Record books are an essential part of the 4-H experience. Through record books, youth will reflect on their time in 4-H and how being a part of 4-H has benefited them, their families and their community. All club members are required to complete a record book each year to receive recognition at our club year end awards program.
The Member Record is a continuous record, built on each year recording projects, leadership, communication, community service, event participation, and recognition. As part of the Member Record youth also include pictures from their 4-H experiences including project work, club events, fairs and more from over the past year. The heart of the record book - the 4-H story - is also a part of the Member Record.The 4-H story section provides an opportunity to reflect on the past year in 4-H and share it with others. Through writing a 4-H story youth reflect on their progress throughout the year, share important things learned, challenges they faced, and memorable moments experienced as a part of 4-H. Youth can be as creative as they like when writing their 4-H story!
Senior 4-H members who have submitted a Record Book for the past 3 years are eligible to apply for National 4-H Congress by submitting a National 4-H Congress Youth Application Cover Sheet with their Record Book. Top entries are chosen and sent to the Arizona 4-H Office.
Arizona 4-H will then choose a group of the top entries to attend National 4-H Congress in November.
Here are examples of 4-H stories to use as a starting point when writing your own story.
The portfolio is an old format Seniors used to submit instead of stories, but it is a good reminder of elements to include in your stories.