4-H is about making the best better. 4-H projects promote teamwork, responsibility, leadership skills, sportsmanship, courtesy, respect, consideration of others, etc. through hands-on activities. As required by 4-H Bylaws, each project is run by at least one adult Project Leader. Club members can attain Junior Leader or Teen Leader positions after developing key levels of mastery within the individual project and demonstrating the life skills needed to assist the Project Leader. Currently, our club offers the following projects. Each month, project members come together to learn a new artistic craft. Pieces created at these sessions can be entered in the San Diego County 4-H Art and Design Day competition. Some of the projects are made in larger quantities so that they can be sold, as fundraising items, at local craft fairs.
Small Animals Projects may include rabbits, guinea pigs or birds raised at home and taken to shows.
The horse project provides hands-on learning on topics including horse safety, grooming, ground work, horse health, riding and showmanship. 4-H members work with their project horse and prepare to attend San Diego County 4-H Horse Advisory sponsored events and shows.
Project members participate in montly workshops where they learn things like lighting and composition. Participates are encouraged to take pictures at 4-H events so that they can be included on the club's web site. The artwork created by this project can be submitted to the San Diego County 4-H Art and Design Day competition and also to the San Diego County Fair.
4-H archery is an excellent introduction to basic archery. What can you learn from this project?
1. To select and care for a suitable bow and arrow.
2. To shoot a bow and arrow accurately and safely.
3. Learn shooting regulations.
4. To enjoy archery as a sport. Project Record Books and the California Star System Record books are an essential part of the 4-H program and all members are encouraged to complete one. They teach important life skills such as record keeping, budgeting, income and expense tracking. Each year, a member should complete a record book, showing what they have done during the year, what they have learned, and the progress they have made. By turning in a record book, the member gets credit for the year and the work they have done. In addition to acknowledging the member’s year in 4-H, record books help demonstrate the member’s skills they have learned. Currently, a member who is 14 years or older before January 1st of the current 4-H year (a senior), can automatically have their record book sent for judging at the State level. Here, the record books are judged against other members’ books that are in the same project and have been submitted from around the State, with the most outstanding one receiving top honors, which can include scholarship money. In addition to scholarship money, members can also receive other awards for completing a record book. All members complete the same type of record book. There are some standard forms for these books for members to record what they have done during the year. This is the most basic of the books and used primarily for the member to get credit. Seniors wanting their books to go to the State for judging, will need to add items to their books. This can include a resume, photo sheets, audio or visual report, charts or graphs, etc. which show additional information about the member’s year in 4-H. State judging is done each November. Record Book forms can be found by clicking here. In California Record Book achievement is rewarded with a “star system”. Members can obtain a bronze, silver, gold, platinum, emerald, or All-Star. They can also receive the title “State Ambassador”. The bronze, silver, gold, and platinum stars are the basic stars members can achieve through filling out and submitting their Personal Development Record in their Record Books. In order to achieve a star ranking, the member must complete a required number of categories, each including a multitude of activities that enhance a member’s life skills and personal growth. In addition to the above club-level stars, there are also two county-level stars members can obtain. The first is the Emerald Star, which is an achievement based on leadership. To obtain an Emerald Star, a member must chair an activity that goes beyond their club and helps the community at large, where the member organizes and runs the event from start to finish. They are responsible for a budget, understanding contracts (the county signs all contracts), coordinating between vendors and the event, committees, monies if any, etc. The member works with an Emerald Star Advisor who guides the member in the organization of their event. The second county-level award is the All-Star. The member must apply for this star, pass an interview, and, if selected, complete a community service project before they can be awarded their star. Once the member is awarded an All-Star, their role in 4-H is expanded. All-Stars are part of the executive board of teen council, a group of teens who work on youth issues around the county. The member also represents 4-H at all County events and acts as a host as well. The last ranking available to 4-H’ers in California is the title of State Ambassador. The member must apply for this title, and, if selected, pass an interview before they can be awarded the title. Once a member is awarded the title of State Ambassador, the member represents the State at various State and Regional events by being a keynote speaker, handing out awards, acting as a host, etc. This title is awarded to those members who are truly a well-rounded 4-H’er. State Ambassadors are also responsible for planning the State Leadership Conference and attending State Fair events. |