Record Books
Families have two options for completing record books: online through ZBooks or with form-fillable PDFs. Each county's 4-H council will determine the criteria for awarding and issuing pins within their county.
Why should youth complete a record book?
1. Determine which project(s) to fill a record book for. Youth are encouraged to fill out one record book on one project but may do as many as they wish based on the 4-H projects they completed in the current year. Some projects may be lumped into larger categories; consult the list of categories.
2. Create 4-H record book folder or three ring binder for EACH project record book. Each book should have a copy of the personal page and permanent record; offices can help make copies. Separating the books into different folders allows us to sort your books and deliever them to local experts on each project area for judging. Tabs for sorting the book are appreciated but please don't use page protectors.
3. Select your age division to fill out the proper paperwork through ZBooks or the pdf forms! Youth may compete in higher age divisions but not lower. Youth must fill out the paperwork for the age division they wish to compete in.
4. Submit to your club leader by their deadline for signatures and sorting. Your club leader will submit to the office by the October 1st deadline.
- DETAILED STEPS ON HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR RECORD BOOK AND WHERE TO LOG information can be found here
PDF Forms
For the most up to date record book report forms click here
**Save PDFs to computer and open from computer in order to save your work!
ZBOOKS Online
Help and guidance through the new online record bookkeeping program, ZBooks, can be found HERE
Record Book FAQ:
Q: Do I have to complete a record book for each project I participated in throughout the year or entered at the fair?
A: No, youth may fill out a record book for each project(enrolled/exhibited) but it is not required.
Q: Do I have to print my ZBooks record book or can I submit it online?
A: ZBooks record books must be printed and submitted one project per folder same as the PDFs.
Q: My ZBooks record book form looks different than the PDFs when I print it. Is that a problem?
A: No. Judges will be made aware of the different layouts but the infomration in both are the same and will not impact judging.
Q: There used to be a district-wide check sheet for the front of my book. Do I still need it?
A. No, the district checksheet was being confused with the state checksheet. The cheecksheets purpose was to remind youth of events they particpated in that could go in their book and permanant record. The checksheet received a ribbon sticker based on how many events they youth attended to remind them that while they might not have done much with their record book project this year there was a chance they still did a lot of cool things with 4-H that was not project specific for their record book. This district checksheet is no longer required but you could ask your agent for an old copy if you need help remembering events throughout the year.
Q: Do I have to do a separate personal page or permanent record for each project record book?
A: No, youth can make copies and put the same personal page and permanent record in each book.
Q: Do record books still require a 4-H story?
A: No the 4-H story is now encompassed in the 4-H Project Reflection section of your record book. Your general information (ie. projects completed this year, camp, leadership opportunities) will go in your permanent record and details about the specific project the books is over go in the Project Reflection section.
Q: Does my record book need to be in official 4-H folder?
A:No. Any folder that has the youth's name and club visible on the cover with prongs or rings to easily turn pages will work.
Q: Can I put my record book in page protectors?
A: Please do not put any record book pages in page protectors. This is a rule at state record book judging.
Q: Can I compete in an older record book division to try to win the county award?
A: Yes, youth may compete in higher divisions, but not lower. If you wish to compete in a higher division you must fill out the record book forms for that level.
Q: When are record books due?
A: Record books are always due in your local extension office the October 1, annually. However, your club leaders may have an earlier due date to sort and sign books, please check with them.