08/06/2026
Remember, the ways of record keeping have changed. you can make a video, create a
PowerPoint, organize a scrapbook, or put a binder together… the possibilities are endless.
Keep in mind, you have already done the work, now let’s show it off!
Keep in mind these items when recreating your 4-H experience:
The following link breaks down what is needed well with lists per species!
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/page/record-keeping
REQUIRED ITEMS:
- 4-H YEARLY SUMMARY: (4H-96) Can be found on the Extension Store. CLICK HERE.
On the yearly summary 4-H members keep track of 4-H events, talks and /or presentations
they gave, responsibilities they had at home, club, school, and community activities, and
recognitions received. This is also a good area to keep track of projects that were started
but not completed this year, which you hope to continue for next year.
- PROJECT FORMS: There are three levels of project records: Basic, Experienced, and
Advanced. It is the 4-H member’s choice what level they use. Members will complete one
form for each project area (not each individual project). These forms can be found here.
This form talks about what you have learned, and still want to learn throughout 4-H.
o There are specific forms for each type of livestock including:
Beef
Dairy (cattle and goats)
Horses
Pets
Poultry
Rabbits
Sheep
Swine
o THESE FINANCIAL FORMS ARE REQUIRED
They can be found here. Just search for your species!
Photos and/or clippings are optional but add some to your project areas if you want. It’s
nice to be able to look back at your hard work over the years!
ORDER OF ITEMS:
- Title Page
o This includes your picture, name, address, age, club, years in 4-H and current 4-H
year (Ex. 2022-2023 4-H year)
- Table of Contents
o Optional but very helpful for the judges and yourself
It can also be helpful to separate your different project areas out with divider tabs
- 4-H Yearly Summary
- General Photos and Clippings
o Could include:
Write-ups from club meetings
Fair results
Photos from your 4-H year
Newspaper clippings
o Photos and clippings are fun to look at and help tell your 4-H story. All of these
should be arranged neatly, and the captions should be readable.
o **Important** Photos and clippings relating to your projects should be placed with
the project records
- Project Forms
Location of items:
- Project Forms: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/record-keeping
- Project Financial Forms:
https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ProductList?Keyword=worksheet&%3bS=0&%
3bA=0&%3bF=7&S=0&A=0&F=7
- Recording Keeping Overview: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16335
- 4-H Yearly Summary: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/149
Did you know?
- You can keep record of all your project areas or just your favorite one
- You don’t have to turn in a binder to showcase your project(s), you could create a
PowerPoint, video, display board etc.
- The extension office has FREE 4-H binders for those interested in using them for
your record book
