4-H Recordbook Training Tarrant County 2006

What is a recordbook? A 4-H recordbook is a book of organized records showing your goals, processes, accomplishments, and achievements.

Why? Completing a recordbook gives you a sense of accomplishment. Your records: Help you earn credit for completing the 4-H year Make you eligible to apply for County Awards Help you set challenging goals Etc.

Methods of Recordkeeping Calendar Method Index Card Box Method Spiral Notebook or Binder Method

’05-’06 Recordbook Objectives 1.Attain a broad knowledge of 4-H projects and activities and the way they improve family and community life. 2.Acquire life skills essential for becoming an active, skilled, productive and responsible citizen. 3.Adopt and apply the latest practices and research findings to everyday living. 4.Use all 4-H training and experiences in choosing and preparing for a job. 5.Develop leadership skills that promote positive youth development.

Supplies Complete set or sets of records for all projects and activities Photos relating to above Forms Texas 4-H Personal Informational Page Report Forms 4-H Recordbook Check Sheet Recordbook Objectives List

Many projects -- Which one is my favorite?

Decision Choose which project will be your main project category. This will be the category in which your recordbook will compete.

Texas 4-H Personal Information Page This is the first page of your recordbook that will be read. Remember to fill in the number of years in your main project --- NOT the number of years in 4-H NOT the number of years that you have entered a recordbook

Signatures NOT YET When the recordbook is completed and placed in a folder, the specified people will review your recordbook and sign that they believe it to be --- An Honest, Accurate Representation of your work.

My 4-H ____ Story and Photo Portfolio Specific title Info about yourself, family, & community When & why you joined 4-H Things about your involvement in the recordbook category & most important things learned in 4-H Highlights of other 4-H projects & activities

My 4-H ____ Story and Photo Portfolio (continued) How 4-H has helped you become a better leader & citizen & what you have learned through community service & leadership activities How 4-H has helped you set goals and developed new interests. (If it has influenced your future plans or career goals, mention it.)

4-H Story and Photo Portfolio Requirements Length – maximum 10 pages total minimum – 3 pages text + 3 pages photos 10 – 12 pt. font Double line-space Margins – Left = 1.5 inch Top, Bottom, Right = 1 inch Paper – No construction paper or card stock No sheet protectors

4-H Story and Photo Portfolio Requirements Photos – sharp, clear, visible -should reflect growth, development, & involvement in your 4-H career Show learning, teaching, having fun Show main project, other projects, leadership, community service, etc.

4-H Story and Photo Portfolio Requirements Text & Photo Placements Place captioned photos near the related text in the story if possible Place photos to left or right, but not in the center of the text Be Creative

Texas 4-H Report Form Sections I, II, and III 4 projects / 4 years Main project Second Project

Section I 4-H Project Experiences What is your project? How did your project change or grow?

Section I 4-H Project Experiences What is your project? How did your project change or grow? Include: Items bought Items made or raised Places visited Profits/losses Hours spent Number of people taught Number of people served Levels: L=Local; C=County; D=District; S=State

Section II 4-H Leadership Experiences

Promotion Leadership (news article, T-shirt, displays, radio spot, float in parade, etc.) Volunteer Leadership (within 4-H) (flag ceremony, demonstrations, project leader, organized workshop, etc.) (include leadership of community service projects, but don’t count twice) Elected/Appointed Leadership (committees, officer)

Section III 4-H Community Service

Helping in community (not in 4-H) List number of people served Code Y = Yourself M = Member of a Group P = Gave Primary Leadership

Section IV Other 4-H Projects Projects that have not been mentioned elsewhere in report List number of years in project

Section V 4-H Recognition and Awards

Emphasize recognition received during last 4 years, but may include all years

Section VI Other Activities

Include non-4-H activities, leadership, community service, awards, & recognitions School, church, scouts, other organizations

4-H Resume (Senior Members Only) Professional style Include: Name & contact information Objective (stating position for which applying) Employment History (if applicable) Education Skills Interests and Activities Awards References (may state Available Upon Request)

Resume Comments No photos allowed No business or letterhead may be used Summary of your highlights, therefore you will be repeating items addressed in the 4-H story and report forms

Tips Keep detailed, accurate records Save input information frequently Start early Obtain signatures after completion Turn in to office early or on time Pick up County Awards Application when you turn in recordbook

Final Steps Place assembled pages in a recordbook folder Carefully review and sign your name Take it to parents, leader, & county agent to review and obtain signatures Turn it in