1. Record Book Training
Cascade County 4-H

2. Overview
Judging rules have not changed! They have been simplified for the benefit of leaders and members.
Judging is now done at club level only.
A committee will be formed from volunteers for formally “at-large” members and special interest members
The purpose of the training is to have all leaders on the same page for what is expected of the members.

3. Overview Training Packet Includes
Leader’s Guide to Judging Record Books
4-H Project Book Requirements Table
Record Book and Project Completion Guidelines
Record Book Review Card
Club Completion Report
My 4-H Year
Project Submission and Awards Nomination
Non-Animal Project Journal and Financial Record
Animal Project Journal and Financial Record

4. Steps/Levels of Record Books
Completed Record Book
Required to receive a Year Seal to signify completion of the current 4-H year
Seal of Excellence
Required to earn Memorial, 30-Year Leader, or Special Achievement Awards
Award Winning Record Books

5. REQUIREMENTS OF MEMBERS: Completed Record Book
Complete all sections of My 4-H Year. If a section does not apply, mark it “NA” for not applicable.
If nothing was done in an area or section, write “none.”
THREE goals must be submitted and reviewed on this form.
Member must be enrolled in and complete a minimum of one (1) project.
All records to complete project must be included in record book.

7. REQUIREMENTS OF MEMBERS: For Each Project
ALL SECTIONS of the Non-Animal Project Journal and Financial Record or the Animal Project Journal and Financial Record must be complete. If a section does not apply, mark “NA.”
Each completed project will receive a Project Pin for the first year, and a Certificate of Achievement for subsequent years.

8. For ALL Animal Projects…..
Not just livestock or market projects

11. Project manual must be included if applicable

12. JUDGING: Record Book Review Card
Filled out by the leader.
One review card for each member.
This is an in-house tool for the leader to note if the member has completed their projects to satisfaction and to give the member encouragement, suggestions, and guidance.
Judging is based on completeness, not content. The goal is to verify that all sections are complete according to the guidelines.

13. JUDGING: Record Book Review Card (continued)
Members will not be penalized or compensated in judging for:
Handwritten versus typed
Spelling or grammar
Sentence structure
Neatness or organization
If any of these are issues, it would be appropriate to include suggestions for improvement in the comments sections but should have NO effect on the outcome.
Pictures are NOT required for a completed record book.

14. Make sure the member
lists ALL projects!!!

15. JUDGING: Record Book Review Card (continued)
Required Activities and Learning Experiences fulfilled
Requirements listed in Project Table
Must be included in “When You Did It…What You Did…What You Learned!”
Additional narrative for “When You Did It…What You Did…What You Learned!” can be included as an insert, but basic info should be recorded on record form. Any additional narrative does not replace the record form.

17. If yes to both of these statements,
the member has completed the 4-H Year!

18. If yes to both of these statements, the member has earned the Seal of Excellence and is now eligible to compete for a Memorial, 30-Year Leader or Special Achievement Award.

19. JUDGING: Club Completion Report
Filled out by the club leader.
One Completion Report per club.
Seal of Excellence is awarded ONLY if every project enrolled in has been completed.

20. Include every project enrolled in, whether they completed the records for that project or not
The year in 4-H (according to the Record Book Review Card)
My 4-H Year
Enrolled in and completed 1 project
The year in the specific project (according to the Record Book Review Card)
Taken from “My 4-H Year”
Usually 1-3 years
Seal of Excellence is awarded ONLY if every enrolled project has been completed
Will this record book be judged for an award?

21. AWARDS: Memorial, 30-Year Leader, Special Achievement
After reviewing each member’s record book, 4-H leaders may make nominations for awards.
Members are highly encouraged to submit a narrative for an award in a specific project.
Awards nominations must be submitted with a 1-2 page narrative written by the 4-H member that includes specific information for each award they are nominated for.
Eligible record books will be turned in to the Extension Office to by judged by the Record Book and Awards Committee.

22. DEADLINES May 1 September 10 September 25 Add/drop projects
Members must log in to the 4honline profile to make any changes
September 10
Club record book final deadline (clubs can make this deadline earlier)
September 25
Club Completion Report due to Cascade County Extension Office
Include Seal of Excellence awarded record books, nomination forms, and any required narratives
Record Book Review Card returned to 4-H members

23. THANK YOU!! Cascade County 4-H
Please contact the MSU Extension Cascade County Extension Office at (406) if you have questions.