Youth Award Guidelines
Select one of the following links to go directly to that section on this page.
Introduction
Letter from the 4-H Leaders Association
4-H Terms
General Achievement Guidelines
Record Book Guidelines
End of the Year Awards
Outstanding Record Book Awards
Outstanding Record Book – Cloverbud Award
Outstanding Member Award
Leadership Award
Achievement Award
Foods Award
State Key Award
Award Trips
Wisconsin 4-H and Youth Conference
Citizen Washington Focus (CWF)
Other Awarded Opportunities
Northern District Winter Leadership Camp
State Fair Demonstration Contest
State Fair Clothing Revue
Monetary Awards
4-H Grants
Burnett County 4-H Scholarship
Letter from the 4-H Leaders’ Association
Dear 4-H member and family:
During your time in 4-H, you will learn many different skills to help you grow as a person and to become a positive, successful and caring individual to yourself, family and community. The information in this packet is designed to help you learn some of these skills.
Success in 4-H means getting the most out of your experiences by setting goals, making choices, keeping records of your progress and learning as you go. It also means learning how to lead, learn, work and have fun with others. Keep in mind that awards reflect only a part of 4-H success; true accomplishment comes with doing your personal best.
The Guidelines set forth in this document will help you to understand what is required to compete for the many youth awards. The decisions of the Awards Committee are final. If you have any questions about award requirements or decisions of the Awards Committee, ask your club’s General Leader and/or the county UW-Extension 4-H agent.
Please keep this packet for future reference.
Thank you,
Burnett County 4-H Leaders Association
4-H Terms
Achievement: Achieving in 4-H means a member completes all membership requirements of the 4-H club and county 4-H policies during the year (See General Achievement Guidelines).
Awards Committee: A committee of the Leaders Association whose members review record books and decide upon award winners and trip delegates. Their mission statement is to provide recognition to those members that exhibit extraordinary achievement through project work, leadership, community service and citizenship.
Burnett County Leaders Association: Organization which supports the county 4-H program by supporting volunteers, raising funds for 4-H, creating and enforcing 4-H policy, coordinating member recognition and providing opportunities for members.
Club Leadership: As a youth member, means actively serving your club by such things as organizing meetings, activities, teaching projects, or serving as a club officer. Can also involve leading other activities like community service projects or helping younger members.
Community service: As a 4-H member and/or as a youth member of the community, giving your time and talent to projects, services or activities that benefit others or the community as a whole. Public youth contributions is a civic mission of 4-H.
General Leader: A volunteer or team of volunteers who provides overall 4-H club leadership and coordinates members, parents, and the involvement of other leaders.
Junior Leaders Association: Organization made up of 4-H youth grade 7 and older. Members work on leadership and citizenship skills through supporting the Leaders Association by planning county-wide 4-H events and educating younger 4-H members.
Project: A topic that you want to explore during the year. 4-H members are required to enroll in one or more projects (depending upon grade level) each year using the annual Wisconsin 4-H Project Guide (from your club General Leader or Burnett County 4-H Youth Development website). Projects range from large and small animals to arts and crafts, theatre arts to child development, bicycling to recycling, and much more.
Record Book: A place to keep your goals and accomplishments throughout the 4-H year. Record books are shared with your General Leader at the end of the year and may advance to the Awards Committee.
Youth Leadership Project: A project enrolled in by older youth to help develop leadership skills. Youth learn how to develop a leadership plan, teach, accept responsibilities and encourage others.
General Achievement Guidelines
These are the minimum expectations for all 4-H members on an annual basis.
Burnett County 4-H year is October 1 to September 31.
Members need to complete the six steps in order to achieve. By achieving, members receive a yearly achievement pin and may qualify for additional awards based on the recommendations of your club’s General Leader.
Criteria – Member must:
- Be enrolled in a minimum number of projects by grade:
- Grades K-2, at least one project (the Cloverbud project)
- Grades 3-5, at least two projects
- Grades 6-8, at least three projects
- Grades 9 and over, at least four projects
- First year members, 3rd grade and up, enroll in a minimum of two projects, which include the club project (talk to your club leader) and one other project.
Note: Members may add or drop projects no later than April 15 of the 4-H year.Be active in club membership (according to club guidelines).
2. Document your project work to include evaluation of each project taken. Enter at least one item to be judged or exhibited publicly outside of the club level for each project in which you are enrolled (at a fair, contest, revue, organized competition, pow wow, etc. in which the member’s skills can be tested/judged by others).
3. Maintain and turn in a record of your year in 4-H.
4. Have a clean disciplinary record within the 4-H system from September 15 to September 15 of the judging year.
Record Book Guidelines
The record book year is October 1 to September 31.
All standard record book forms can be downloaded from the 4-H Forms page.
Green 4-H Record Book covers and fasteners can be obtained from your club’s General Leader or the UW-Extension office.
Each club may recommend two members per grade division for Blue Ribbon Record Book Awards.
A leader recommendation sheet (provided to and filled out by a club’s General Leader) must be turned in with each record book recommended for county awards. If the sheet is not included, your book will not be considered for any awards.
Cloverbuds (5-Year-Old-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade):
This age group must use the Cloverbud Activity/Record Book available from the UW-Extension county office. All Cloverbuds must complete the record book in his/her own handwriting with exception for extenuating circumstances that are communicated to the awards committee in advance, i.e. the member does not know how to write or has a disability that does not permit him/her to write.
All record books must:
- Be neat.
- Complete a minimum of seven (7) activity pages in the Cloverbud Activity/Record Book, either at the monthly countywide Cloverbud meeting, at the club meeting, or at home.
- Have completed inside front and back covers, using the green 4-H Record Book cover.
Grades 3 and up:
This age group must maintain the standard 4-H record book. Youth in this age group may download the pages and forms needed and complete the record book through the use of a computer, or complete the record book in his/her own hand writing, with exception for extenuating circumstances that are communicated to the awards committee in advance, i.e. the member has a disability that does not permit him/her to write.
All record books must:
- Be neat.
- Have completed inside front and back covers, using the green 4-H Record Book cover.
- Contain a Photo Page.
- Contain the statement of true and own work.
- Contain a 4-H Activities page.
- Contain a 4-H Yearly Calendar highlighting what you have done each month.
- Contain a Project Plan Evaluation for each project in which you are enrolled.
- Have parents’ or leader’s comments filled out on the project plan page(s).
- Contain a My 4-H Story page to summarize your 4-H year.
- Contain pictures, newspaper articles, and judge’s sheets from contests to enhance the record book.
- Include at least two, but not more than three, consecutive years in the record book at judging time.
Grades 7 and up:
All record books must:
- Follow 1-11 above.
- Contain information on leadership activities/opportunities.
- Include at least two, but not more than three, consecutive years of leadership.
Order for the record book
- Current year on top
- Current photo and demographic data
- Activities
- Yearly Calendar
- Project Evaluation(s)
- 4-H Story
- Photos, judges sheets, newspaper clippings, etc.
DO:
Make it about YOU, not your club.
Highlight your name in included articles.
Work on your record book all year.
DO NOT:
Do not include ribbons or pins.
Do not type unless you are in Grades 3 or above.
Do not include whole Bugles, whole programs, or 4-H project materials.
Record Book Awards
The Record Book Award is awarded to members who exhibit exemplary record books, based on the record book guidelines. Record books are judged on the content of what you write about and include, not the thickness or weight of the book. Each club may recommend up to two members per grade division.
Record books are judged in the following grade divisions (grade as of January 1 of the enrollment year):
- Grades 3-4
- Grades 5-6
- Grades 7-8
- Grades 9 and up
Criteria – Member must: Turn in completed record book which reflects the Record Book Guidelines.
Outstanding Record Book – Cloverbud Award
Recognizes Cloverbuds who are off to a good start in 4-H. Awarded to all Cloverbuds who complete the current year’s Cloverbud Project.
Criteria – Member must:
- Meet general achievement guidelines.
- Complete record book per guidelines.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and positive 4-H participation.
Outstanding Member Award
Recognizes 4-H club members who show outstanding participation at a club level and beyond. Each club may recommend two members per grade division.
Grade divisions (as of January 1 of the current enrollment year):
- Junior (Grades 3-5)
- Intermediate (Grades 6-8)
- Senior (Grades 9 and up)
Criteria – Member must:
- Meet general achievement guidelines.
- Complete record book per guidelines.
- Participate in club 4-H events (i.e. community service, fair, contests, etc.).
- Participate in county 4-H events (i.e. fair, contests, fun activities, etc.).
- (Senior Division only) Be enrolled in 4-H for at least two years.
Leadership Award
Recognizes members for displaying outstanding leadership at many levels. There can be two awards given in each division for each club.
Grade divisions (as of January 1 of the current enrollment year):
- Junior (Grades 3-5)
- Intermediate (Grades 6-8)
- Senior (Grades 9 and up)
Criteria per division:
Junior – Member must:
- Have completed 2 years in 4-H.
- Meet the general achievement guidelines.
- Completed 2 years of records in record book per guidelines.
- Be active in leadership roles in 4-H club, community, and county.
Intermediate – Member must:
- Have completed 2-3 years in 4-H.
- Meet the general achievement guidelines.
- Completed 2-3 years of records in record book per guidelines.
- Be enrolled in the Youth Leadership Project.
- Document leadership activities.
- Be active in leadership roles in 4-H club, community, and county.
Senior – Member must:
- Have completed at least 3 years in 4-H.
- Meet the general achievement guidelines.
- Completed 2-3 years of records in record book per guidelines.
- Be enrolled in the Youth Leadership Project.
- Document leadership activities.
- Be active in leadership roles in 4-H club, community, county and outside of the county.
Achievement Award
Recognizes older members who exhibit outstanding 4-H achievement in all of their projects. There are up to four awards given each year. Each club General Leader may recommend up to four club members.
Criteria – Member must:
- Be in grades 9 and over as of January 1 of current 4-H year.
- Meet the general achievement guidelines.
- Complete record book for at least two, but not more than three, consecutive years per record book guidelines.
- Have excelled in project work.
- Be active in club and county activities.
Foods Award
Provides recognition from the Burnett County Home and Community Education Club (HCE) to a foods project member. 4-H members may win this award only once.
Criteria – Member must:
- Meet general achievement guidelines.
- Complete record book per guidelines.
- Have been in foods project at least three years.
- Have exhibited in at least one fair and have showed excellence.
Wisconsin 4-H Key Award
The Wisconsin Key Award is the highest 4-H award, providing special recognition to a 4-H member who has demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H program, developed leadership abilities, and has been a helpful member of their club and community.
The number of Key Awards allowed is determined by the state, based on total county enrollment.
Criteria – Member must:
- Meet general achievement guidelines.
- Complete record book per guidelines and submit record book.
- Complete and submit typed cover letter and resume (see Member Forms).
- Have been an active, contributing member of the 4-H community.
- Have served in leadership roles and participated in club, county and out of county activities as documented in the member’s 4-H record book.
Award Trip FAQ
Wisconsin 4-H and Youth Conference
Approximately 600 youth attend this pre-college educational program in Madison in June. Participants take part in educational seminars (examples include geocaching, windsurfing, service-learning project) and general assemblies all while meeting other active 4-H youth and adults from across Wisconsin. They are encouraged to take what they learn and share it with others in their home community.
Number of delegates awarded this trip by the Awards Committee is determined annually by the state and the Leaders’ Association. An individual can be awarded this trip once in his/her 4-H career as a delegate and then can repeat (as space allows) on a different track or as a member of a state team/group.
Criteria – Member must:
1. Be in grades 7-10 grade at the time of selection
2. Meet general achievement guidelines
3. Complete and submit record book per guidelines
4. Complete and submit typed cover letter and resume (see Member Forms)
5. Have been in 4-H at least two years.
Important Trip Information:
The registration cost for Wisconsin 4 H & Youth Conference is approximately $240. Trip costs are currently shared between the Leaders’ Association and youth. The Leaders’ Association pays 80% of the registration fee and the youth 20% plus some additional costs such as spending money and related items. The participant is responsible for completing the necessary participation and health forms and for transportation to the bus pickup/drop off location.
Citizen Washington Focus
Thousands of youth from across the country are selected to attend this leadership program held at the National 4-H Center in Washington, D.C. Participants learn the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the development of better citizens and leaders. The week-long trip consists of participatory workshops, speakers, committee work, field trips and social events.
The Awards Committee may choose up to two delegates each year. An individual can be awarded this trip once in his/her 4-H career.
Criteria – Member must:
- Meet the general achievement guidelines.
- Complete record book per guidelines and submit record book.
- Complete and submit typed cover letter and resume (see Member Forms).
- Must have been in 4-H at least three years.
- Have been to Wisconsin 4-H Youth Conference.
- Be in grades 10-12 as of January 1 of the coming 4-H year, and at least age 15 at the time of the trip.
Important Trip Information:
The total fee for CWF trip is approximately $1,200 (fee dependent on bus/fuel costs). Trip costs are currently shared between the Leaders Association and youth. The Leaders’ Association pays 80% of the trip and the youth pays 20% plus some meals and personal spending money. Parents are responsible for completing necessary participation and health forms and transportation to and from boarding and disembarking points.
National 4-H Congress
National 4-H Congress is the most significant event of the 4-H program. The Congress provides youth with a quality educational and cross-cultural experience that exceeds what any state independently provides. It is designed to address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable, competent, and caring citizens. Approximately 1300 members of 4-H Youth Development Programs from around the country and Puerto Rico gather to learn new skills in leadership, community service and multi-cultural integration. In addition to attending assemblies and workshops, they participate in discussion groups on issues facing our country today and moderate a town hall meeting at which they share the results of those discussions.
The Awards Committee may select up to two youth annually to attend the National 4-H Congress. An individual may be awarded this trip once in his/her 4-H career.
Criteria – Member must:
- Meet the general achievement guidelines.
- Complete record book per guidelines and submit record book.
- Complete and submit typed cover letter and resume (see Member Forms).
- Have been in 4-H at least three years.
- Have been to Wisconsin 4-H Youth Conference and Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF).
- Be in grades 10-12 and no older than 18 years as of January 1 of the coming 4-H year.
- Continue to be enrolled and as active as possible through the dates of the trip.
Important Trip Information:
The total cost of the National 4 H Congress is approximately $1,200. The Leaders’ Association currently pays 100% of this trip. The youth pays for some meals and personal spending money. Parents are responsible for completing necessary participation and health forms and transportation to and from boarding and disembarking points.
Northern District Winter Leadership Camp
A northwoods camping weekend in January for 4-H teens from multiple counties. This is a chance to meet 4-Hers from other counties in Wisconsin while enjoying a variety of winter activities. Number of delegates and amount of scholarship to be decided on an annual basis by Awards Committee.
Criteria – Member must:
- Be in grades 8-12 grade at the time of selection
- Meet general achievement guidelines
- Complete and submit record book per guidelines
- Complete and submit typed cover letter and resume
Important Trip Information:
Cost of Winter Camp is approximately $75 with the Burnett County 4-H Leaders’ Association paying 80% of the registration for campers who submit a cover letter and resume and successfully complete the interview process to represent Burnett County.
State Fair Demonstration Contest
An opportunity for 4-H youth to perform a 10-minute demonstration at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee.
Criteria – Member must:
- Meet the general achievement guidelines including a record book.
- Be 12-18 years old as of January 1 of the year participating in the State Fair.
- Be selected by Demonstration Contest judge at the annual Burnett County Cultural Arts Fair.
- Meet all State Fair requirements and obligations.
Important Trip Information:
Trip costs are currently shared between the Leaders Association and youth. The Leaders Association pays 80% of the fee for lodging and meals in the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center. The youth will pay 20% plus any additional costs such as spending money and related items. Parents are responsible for completing necessary participation and health forms and transportation.
State Fair Clothing Revue
An opportunity for 4-H youth to model their clothing project at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee.
Criteria – Member must:
- Meet the general achievement guidelines including a record book.
- Be at least 14 years old as of January 1 of the year participating in the State Fair.
- Be selected by Clothing judge at the annual Burnett County Food and Clothing Revue.
- Meet all State Fair requirements and obligations.
Important Trip Information:
Trip costs are currently shared between the Leaders Association and youth. The Leaders Association pays 80% of the fee for lodging and meals in the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center. The youth will pay 20% plus any additional costs such as spending money and related items. Parents are responsible for completing necessary participation and health forms and transportation.
4-H Grants
Nancy Carlson Memorial Grant
History: Nancy Carlson was a very active 4-H member. She was very involved in showing Guernsey cattle at the Grantsburg Fair.
Grant amounts and requirements: Five (5) $20 grants will be awarded by the Leaders Association to Burnett County 4-H members who are 9-10 years old. An individual can receive this grant only once in their 4-H career. The grant can be used in any 4-H project area.
Claire Erickson Memorial Grant
History: Claire Erickson was very involved with the horse project in Burnett County and taught children how to show horses. He was always involved in the Showdeo at the Grantsburg Fair.
Grant amounts and requirements: Two (2) $25 grants are available from the family of Claire Erickson of Grantsburg. Applicants must be 4-H horse or horseless project members. An individual can receive this grant only once in their 4-H career.
Bessie Peterson Memorial Grant
History: This grant honors Bessie Peterson, a very special Burnett County individual who believed in the 4-H idea and the many benefits derived from active 4-H involvement.
Grant amounts and requirements: Six (6) $25 grants will be awarded by the Leaders Association to Burnett County 4-H members who are 11-14 years old. Members must have shown achievement in the past two years of project work. Grants are for the purchase of materials for the achievement of 4-H goals.
Application forms are due to in the UW-Extension county office by the last Friday in February of each calendar year.
Maxine Stone Memorial Grant
Grant Amounts and Requirements: $25 dollar grants will be awarded by the Leaders Association to Burnett County 4-H members who are active and involved in horticulture related project areas.
Burnett County 4-H Scholarship
To assist former Burnett County 4-H members with their post-secondary education. Amount of scholarship and number of recipients decided annually by Leaders Association. An individual can be awarded the scholarship one time only.
Criteria – Applicants must:
- Have completed at least one year of a 4-year post-secondary program or one semester of a 2-year program are eligible to apply.
- Have been enrolled as a member in the Burnett County 4-H program at least 3 of the last 5 years.
