4-H Records Program

The Mississippi 4-H Record 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 life-long 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. All of the report forms are available via the web, however, the intermediate and senior records can be typed or handwritten. 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 hand-writing.

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.

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 utilizes 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.

There are two report forms utilized by the 4-H members. Both junior age divisions complete the report form identified with the ages 8-11 in the heading. The intermediate and senior age division utilizes 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 (15-18) 4-H members. Members submitting resumes must have actively been enrolled in 4-H during the past two years. A 4-H member can submit a record book and a resume in the same year either in the same project category or in two different project categories.

Awards

The awards for completing 4-H record books are very diverse in nature. For both junior age categories, those records receiving blue ribbons are awarded cash awards along with 4-H ribbons.

Those intermediate records received 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

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 one 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

Other Helpful Information

• Each of the report forms can be obtained from your local County Extension Office or you can print copies of the forms from this site.
• One of the new features of the recordkeeping program is that reports for ages 12-18 can be typed using font size 12 - Times New Roman.
• 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.

Forms

Two options are available for using the forms. You may select PDF (12-18 only) and complete the form online and print it OR if you will be working with the form for an extended time and wish to be able to save your changes and access the file later, you should download the Word document to your computer. When using the Word document, be sure to press the insert key before you start typing.