine general project records. Human and environmental science projects may be combined and recorded on one form annually. (EXCEPTION- If carrying the Food and Nutrition project, it must be on its' own individual form. Additionally, all animal projects will continue to be on their own individual forms. If you have a question, please contact your Organizational Leader or the Howard County Extension Office at 410-313-2707.)
Why have 4-H Record Books and Project Records?
4-H Record Books and Project Records serve a variety of purposes in the Howard County, Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program.
Some 4-H clubs require members to keep Record Books as part of their bylaws, while some clubs do not. However, the county requires every youth to complete at a minimum a project record for every project they are enrolled in. For example, a member enrolled in woodworking, market swine, and poultry as of June 1st this year, will turn in three project records at the end of the year (a woodworking project record, a market swine project record, and a poultry project record). In the event a member does not complete and submit a project record by February 1st, they may not carry the project in the current year and are not eligible to participate in any 4-H sponsored competitions related to the project.
A yearly 4-H Record Book is required in order for a 4-H member to qualify for County Level awards and/or scholarships. 4-H Record Books and project records should be filled out completely and accurately. Parents should oversee the member’s work, but the member must do his or her own writing or typing. There are provisions for youth with an IEP. Parents and project leaders should encourage each 4-H member to work on his or her Record Book and Project Records throughout the year.
Completing a 4-H Record Book is a process where 4-H members record project and club work. Records management is a competency skill to identify, create, classify, archive, and preserve records. The 4-H Record Book and Project Records teaches 4-H members these skills through a standard format.
How are Record Books evaluated?
General Record Book Information
How are Project Records evaluated?
Animal Project Records
Camelid | DOC | |
Dairy Cattle | ||
Dog | DOC | |
Horse and Pony | DOC | |
Large Animal Breeding | DOC | |
Market Livestock | DOC | |
Poultry | DOC | |
Rabbit and Cavy | DOC | |
Small Pet | DOC |
Clover Record Book Forms
General Record Book Forms
Clover Junior Leader Form Instructions - PDF version
Clover Junior Leader Record Form - Word version
General 4-H Record Form - Word version Download PDF version
Food/Baking 4-H Record Form - Word Version Download PDF version
Project Record Samples and Rubric
Summary Report Form