Record Books
The new record book process will be completed using form-fillable PDFs. Save the PDF to your computer before starting to complete it. Each county's 4-H council will determine how awards and pins work for their county. In the future there will be an option to complete record books online through the app Zsuite. **Please delete any old record forms saved on your computers**
1. Determine which projects you will fill a record book out for: Please review the complete Record Book Project List in order to fill out the proper record book, click Here
(example: youth in the forestry project should complete a record book on Plant Science or youth in canning should title their record book foods & nutrition. See the list above for the correct categories)
2. Create a notebook (4-H record book folder or three ring binder) for EACH project record book. Record books should be separated by project area (ie. folder for Beef, folder for clothing, etc.) Each books should have all the pages, offices can help make copies of current year's personal page and current year's permanent record. Separating the books into different folders allows for quicker and easier judging. Tabs for sorting the book are appreciated but please don't use page protectors.
3. Select your age division to fill out the proper paperwork to complete your record book! The pilot record books are broken into three age divisions based on 4-H age. Youth may compete in high age divisions but not lower. Youth must fill out the paperwork for the age division they wish to compete in.
4. Submit to your club leader by their deadline for signatures and sorting. Your club leader will submit to the office by the October 1st deadline.
Need help getting started on your record book? Not sure what type of notebook to put it in or how long your story should be? Check out these guidelines agents have compiled! Record book guidelines
**Save PDFs to computer and open from computer in order to save your work!
Junior (ages 7-9)
Record Book Check Sheet PDF, Record Book Check Sheet Word
Permanent Pages (PDF), Permanent Pages (Word), Sample Permanent Pages
Intermediate (ages 10-13)
Record Book Check Sheet PDF, Record Book Check Sheet Word
Permanent Pages (PDF), Permanent Pages (Word), Sample Permanent Pages
Senior (ages 14 & up)
KAP can be found HERE.
Optional Record Pages for Seniors.
If you choose to fill out the forms below you will not be eligible for regional record book judging.
Record Book Check Sheet PDF, Record Book Check Sheet Word
Permanent Pages (PDF), Permanent Pages (Word), Sample Permanent Pages
FAQ
Q: Do I have to complete a record book for each project I participated in throughout the year or entered at the fair?
A: No, youth may fill out a record book for each project(enrolled/exhibited) but it is not required.
Q: Why are there changes to the check sheet that goes at the front of the record book?
A: The check sheet is now a district wide form that has opportunities for every county.
Q: Do I have to do a separate personal page or permanent record for each project record book?
A: No, youth can make copies and put the same personal page and permanent record in each book.
Q: Do I have a separate story for each project record?
A: Your general information (ie. projects completed this year, camp, leadership opportunities) should be the same but then stories should go into more detail about the specific project the record book.
Q: Does my record book need to be in official 4-H folder?
A: Any folder that has the youth's name and club visible on the cover with prongs or rings to easily turn pages will work.
Q: Can I put my record book in page protectors?
A: Please do not put any record book pages in page protectors. This is a rule at state record book judging.
Q: Can I compete in an older record book division to try to win the county award?
A: Yes, youth may compete in higher divisions, but not lower. If you wish to compete in a higher division you must fill out the record book forms for that level.
Q: When are record books due?
A: Record books are always due in your local extension office the October 1, annually. However, your club leaders may have an earlier due date to sort and sign books, please check with them.
