4-H Records Program
The Mississippi 4-H Record-Keeping Program has been in existence for several years. After the program lost national sponsorship, Mississippi 4-H recognized the importance of the record program and continued it with emphasis on building lifelong skills that will benefit young people throughout their lives.
One of the new features of the 4-H record program is that intermediate and senior aged 4-H'ers now have the option to type the complete record report form. Hard copies of each report form are still available through the county Extension office for those individuals choosing to do their record in their own handwriting.
Record-keeping is an important skill. The 4-H record-keeping process encourages members to develop skills in observation, gathering data, collecting and manipulating data, and general bookkeeping skills. All members are encouraged to keep a record book. The record book is a tool for members to help learn these skills. The 4-H record allows 4-H members the opportunity to set goals and keep records on the progress made toward reaching those goals. The record book also allows the 4-H member to record losses, profits, and other helpful information about their 4-H project work.
See Just for the Record: A 4-Her’s Guide to 4-H Records (P2544) for more information.
The Report Forms
The Mississippi 4-H Record-Keeping Program has two different report forms for 4-H members. The record has three age categories and uses two different report forms. The age categories are: Juniors age 8–9; Juniors age 10–11; Intermediates age 12–14; and Seniors age 15–18. Both junior age divisions complete the report form identified with the ages 8–11 in the heading. The intermediate and senior age division use the report form with ages 12–18 in the heading. The report forms are only one part of the total 4-H record book.
4-H Resume
Another phase of the record-keeping program is the 4-H resume. This opportunity is available only for senior 4-H members (15–18 years old). Members submitting resumes must have actively been enrolled in 4-H during the past 2 years. A 4-H member can submit a record book and a resume in the same year in the same project category or in two different project categories.
Awards
The awards for completing 4-H record books are very diverse. For both junior age categories, those records receiving blue ribbons receive cash awards along with 4-H ribbons.
Intermediate records are judged and placed in a blue, red, or white ribbon category. There are cash awards according to the record placing.
The senior age category records are judged the same as the intermediate records, with the exception of having trips awarded for those projects that carry trips to National 4-H Congress.
Other Records Submitted
- Volunteer
- 4-H Club
- 4-H Volunteer Association
- 4-H County Council
Record Book Categories
- Achievement
- Agriculture
- Beef
- Breads
- Citizenship
- Clothing/Textiles and Fashion Revue
- Conservation of Natural Resources/Wildlife
- Dairy (includes Dairy Goats0
- Foods (includes Food and Nutrition, Food Conservation and Safety)
- Forestry and Wood Science
- Garden and Horticulture
- Horse
- Leadership
- Photography
- Sheep
- Swine
- Pet Care/Dog Care
Other Project Categories
- Bicycle
- Careers
- Child Development
- Computer
- Consumer Education
- Dairy Foods
- Engineering
- Fitness Leadership/Health
- Home Environment
- Home Management
- Meat Goat
- Personal Development
- Plant and Soil Sciences
- Poultry
- Public Speaking
- Recreation/Expressive Arts
- Safety
- Veterinary Science
Parts of the Member Record Book
Section I
Photo and Information Page
- Include one wallet-sized school picture.
- Include the following information:
- Name, Address, City/State/Zip
- Age and Date of Birth
- Name of Main Project
Section II
The Content Page
Include the following:
- Photo
- Table of Contents
- Mississippi Report Form
- 4-H Story
- Project Pictures
Section III
The Mississippi Report Form
- If 4-H'er has completed record book more than 1 year, include all previous report forms.
Section IV
The 4-H Story
The story should include:
- Introduction of member
- Explanation of program
- Highlights of other projects
- Explanation of how 4-H helped you become a better citizen
- Information about your future plans and career path
Section V
The Project Pictures
Photos from your project go in this section.
Other Helpful Information
- Each of the report forms can be obtained from your local county Extension office.
- One of the new features of the recordkeeping program is that reports for ages 12–18 can be typed (use Times New Roman font size 12).
- Score sheet for member record include the following:
- Project Work 50%
- Leadership 25%
- Citizenship 25%
- Please refer to the 4-H Record Instruction Guide for information about putting your 4-H record together.
Publications
News
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Teens can learn how to become active role models for healthy lifestyle change in their communities at an April 22 summit at the Mill Conference Center in Starkville.
The Promoting Healthy Living Through Community Connections Summit, wihch is open to 14- to 18-year-olds from northern Mississippi, will offer interactive educational sessions on nutrition, mental health awareness, community and civic engagement, and health promotion, wellness and physical activity.
JACKSON, Miss. -- Since the age of 7, Smith County 4-H’er Chase Boone has been showing mostly Simmental cattle in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up each year.
He is now a high school senior who will soon be moving on to college but not before a final appearance in one of his favorite livestock show events. He ended up exhibiting two supreme champion livestock -- the supreme beef female and the supreme beef bull -- and was named one of six premier exhibitors.
It was a successful send-off, if not a bittersweet one.
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Flu hospitalizations in the U.S. have reached the highest level in a decade, but it is not too late to get protected during these peak months.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rated 34 U.S. states and the District of Columbia as having the highest levels of flu activity possible on its scale during the week ending November 26. Mississippi was one of the first states to reach that threshold early that month.
A man who spent his whole life helping others become their best selves is being honored this fall by induction into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. Harvey Lee Gordon, Sr., originally of Leland, Mississippi in Washington County, served as a 4-H state specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service from 1997 until he retired in 2014.
The holidays are coming up and we all know what that means. Food, food, and more food! During these festivities, it’s important to remember to eat your vegetables, too.
Success Stories
State 4-H Congress, held at Mississippi State University in June, hosted more than 300 Mississippi 4-H’ers from every county. Young people were inspired through networking and competing at Congress.
The Pearl River County 4-H Junior Master Gardeners have made some special additions to Poplarville City Park. A new pollinator garden planted in raised beds features a wildflower area, a native plant area, and an herb area.
Leaders at Walmart in Louisville had already noticed Facebook posts announcing the new Winston County 4-H Kayak and Fishing Club when front-end coach Nikki Marshall realized they had too many life jackets and paddles in stock.
At just 10 years old, Annalexa Moore is learning how to be a responsible pet owner, thanks to the 4-H Dog Club in Lauderdale County.
The annual Christmas Cactus Showcase in Brooksville each December features anywhere from 45 to 60 colorful cacti, most of which are under the year-round care of Pat Hill.
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