Deciding on projects in 4-H can be overwhelming at times. 4-H has something for everyone in grades Kindergarten through one year past high school Browse through the 4-H Projects & Resources website to see all of the 4-H projects and to learn about what you can do in 4-H. When looking through the list, choose a few your first year that you would like to learn about and exhibit at the County Fair. You will also find some great project resources under each of the categories.
Now that you have decided on a project, it’s time to set some goals. What do you want to do and learn in this project? Make your goals challenging, but don’t make them so hard you cannot reach them. Ask yourself these questions.
What do I want to do this year?
What can I learn?
Who will help me?
When am I going to do it?
Where do I want this project to take me in one, two, or three years?
Many people in your community can help you with your 4-H project. The 4-H curriculum that is found on the MN 4-H Project website is a great resource for ideas. Think about talking to a local person involved in your area of interest. For example, maybe you would like to do wildlife project on lake conservation. Find a contact for your local DNR personnel and set up a time to meet with them. Your county may also offer a project day where they are offering a workshop for members to participate in; watch for emails and the newsletters for those and signup.
There are many different types of 4-H Projects you can choose from. Here is a listing of them, but you can also refer to the Projects & Resources website for more information.
Science, Engineering & Technology
Science of Agriculture, Engineering Design, Robotics, Aerospace, Computers, Video, Photography, Electric, Small Engines, Shop, Bicycle
Citizenship and Leadership
Citizenship, Global Connections, Youth Leadership, Community Pride & Service Learning,
Healthy Living
Health, Food & Nutrition, Safety
Animal Science
Science of Agriculture, Exploring Animals, Pets, Dogs, Cat, Dairy cattle, Beef cattle, Dairy goat, Meat goat, Horse, Poultry, Rabbit, Lama, Sheep, Swine, Veterinary Science
Expressive Arts & Communication
Photography, Video, Crafts & Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Communication & Demonstration
Shooting Sports & Wildlife
Shooting Sports & Wildlife, Water/Wetlands, Wildlife Biology, Fishing Sports
Family & Consumer Science
Consumer Education, Clothing & Textiles, Quilting, Home Environment, Child & Family Development, Food & Nutrition
Gardening & Agriculture
Indoor Gardening, Forest Resources, Vegetable Gardening, Flower Gardening, Plant & Soil Science, Crop Sciences, Fruit, Potatoes, Lawn & Landscape Design, Tractors,
Environmental & Earth Science
Exploring the Environment, Entomology, Forest Resources, Geology, Shooting Sports & Wildlife, Water/Wetlands, Wildlife Biology, Fishing Sports
Other Learning Opportunities
Self-Determined, Cloverbuds (K-2)
4-H Cloverbuds do the same projects as older 4-Hers, but in a way appropriate to their age (kindergarten through second grade). Cloverbuds explore and learn about the world in a non-competitive environment by doing fun activities of their own choice, like making cookies or doing a craft project, with the guidance of parents or other helpful adults.
National 4-H has developed and maintains a vast variety of 4-H curriculum for the 4-H project areas. There are also levels to each curriculum to help you along as you advance in the project area. You can find links to these curriculums for order under each project area on the MN 4-H Projects & Resources Website. You can also check to see if your Extension Office has a curriculum library for you to borrow copies of various projects.