*This was last updated for the 2021-2022 4-H year. Record book information has not been released yet for the current 4-H year.
For more information on this process, please read the one-page document below or watch Steven’s Spotlight.
Steven’s Spotlight – Record Books
Recordkeeping is a valuable skill taught to members of the Texas 4-H program. Members are encouraged to keep project records and have these records reviewed annually by submitting a Texas 4-H Record Book. The primary purposes of completing a Record Book are for a young person to develop the skills necessary to set goals, work toward achieving those goals, reflect on his/her experiences, and set new and higher goals for themselves. A secondary benefit is to prepare young people for the process of completing academic scholarship and/or collegiate admission applications.
Recordkeeping – maintaining a history of one’s activities such as financial dealings or life events by entering data in ledgers, journals, calendars or putting items into a file system; an essential life skill. 4-H
Record Book – the competitive event where 4-H members assemble their records into a specified document and submit those for evaluation against other 4-H members. However, one may choose to complete a record book just for the skill learned and not elect to submit for competition.
Purpose/Objective of 4-H Record Book
- Allow 4-H members to tell how they have grown, what they have learned, where they came up short and to do it creatively within outlined parameters.
- Demonstrate the importance of keeping a written document of what has been done.
- Provides a written platform for goal setting and documentation of the actions required to reach goals.
- Provide an opportunity for competition at the County, District, and State level
Below are some resources from Texas 4-H. The family guide will help you walk through the entire record book process, I would suggest having it in front of you as you watch the training series on YouTube from Montgomery County 4-H Agent Michelle Mihalek. Please also review the record book categories to see where your project is categorized. If you have questions, please ask your club leader or 4-H Agent!
Record Book Family Guide 2021-2022
Record Book Categories 2021-2022
1: What is a 4-H Record Book? https://youtu.be/5MguA73eVOo
2: 4-H Record Book Story and Photo Portfolio https://youtu.be/sssNcnj3GrU
3: 4-H Record Book Form Section I https://youtu.be/oJPu23zHMRs
4: 4-H Record Book Form Sections II & III https://youtu.be/0WDtHdVGLTI
5: 4-H Record Book Form Final Sections https://youtu.be/KtCdSD1OLj8
