What is a Project Record Book?
A record where youth track and record their activities, events, skill development, learning experiences, and much more!
Why should I complete a Project Record Book?
Project Record Books give youth an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned and accomplished through a year. They document new skills and experiences in a written report to measure their achievements and growth. Record Books encourage children to set goals, pursue strategies to meet those goals, and to overcome obstacles.
In addition to helping teach youth essential life skills, Project Record Books also award 4-H members for participation in 4-H activities which provides an incentive for participation, learning, and achievement.
Project Records are judged at the State and District level. 4-H’ers have the opportunity to win Gold, Silver, or Bronze at each level, with many winners receiving a monetary award. See the 2025 Awards Handbook for more information.
Project Record Book Rules- Age groups are Cloverbud (5-7), 8-10, 11-12, 13-15, and 16-18. Age group is determined by age on January 1 of the current year. Each 4-H’er can submit one or two books.
- Project categories are Animals Science, Citizenship & Civic Education, Communication Arts, Environmental Science, Consumer & Family Sciences, Plant Science, Healthy Lifestyles, Science & Technology, and Personal Development & Leadership. Not sure what category your project fits into? Read about Project Categories.
- Youth receive feedback and encouragement on their 4-H project skill development, leadership and citizenship development, and record-keeping skills.
- Format for submission: Printed (in color), hole-punched, and placed in a folder with prongs. (Jordan can print for you, and provide a folder if needed!)
Project Record Templates by Age (Word Doc)
PDF Fillable Forms
13 – 18 FormsPortfolios
A portfolio is three years of work and record-keeping in one subject matter area.Portfolio Template
4-H_Portfolio
4-H Electric Congress Portfolio Delegate – Guidelines
2024 Project Record Books are due to the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24th, 2025.
Contact Jordan to get one-on-one help completing your Project Record Book! We also have examples which you can view to better help you complete your Project Record Book. Call or email to schedule an appointment (828-255-5522, jordan_english@ncsu.edu)
