4-H’S EASY TO USE DICTIONARY



Fayette County

4-H FAMILY GUIDE

This welcome packet was adapted from the Iowa “This is 4-H” booklet and from materials from Dodge County WI by Judy Mohlis and Kathy Steege, Office Assistants, and Michele Kelly, County Youth Coordinator, to help new members and families become better acquainted with the Fayette County 4-H Program.

WELCOME!!!

WHAT IS 4-H ALL ABOUT?

Membership to 4-H is open to any youth in 4th through 12th grade, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability.

4-H was once strictly a program for rural youth. 4-H now reaches youth regardless of where they live – town or country.

The purpose of the 4-H and Youth Program in Fayette County is to help young people grow into creative, productive citizens. To achieve that goal it is necessary to learn how to make a living as well as how to live a life. The 4-H program teaches both of these skills through a unique blend of hands-on projects designed to develop the whole person. As young men and women learn to work with their hands, they also learn to work with people, communicate ideas, accept responsibilities and make decisions. As their abilities develop, so do their good feelings about themselves. Through real-life practices, 4-H’ers gain a practical grasp of citizenship and leadership.

4-H members and leaders are organized in several different ways to accomplish their goals. The needs of the group dictate its structure.

4-H COMMUNITY CLUBS – Fayette County has 18 clubs. These clubs meet year-round, usually once a month and range in size from 5 to 40 club members. Members may choose to enroll in 35 different project areas with support materials for each.

4-H SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS – Fayette County has a few special interest clubs. These groups focus on one topic for a period of time.

A special interest group for those interested in dairy quiz bowl and dairy judging meets during the late winter and continues through the summer months.

Dog enthusiasts meet on a weekly basis from May through fair to learn the techniques for showing their dogs at the county fair.

SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS – are available to teachers to supplement educational programs used in their classrooms. Some examples are: Toys in Space, Wonderwise, Rockets Away, Growing in the Garden, Robotix, Challenge, and BOOMERANG. The youth participating in school enrichment activities are not always traditional 4-H members.

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS – These classes are held after school with a minimum of six hours of class participation. During the class time children do a craft type activity, games, educational topic discussion and a healthy snack is served.

There is an enrollment fee with the 4-H program. The cost is currently $30 a year per member and is due when enrollment is completed. First year members will enroll using a paper enrollment form. Returning members will use the 4hOnline system located at

All our clubs are led by volunteer leaders. Club leaders must participate a statewide training each 4-H year. This may be done by attending a meeting at the Extension Office in Fayette, online, or by watching a DVD. We always welcome any adult who would like to start a club or join in as a volunteer leader. The requirement for a club is a minimum of five youth members from two or families and one adult.

For more information contact: Michele Kelly, County Youth Coordinator, at 563-425-3331 or kellymd@iastate.edu

WHERE DO YOU FIT IN?

Youth and their families in Fayette County ……

Join one of the local clubs:

And become part of the Fayette County 4-H Family.

The name of my 4-H club is:

________________________________________

Every club has a General Leader:

My club’s general leader is: __________________________________________

My general leader’s phone number is: __________________________

Some clubs have an Assistant Leader:

My club’s assistant leader is: __________________________________________

My Assistant Leader’s phone number is: ________________________

Each county has a County Youth Coordinator

The Fayette County Youth Coordinator is: Michele Kelly

The Fayette County Extension phone number is (563) 425-3331.

The Fayette County Extension web site is: extension.iastate.edu/fayette

LET’S GET INTRODUCED TO 4-H

4-H Emblem

The green four-leaf clover has a white “H” on each leaf to

represent one of the four H’s – head, heart, hands and

health.

The first emblem was a three-leaf clover, introduced in 1907

by O.H. Benson of Clarion, Iowa. The three H’s stood for

head, heart, and hands. Around 1908 Benson and others

in the United States began using a four-leaf clover for the

emblem. Benson said the H’s should stand for “head,

heart, hands, and hustle….head trained to think, plan, and

reason; heart trained to be useful, helpful, and skillful; and

the hustler to render ready service to develop health and

vitatlity.”

At a meeting in Washington, D.C. in 1911, state club leaders adopted the four-leaf clover as the official 4-H emblem that continues as the emblem today. At that gathering, O.B. Martin of South Carolina suggested that the four H’s stand for head, heart, hands, and health to represent the equal training of head, heart, hands, and health of every child; others agreed. These H’s remain relevant today. The emblem is patented and protected from unathorized use.

WHAT DO THE 4 H’s STAND FOR?

HEAD – Through exciting “hands-on” learning experiences, 4-H’ers learn about new project areas, try new skills and participate in various activities. 4-H’ers have fun learning from volunteer adults and older youth, who are interested in sharing their knowledge and experience.

HEART – Throughout club, county, district and state events/activities, participants are continually developing their sense of identity, particular project skills and characteristics that result is a statement of “Who I am and What I Stand for”.

HANDS – A goal is for 4-H members to arrive at a tentative occupational choice. Three essential factors are: 1) Learn about oneself

2) Learn about work and occupational opportunities

3) Learn knowledge of self and occupational opportunities

HEALTH – 4-H continually strives to teach 4-H members to accept responsibility for their lifestyle choices and to create a personal environment, which encourages choices with positive impact on their well being.

The pledge was adopted officially in 1927 by 4-H members and leaders attending the first National 4-H Club Camp in Washington, D.C. Otis Hall, state 4-H leader from Kansas, wrote the pledge. The 4-H pledge has been changed only once since 1927. At the request of several states and on the recommendation of 4-H members attending National 4-H Conference (formerly Nationally 4-H Club Camp) the pledge was changed in 1973 to include “my world.”

4-H Motto

To make the best better.

The motto was also adopted in 1927 at National 4-H Club Camp. It was proposed by Miss Carrie Harrison, a botanist in the Bureau of Plant Industry. The 4-H motto has remained the same through the years.

4-H Colors – green and white

Green symbolizes nature’s most common color and represents life, springtime, and youth. White symbolizes purity.

4-H’S EASY TO USE DICTIONARY

Every organization has its own terms that have special meaning to its members. This is meant to be a partial listing of the terms that are used in the 4-H organization.

4-H Online – Online program used to complete enrollments and animal ID’s located at

4-H & Youth Development Committee (YDC) – Executive governing body of the Fayette County 4-H program made up of adults and youth who help to determine the 4-H and youth programming needs.

4-H Members –

Clover Kids – Clover Kids are members in K-3.

Juniors – Junior 4-H’ers are youth in grades 4-6.

Intermediates – Intermediate 4-H’ers are youth in grades 7 & 8.

Seniors – Senior 4-H’ers are youth in grades 9–12.

4-H Newsletter – A monthly county newsletter is e-mailed (or mailed upon request) to 4-H families containing project news and meeting, activity, and fair information. This is your primary source of information regarding dates and deadlines. Make sure you read it each month.

4-H’ers for 4-H – A combined effort in early spring by 4-H groups around Iowa to contribute to the Iowa 4-H Foundation. The campaign is coordinated and promoted by the State 4-H Council. Funds are used for (1) special Iowa 4-H youth program needs, (2) the State 4-H Council, (3) International 4-H programs, and (4) financial aid for preparation in 4-H events and membership fees.

Achievement Show – A 4-H club may hold an achievement show prior to fair. This gives members an opportunity to bring their 4-H exhibits to be evaluated by a knowledgeable adult who can give suggestions on how an exhibit can be improved or prepared to be judged at county fair. It also gives the 4-H’er “practice” in the conference judging procedure used at the fair.

Club – Organization made of a group of youth that have fun together learning and sharing.

Club Activity – A 4-H club usually plans more than just regular meetings. Club activities may include special project workshops, parties, trips or family potlucks. They are opportunities for “learning by doing” or just plain having fun.

Club Meetings – All 4-H clubs are expected to hold regular meetings. These are usually held monthly, often on a set day (such as the first Monday of the month). 4-H meetings have three parts – business, program and social. Attendance at 4-H meetings is very important. A 4-H’er is responsible for contacting the leader to let him/her know if they won’t be there and to find out what information they will miss if unable to attend.

Club Tour – A club may schedule a tour of all the members’ homes before the county fair. The purpose is for each 4-H’er to show the rest of the group his/her exhibits that may be taken to fair. This works especially well for clubs that have a lot of livestock projects.

Community Service Project – Many 4-H clubs carry out community service projects. The variety of projects is endless but may include such things as working with the handicapped, planting trees, visiting a nursing home, or picking up ditches.

Completion Award – Awards are given at the end of the 4-H year to 4-H’ers who have completed their first year, 8th grade and 9th year in 4-H. These awards are given out at the local 4-H club’s awards night.

Static Judging – This method of judging is used for the majority of classes at the county fair, with the exception of some livestock classes. The 4-H’er brings his/her exhibit to the judge and discusses the work with the judge. The judge uses this information, any written information required by the class rules, and the exhibit itself in determining the ribbon placing of the exhibit. A ribbon is awarded, the placing is recorded, and the exhibit is displayed in the 4-H Exhibit Hall throughout fair week.

County 4-H Council – A group of 4-H youth who meet once a month to help plan county events such as the project workshops, awards program, etc. They also serve as Junior Superintendents at the Fayette County Fair in both livestock and non-livestock areas.

County Fair – Fair is an annual countywide event at which 4-H’ers have the opportunity to be evaluated on their exhibits and to receive recognition for what they have accomplished. Fayette County Fair is held at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in West Union.

County Fair Entry Forms –

Livestock Entry Form – This is the form used to list which of your project animals you intend to bring to fair. Use the fair book to determine which classes your animal should be entered in. You may not bring an animal to fair if it has not been identified as your project on the livestock ID form. Entry forms must be filled out for all animals – market and breeding beef, dairy cattle and goats, dogs, horses and ponies, market and breeding sheep, dairy and meat goats, market swine, poultry, rabbits, and pets. Your entry form must be submitted to the Extension Office by the July 1 deadline to be eligible to show at the county fair. (NOTE: refer to the Livestock Identification Form definition to understand the difference in these forms)

Communications/Clothing Selection/Fashion Revue/Food Fair – If you would like to participate in Communications (educational presentation, working exhibit, Share the Fun), Clothing Selection, $15 Challenge, Fashion Revue, or the Food & Nutrition Fair, there are specific entry forms that need to be filled out and turned into the Extension Office by the July 1st entry deadline.

Enrollment Deadline – Re-enrolling members must complete their enrollment in 4hOnline and new members must complete and submit enrollment forms to 4-H leaders by December 15.

Enrollment Form – First year members will be given a paper copy of the enrollment form/medical release form from their club leader. It is important this form is filled out at the beginning of the 4-H year and returned to the Extension Office by December 15th. 2nd – 9th year members will complete the enrollment process using the 4hOnline system available at

Exhibit – An exhibit is the result of study, the skills developed, and/or animals reared as a result of what was learned in a certain project. An exhibit at fair can be in many forms. It can be a live animal for a dairy project, a plate of cookies for food & nutrition, a series of photographs for the photography project or a wooden toolbox in the woodworking project area.

Expected Standards – Membership requirements of the Fayette County 4-H policy to be included in the 4-H record book turned in at the end of the 4-H year.

Fairbook – This is a very important book with information you will need at fair time regarding what is to be in your exhibits. It is also used to fill out county fair entry forms you will receive from your leader. The fairbook is available online at extension.iastate.edu/fayette/kidsteens.htm

Hot Sheets – Support materials for each project area that offers exhibit ideas and other suggestions that can be carried out throughout the year

Iowa State University Extension – 4-H is part of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the land-grant colleges, and the US Department of Agriculture.

Leader(s) – General Club Leader(s) – Volunteer adult(s) who serve as advisor, friend and main leader; Project/Assistant Leader – Volunteer (adult or youth) that teaches a particular interest/skill to youth; and Youth Leaders – 4-H members who help younger members.

Livestock Identification – Also referred to as a “Livestock or Animal ID Form.” It is the 4-H member’s responsibility to complete the ID process by submitting identification information using the 4hOnline system or obtaining a form from the Extension Office if you do not have access to the internet. If you plan to show dairy, dairy goat, breeding beef, breeding sheep, horse, or a dog you are required to identify your animal(s). Deadline for submitting a hard copy or online form is May 15 (or the following Monday if the 15 falls on the weekend) or it can be completed any time before that. If you enroll in the market beef, market sheep, meat goats or market swine project areas, livestock ID forms will be filled out at the county weigh-in. 2015 swine exhibitors must also provide photo ID’s of gilts after they are tagged if not tagged.

The livestock ID is NOT a fair entry. Its purpose is to insure that the animal has been the 4-H’ers project during the year and not just an animal purchased shortly before the fair. If this form is not submitted to the Extension Office or identified online by the May 15 deadline, you will not be able to exhibit animals at the fair. (NOTE: refer to County Fair Entry Form - Livestock definition to make sure you understand the difference between the forms).

Presentation – A talk or demonstration prepared by a 4-H member and presented in front of their 4-H club at a meeting. A presentation should contain three parts – an introduction, a body, and a conclusion – and should be prepared on an educational topic of interest to the 4-H member.

Project – A project is an area of emphasis in which the 4-H’er enrolls, studies, learns, keeps records, and perhaps does an exhibit. Examples are visual arts, food and nutrition, photography, and dog. A 4-H’er may complete work in a project without exhibiting at the county fair.

Project Meetings – Meetings held for members to come and learn about a specific project area they have signed up for. For example, dog project meetings are held in the summer and are necessary to show in the dog obedience and agility classes at the fair.

Record Books – A record summarizing and evaluating each year’s 4-H experiences. Members follow the County Record Book Guidelines to complete their record books. Record books are due to 4-H leader by September 15. They may be turned in to the county for county judging and record book awards by October 1.

Ribbons and Premiums – The exhibits that members take to fair are awarded ribbons (purple, blue, red, or white). 4-H’ers are then paid premium money for their exhibits based on the ribbon they received. Premium money is paid upon departure from conference judging or when leaving the show ring.

Share-a-Project Agreement – This allows 4-H’ers who cannot house or own a large animal (beef, sheep, dairy, swine, horse, etc.) to show at the fair. A written agreement between the 4-H member and the person who owns the animal allows the 4-H’er to exhibit a maximum of two animals at the fair as long as the requirements of the agreement were fulfilled. The form is available from the Extension Office and is due May 15. These animals are NOT eligible for State Fair.

State Fair – 4-H’ers in 5th - 12th grades from across the state exhibit at the State Fair. Some projects and classes require that the exhibit be selected at the county level for state fair competition, others do not. The Iowa State Fair is held every August in Des Moines.

Fayette County 4-H Forms

Your Checklist for Choosing 4-H Projects

Each fall you get to choose projects for an exciting 4-H year! You can choose from more than 35 different areas. In selecting projects, think about:

← An interest you’d like to explore

← A hobby you’d like to learn more about

← A topic of interest shared by you and your family

← Something that’s fun for you!

Remember to select projects on topics in which you can get help from your parents, grandparents, friends, or other 4-H members. We suggest that you work with your parent when selecting your 4-H projects. To enroll in a project, list the name and the project number on your enrollment form.

At a future club meeting you will get project hot sheets and exhibit tip sheets from your leader. You’ll want to keep those as long as you’re enrolled in the project. Read the project materials! They are filled with exciting ideas. The information will help you learn about your chosen topic.

Calendar of Important Deadlines Throughout the Year

December 15 – 4-H enrollment/medical release forms are due December 15.

May 1 – Last day to add a project to your enrollment or drop a project from your enrollment. Just because you turned your enrollment into your leader before December 15 doesn’t mean that you can only work on the projects you enrolled in at that time. For example, if you get a camera for Christmas and decide that you want to work in photography, you can add that to your projects by telling your 4-H leader or calling the Extension Office.

May 15 – Last day to turn in your livestock identification forms and share-a-project agreement form. These forms can be filled out and turned in anytime before May 15 to make sure you don’t miss the deadline. If you turn it in early and then get another animal that needs to be added on the ID form, contact the Extension Office and give them the necessary information to add to your ID. Nothing can be added after May 15. (If you fail to meet this deadline, you will not be allowed to show at the fair)

Fair Entry Day – Fair entries must be turned into the Extension Office by July 1. If you plan on bringing ANY animals (rabbit, poultry, cat, dog, other pet, horse, beef, swine, sheep, dairy) to the fair or if you plan on participating in Communication, Clothing Selection, $15 Challenge, Fashion Revue, or the Food & Nutrition Fair, an entry form must be filled out and turned in. (If you fail to meet this deadline, you will not be allowed to show at the Fair)

September 15 – Record books are due to club leader by September 15.

Information you will get from your leader

Enrollment materials

Fair entry forms

Record book forms

Fayette County 4-H Activities

4-H activities add “Spice, Seasoning and Flavor” to top off your 4-H experience

Activities help us increase our personal talents and abilities.

▪ Some activities (judging, Clothing Revue and Foods Fair, tours) add new dimensions to member projects.

▪ Other activities (communications and music) develop effective communication abilities.

▪ Others (camping, community service, exchange trips) develop citizenship responsibilities. It should always be remembered that these activities should be enjoyed for their own sake and not be competitive. The monthly 4-H newsletters provide further information on activities available. Let’s have ALL members try and participate in TWO county activities. Come and join the fun!

ACTIVITIES FOR:

Clover Kids --

1. A special Clover Kid Day is planned throughout the year. Details will be in the monthly 4-H newsletter.

2. Day camps for children kindergarten through 5th grade are offered throughout the county. Brochures are sent home with the children from their schools during the month of May. Registrations and fees are payable to the Fayette County Extension Office by the designated date on the brochure. Children do not have to be enrolled in the 4-H program to participate in these day camps.

Juniors (members in grades 4-6) –

1. Region 4 Junior Camp (two-days, one-night) is held in the summer at Pine Bluff Camp located near Decorah.

2. Project Workshops are offered through the year with different project areas being offered. Watch the monthly newsletter for information.

Intermediates (members in grades 7 & 8) –

1. Region 4 Intermediate Camp is held in the summer at Pine Bluff Camp located north of Decorah.

2. State Intermediate Camp is held at the State 4-H Camp at Madrid, Iowa

3. Project Workshops are offered through the year with different project areas being offered. Watch the monthly newsletter for information.

Intermediates and Seniors –

1. State 4-H Conference is a 3-day conference on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames. Anyone in 8th grade or older is eligible to attend. Fun and learning work well together here. The conference is held near the end of June and transportation is arranged for youth that attend. Financial assistance is available through the 4-H Foundation and the county Extension Office. Information comes out in the newsletter.

2. Animal Science Round-up is a 3-day intensive study of the beef, swine, dairy, sheep, or horse project and the industries related to each species. It is held on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames. It runs the same time as State Conference. Information comes out in the newsletter.

3. Washington DC trip is a week-long trip to the National 4-H Center located in Chevy Chase, Maryland and the many historical sights of Washington, D.C. Registration forms and fees must be paid by the designated date listed in the newsletter. Cost of the trip is around $700 which includes bus transportation, lodging, and some of the meals. Participants learn about citizenship, visit Congress, complete a community service project and sight-see in D.C. This trip is held every two years. Youth are encouraged to get involved during the first year as we learn about local, county and state government and make a trip to the State Capitol in Des Moines in March the year before the D.C. trip. This is a two-year program that 8th-12th graders are encouraged to become involved in.

4. National 4-H Conference - 4-H representatives from each state discuss the future 4-H program needs at the national level. Applicants must apply by filling out an application form and are selected through an interview process in Ames. If interested, contact the Extension Office for more details. Online applications are due February 1.

5. National 4-H Congress is held in Atlanta, Georgia, where a forum is held to discuss issues of concern to youth and to strengthen youth involvement in local, county, and state 4-H programs. Applicants must apply by filling out an application form and are selected through an interview process in Ames. If interested, contact the Extension Office for more details. Online applications are due February 1.

6. State 4-H Council members are ambassadors for the state 4-H program. They provide input on 4-H program issues; plan and execute state events; and practice leadership, citizenship, and communication skills. Applicants must apply by filling out an application form and are selected through an interview process in Ames. If interested, contact the Extension Office for more details. Online applications are due February 1.

Seniors (members in grades 9-12) --

1. Members who are in 10th through 12th grade may apply for County Council. Each person interested in joining or rejoining the County Council must fill out an application and submit it to the Extension Office by July 1. Each applicant is required to help throughout the county fair, participate in community service projects, project workshops, awards program, omelet brunch, attend meetings and help whenever asked.

2. Project Workshops are offered through the year with different project areas being offered. Watch the monthly newsletter for information.

COUNTY FAIR ACTIVITIES

Communications

Four categories of 4-H communications are judged at the county level where some are selected to advance to state level.

1. Educational Presentations are talks or demonstrations given in front of an audience about some topic that interest the 4-H’er. They should contain three parts - an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

2. A Working Exhibit is less formal than an educational presentation. It involves a one-on-one type of demonstrating technique. The 4-H’er usually works from a table in an area where people walk through and stop to see what the 4-H’er is demonstrating.

3. Extemporaneous Speaking is an opportunity for senior 4-H members to think, to organize, and to speak before an audience on a 4-H related topic.

4. Share the Fun includes entertainment acts such as music, dance, interpretive speech, or skits. They can involve any number of youth from one 4-H’er to the whole club.

Food & Nutrition Fair

An opportunity for Food & Nutrition project members to “show and tell” about the foods they enjoy preparing. Members are conference judged on the food item, menu and the table setting they have prepared.

Clothing Selection, Fashion Revue and $15 Challenge

An opportunity for members to model garments which they have purchased (Clothing Selection & $15 Challenge) and/or constructed (Fashion Revue). A member must be enrolled in the Clothing project to participate in these events. Entries are judged on poise, posture, accessories and total outfit appearance. Construction is judged to the extent that it affects general appearance. Entries are judged and then members participate in a style show during the county fair. The $15 Challenge allows the youth to purchase items from a consignment store, Goodwill, or garage sales. Receipts must be submitted.

And More…Watch your 4-H newsletter for Details!!!

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FAYETTE COUNTY FAIR

Fair is a county-wide event where 4-Hers have the opportunity to be evaluated on their exhibits and receive recognition for what they have accomplished. Exact fair dates are published in the newsletter and on the website as soon as they are set by the Fair Board. Fair schedules will be posted as soon as they are set.

The fair book, which lists classes available as well a schedule of events is available from the following web site extension.iastate.edu/fayette/kidsteens.htm If you are unable to obtain a copy from the website, contact the Extension Office for a copy.

Static judging for non-livestock exhibits will be held on the fairgrounds in the Dance Pavilion from 9 am until 2 pm the Monday before the fair starts. Clubs will be assigned a judging time and are asked to bring exhibits at that time. All exhibits must be placed in the club booth located in the 4-H building on the north edge of the fairgrounds. It is the responsibility of the 4-H members to get their projects to either the club booth, considered for State Fair booth, or the State Fair booth. Pre-entry is not required.

Exhibits receive either a purple, blue, red, or white placing. Exhibits showing outstanding learning will receive a purple ribbon and those youth in 5th grade or above may have projects held back for the selection of State Fair projects. Those selected for State Fair will be issued a purple “State Fair” ribbon and those that are not selected for State Fair will be issued a light purple “Considered for State Fair” ribbon. 4-Hers are paid premium money for their exhibits at the conclusion of judging by stopping at the Exit Table.

Clover Kids may bring non-livestock exhibits to the fair to be judged by a separate Clover Kids judge. Each participant receives a small variegated colored ribbon. Their exhibits need to be placed in the Clover Kids booth located in the 4-H building on the north edge of the fairgrounds. Clover Kids may also participate in small animal projects. Refer to the fair book for the rules on this.

Projects selected for State Fair will be announced at the conclusion of non-livestock judging at approximately 3:30 pm in the Dance Pavilion.

Dates and arrival times for all 4-H and FFA animals will be posted in the newsletter and fair book, along with fair schedule and times for clubs to patrol in the 4-H building and work in the Clover Café.

Exhibits must remain in the 4-H building until release time posted in the fair book at the conclusion of the Fayette County Fair.

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4-H RECORD BOOKS

Record keeping is a life skill that can be developed through your 4-H work. Setting your project goals, keeping track of the financial records, and recording your accomplishments is all part of complete record keeping.

Clover Kids have a “special” record book.

Your Record Book should contain a permanent record of projects/activities for as long as you are in 4-H.

4-H records should be filled out completely AND accurately. Parents may oversee the child’s work, but it is best if a child does his/her OWN writing. Encourage your 4-H member to work on the Project Record Sheets THROUGHOUT the year! Pictures and clippings can help you tell your 4-H story.

To successfully complete a 4-H year, a member must complete a 4-H Record Book AND the expected standards of Fayette County (meeting attendance, giving presentations at the club level, participate in club events and activities, etc.).

A 4-H member’s record book is evaluated at the CLUB level to determine if it meets county requirements. Record books that meet the requirements are submitted by the 4-H leader to the Fayette County Extension Office for county record book award consideration. All youth turning in a record book are recognized at the county awards program held in November.

Clover Kids have a special 4-H record book to fill out. They receive an award for turning their record book in, along with recognition at the county awards program held in November.

Juniors may apply for a Junior Achievement Award (overall record book award). Each book will be awarded either purple, blue, red, or white for their efforts.

Intermediates and Seniors may apply for an Achievement Award and/or a project award. Each book will be awarded either purple, blue, red, or white for their efforts.

Intermediates and Seniors may also apply for an Area Project or State Project Award. For these, applicants must fill out an application form and submit up to five pages of support material by February 1. Award winners are selected through an interview process held in March. Members may apply for two project areas per year but cannot win more than once. Letters are sent from the office to all youth that are eligible with additional information printed in the county newsletter when it becomes available.

(Refer to the Record Book Guideline handbook for more information on 4-H record keeping.)

[pic] 4-H MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES [pic]

Below is a list of things you as a 4-H member can and should do to help your club:

1. Attend meetings regularly and take part. Answer roll call, lead the pledges, be a good host or hostess, participate in recreation and music. Notify your club leader if you are going to be absent.

2. Be enthusiastic, cooperative, and responsive. Be alert and ready to voice an opinion. After a majority has decided on an issue, lend support regardless of how you voted. Accept your responsibilities in carrying out club business.

3. Monthly meetings are important. Always listen and participate. Wait to be recognized by the president before you speak.

4. Volunteer for committees whenever you are interested and your time schedule permits. You are an important part of the club and your help is always needed.

5. Bring business up before the group. Always vote on an issue or a motion.

6. Participate in all club activities you can. Participation in county activities helps you grow as a person even more. Besides, you meet other 4-Hers from the county and have lots of fun!

7. Do at least one presentation per year. If you are in need of a presentation topic, ask your leader or the Extension Office for assistance.

8. Select and work on your own projects for the county fair. If help is needed, please ask your leader, older club members, or your parents. They are there to help you but not to do it for you.

9. Invite your parents to attend meetings. They can have fun and learn too! They can also help leaders and meet new friends for themselves. 4-H is a family affair!

10. Cooperate with club officers and other club members to get the business meeting over efficiently and as quickly as possible. If you do not distract others or let others distract you, the meeting will progress more efficiently.

11. Read the 4-H newsletter when it arrives in the mail at home. It contains important information. The newsletter is also available at extension.iastate.edu/fayette

12. Keep your record book up to date. Have it ready to hand in to your club leaders at or before the September club meeting. They are due to your leader by September 15. Leaders must submit books to the Extension Office by October 1 in order for you to be eligible for a county award.

HOW ARE PARENT(s) AND GUARDIAN(s) PARTNERS IN 4-H?

1. Help members select the right project(s) for their interests.

2. Give encouragement and supervision, but allow 4-H’ers to do their own work. This means giving positive encouragement when problems arise.

3. Help locate or assist youth in finding financial aid for project work.

4. Provide a place for records and other club/county materials at home.

5. Help members set standards of honesty, teamwork and good sportsmanship

6. Be willing to help whenever possible for the club as drivers, chaperones, lunch committee or as need arises.

7. Attend club meetings with the member(s). 4-H is a family affair!

8. Help members complete club/county yearly requirements.

9. Give input into the county program by participating in county meetings and serve on committees.

10. Have fun with your youth!

4-H Parent/Guardian Pledge

I PLEDGE…

MY HEAD to give my child the information I can to help them see things clearly and to make wise decisions.

MY HEART to encourage my children no matter whether they have successes or disappointments.

MY HANDS to help my child’s club; if I cannot be a leader, I can help in many equally important ways.

MY HEALTH to keep my child well and strong through 4-H

For our club, our community, our country, and our world.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

FROM 4-H MEMBERS and ADULTS

“If I had only known…” (From a MEMBER)

▪ I can go to ANY county activity that is listed in the 4-H newsletter.

▪ I should have read the newsletter EVERY month!

▪ Keeping records of my involvement in 4-H activities, speeches, demonstrations, school/community/church and other organizations for reference makes it so much easier when applying for trips, scholarships, and awards.

▪ ANY of my friends can join 4-H. You do not need to own an animal to be a part of 4-H.

“If I had only known…” (From an ADULT)

▪ I should help my child(ren) keep track of their club meetings and other club/county 4-H events and make sure they have a way to get to those activities.

▪ I should keep a drawer/shelf/box for ALL 4-H newsletters, mailing and record books for easy access.

▪ Youth are to keep reusing the green Record Book covers from year to year.

▪ Parent(s) or guardian(s) are encouraged to attend and participate in

4-H events with their youth. Everyone’s help is needed to make the program strong. 4-H is a FAMILY organization.

▪ To read the monthly family 4-H newsletter and call the Extension Office, club leaders, or other 4-H parents with questions…however small I think it might be.

▪ Free leader materials are available from ISU Extension to help you with your child’s project work.

The Important Things Are Not Ribbons

There once was a boy, won ribbons, mostly blue

Came home from the fair, with a big trophy too.

With a voice glad and proud, he said to his dad,

“Tis the very best year that I’ve ever had.”

Said his very wise Dad, “Son, I’d like to hear,

Why you think this was such a fine year.”

“Why Dad you know, all the prizes I’ve won;

How I’ve come out on top, in most things I’ve done.

Just look at the ribbons that hang on my wall,

And think of the money, I’ve made since last fall.

From premium checks, and a big auction price

You can’t help but think cash and ribbons are nice.”

But the man said, “My son, you’re not thinking right,

Blue ribbons, ‘tis true are better than white;

But ribbons will fade and trophies grow old,

Money’s soon spent, and fame soon grows cold.

The important things, son, are not ribbons or pins,

And sometimes it’s really the loser who wins;

Now here are the things, most important, it’s true

Your 4-H experience has accomplished for you.”

“You’ve seen how a business meeting is run

This knowledge will help you in years to come.

You’ve conquered the fear of addressing a crowd,

You’ve learned how to stand up and talk nice and loud.”

“Patience you’ve learned, in your projects, too,

As well as your skills, that will always help you.

You’ve learned the fine feeling it gives you to lend

A glad helping hand, to a stranger or friend.

You’ve learned to cooperate with majority rule,

To give in with grace and not be a fool,

Who must always have his very own way.

Be it in club work, in school or at play.

You’ve learned how to lose, without making a ‘beef’

You know the judge judges to her best belief.

You’ve learned how to win, without boasting too loud,

A kid can lose friends, if he’s overly proud.”

“These are the things, most important to you.

You’ll remember and use them all your life through.

They’ll help you become a mighty fine man,

They’ll do more for you, than any prize can.”

-Anonymous

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The enrollment form tells us which project areas you will be working on during the year (example: dairy, photography, food and nutrition). Deadline is December 15. This is NOT a fair entry.

This is a sample of the Beef ID in 4hOnline. Other livestock IDs are similar. This tells us which specific animals you are working with as a project. Dairy, dairy goat, horse, dog, and breeding beef exhibitors must fill out identification information by Mary 15 (may be turned in earlier) the 4hOnline process at

Market beef, swine, and market & breeding sheep IDs are filled out at the weigh-in. This is NOT a fair entry.

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This IS the livestock entry form for fair. Use this to enter the animals from your ID form that you are bringing to fair. Use the fair book to determine which class each animal should be in. ALL animals (including pets) need to be entered on this form. Deadline is July 1.

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