4-H Project Selection

It's time to select your 4-H projects for this year's club work and county fair participation! To help you select the project(s) you may be interested in, think about the below questions:

  • What things do you like to do for fun?
  • What hobbies do you have?
  • What would you like to learn to do?
  • What knowledge and/or skills do you already have in a project area?
  • Are there any special needs/items that are required to be able to complete the project?
    • Space: Including considerations for livestock, animal, and plant projects
    • Equipment: Including special equipment, what you currently have, what you may need to purchase, etc.
    • Time Frame: Some projects are multiple-year projects, others have activities spread over several months, and some can be completed in a few short weeks or days.
    • Materials/Supplies: Including quantities, costs, etc. 
    • Other People Involved: Some projects require group activities, presentations, mentors, etc.
  • How much time do you have to spend on a 4-H project each week/month?
  • What adult/teen do you know that can help you with your project?
  • How many 4-H projects can you realistically complete in a year? (A good rule of thumb is approximately one project for each year that you’ve been in 4-H.)

Want an easy to refer to list of all projects? Click here to view the 2025 Handy Project List!

2025 Project Guide 

This is your place to connect to our entire collection of Ohio 4-H project books for the year. Each project book contains information and activities for members to explore as an organized group project or at home under the guidance of a parent or interested adult. When choosing a project, consider your interests, background, what is necessary to start the project, and the resources available to help you complete it. 

Cover of the 2024 Family Guide showing artwork from new projects

Ohio residents can order project books and other publications described in the Family Guide through our office. Out-of-state residents or Ohio residents who want to buy online can go directly to extensionpublications.osu.edu.

Click the above picture to download the 2025 Family Guide or try the flip book version. 

 

Summer Judging

  • Monday, June 9, 2025 - Mock Interview Competition
  • Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - Miscellaneous Judging and Presentation Contest
  • Thursday, July 10, 2025 - Livestock Judging 
  • Read the Project Requirements below to understand what you are expected to complete for judging.
  • The deadline to add projects is June 1. 
  • If you're not able to attend summer judging, you can still finish your project by attending Early Judging by calling 740-992-6696 to schedule an appointment. Participation in Early Judging receives a grade only and is not eligible for county awards or state fair consideration.

Presentation Contest

Deadline to register - June 1, 2025

  • 4-H Pledge
    • Youth K-2 enrolled as Cloverbud members recite the 4-H Pledge (county level only)
    • Not a competition - all participants will recieve an award.
  • 4-H Creed
  • Illustrated Talk or Demonstration
    • Members use appropriate props or other visual aides to teach others about a particular subject or how to do something
    • Junior (ages 8-10), Intermediate (ages 11-13), and Senior (ages 14 and up) INDIVIDUAL or TEAM Divisions
    • Top contestants may be eligible to compete at the Ohio State Fair. 
  • Marketing
    • Members develop marketing materials, categories include Thank You Cards (Junior), 4-H Holiday Card (Intermediate), Infomercial Promoting 4-H (Senior)
      • Categories include classes with or without technology.
  • For complete rules and information regarding Illustrated Talks/Demonstrations or Marketing Competitions, review the Ohio State Fair Communication Day Rules.

Mock Interview Competition

The Mock Job Interview Contest is designed for members to practice and demonstrate the skills needed in seeking employment. Each part of this event simulates real-world experiences that members will have when seeking employment and all aspects of life.

All information must be true and accurate; no fictitious information should be used. It is understood that you may not have the qualifications, education, certifications, etc. for the position you are applying for. You will be interviewed as if you have met all the requirements for the position.

Contest Information:

  1. Members must register for the contest online at: 
  2. Participants must select any job bring the following items with them to the contest.
    1. Cover Letter for the position you are applying for. The cover letter should be addressed to the individual listed on the job description you are applying for and should be relevant to the position.
    2. Resume following the guidelines for your age division.
    3. All documents should be printed single-sided on 8.5 x 11 paper with no less than 11 pt. font.

Resume Guidelines

Junior Division (8-11 as of Jan. 1)

Create a one-page resume that includes the following sections (if applicable). Make sure to include your name, 4-H club, and years in 4-H.

  • Projects Completed – List major 4-H projects you have completed and what you learned.
  • 4-H Participation – List 4-H activities, field trips, tours, community service
  • 4-H Awards and Leadership Positions – List any major awards you received or leadership positions such as offices and what you did in that role
  • Non-4-H Activities (school, church, community)

Intermediate Division (12-14 as of Jan. 1)

  • Create a one-page resume that includes the same sections as the Junior Division.
  • May include more out-of-4-H activities/sections if they are applicable to your skill development and the position you are applying for. Examples would include activities with other organizations such as Scouts, Church, etc.
  • References – should include three adult, non-family members who can speak to your skills and experience. These may be on a 2nd page if needed and should include full contact information.

Senior Division (15+ as of Jan. 1)

  • Create a one-page resume for the job you have selected.
    • Include any certifications you have received
  • 4-H participation/skills should be highlighted
  • References – should include three adult, non-family members who can speak to your skills and experience. These may be on a 2nd page if needed and should include full contact information.
  1. Interview
    • Bring with you to the contest two copies of your cover letter and resume following the guidelines listed above.
    • Participants should be dressed appropriately for a professional interview.
    • Participants will complete a personal interview for the job they are applying for and have the opportunity to discuss their qualifications, make impressions on the interviewer(s) and ask questions about the company or the position.
  2. Participants will be evaluated on their cover letter, resume, and personal interview. These scores will be totaled and determine placings within each age divisions.

Scoring Guide

Cover Letter

20 pts

Resume

20 pts

Interview

40 pts

Professionalism/Attire

10 pts

 Find the Evaluation Sheet Here!

  1. Awards: Grand Champion and Reserve Champion will be awarded in each age division. Top five in each division will qualify for the Ohio State Fair mock interview contest with the opportunity to win $250. All judges’ decisions are final.

 

Here are a few resources on writing a resume and cover letter:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/resume-examples-for-teens

https://www.illinoisworknet.com/Youth/Pages/Prepare.aspx

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/writing-a-resume-with-no-experience

*Adapted from Brown County 4-H Program*

2024 Project Requirement Guides

Click here for a complete list of general project requirements, listed by project. For more detailed information about your project and evaluation, click on the project below.  

  • Livestock 
    • Beef, Dairy Cattle, Goats, Poultry, Sheep, Swine, Rabbits
  • Horse 
    • Horseless Horse, Beginning Horse Management, Light Horse Selection, Horse Training: How to Talk to Your Horse, Learning to Jump, Draft Horses, Smal Equine, Standardbred horse, Gymkhana, Roping, Trail Riding, and Dressage
  • Companion Animal and Dog
    • All About Dogs, Dog Project and Record Book (You and Your Dog, pet, obedience, showmanship, performance, and working dog projects), Assistance Animals in Action, Cavy Project and Record Book, Purr-fect Pals, Climbing Up!, Leaping Forward, Pocket Pets Project and Record Book, Pet Rabbit
  • Veterinary Science
    • From Airedales to Zebras, All Systems Go!, On the Cutting Edge
  • Workforce Preperation
    • Am I ready for Work, You're Hired!, Here, There, Ag Careers Are Everywhere!
  • Clothing
    • Accessories for Teens, Sew Fun!, Designed by Me, Sundress and Jumpers, Terrific Tops, em•bel•lish: A 4-H Guide to Wearable Art, Sew for Others, Ready, Set, Sew Active!, Loungewear, Clothing for Middle School, Shopping Savvy, Clothes for High School and College, Creative Costumes, Dresss-Up Outfit, Outerwear for Anywhere, Look Great for less, Clothign for Your Career, Dewing and Tetiles (non-clothing) Master
  • Leadership
    • Finding Your Voice: Publis Speaking Made Easy, Mentoring: Leadership in Action, Club Leadership 1, Diversity: The Source of Our Strength, My Hands to Larger Service, Teens on Board, Leadership Road Trip: Where Are You Going?, Leadership Road Trip iBook, Pantry Panic!, Leadership Master, Club Leadership 2,
  • Creative and Leisure Arts
    • Cake Decorating Project and Record Book, My Favorite Things, Quiliting the Best Better, You Can Quilt!, Get Started in Art, Seeing Through Graphic Design, Photography 1, 2, and 3, Photography Master, Scrapbooking: A 4-H Guide to Preserving Memories, The Writer in You
  • Family Life
    • Family History Treasure Hunt, Discovering 4-H, 4-H Around the Globe, Family History Treasure Hunt, Becoming Money Wise, Teens... On the Road to Financial Success
  • Food and Nutrition
    • Let's Start Cooking, Sports Nutrition: Ready, Set, Go, Everyday Food and Fitness, Snack Attack!, take a Break for Breakfast, Let's Bake Quick Breads, Cooking on My Own, Grill Master, Beyond the Grill, Star Spangled Foods, Party Planner: A 4-H Guide to Quantity Cooking, Racking the Clock to Awesome Meals, Yeast Breads on the Rise, Global Gourmet, Kitchen Boss
  • Healthy Living
    • You're the Athlete, Staying Healthy, First Aid in Action, Medicine Science and Safety, Tracking Your Health and Fitness, Relationships 101, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, The Truth About Tobacco, Your Thoughts Matter, Your Feelings Matter, Superhero You
  • Home Living
    • The Laundry Project, It's My Home, Makeover My Space, Your First Home Away from Home
  • Natural Resources
    • Canning and Freezing, How Does Your Garden Grow?, Edible Landscapes, Grow Your Own Vegetables, Growing with the Seasons, Explore the Outdoors, Geology: Can You Dig It?, Exploring Polar Science, Exploring Ponds, Why Trees Matter, Ohio Birds, Trapping Muskrats in Ohio, Outdoor Adventurer: Beginning Fishing AND Inermediate Fishing, Beekeeping Project and Record Book, Insect Adventures 1, 2, and 3, Safe Use of Guns, Basic Archery
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
    • Rockets Away 2-Liter and Solid-Fuel, Science Fun with Flight, Solid-Fuel Rocketry Master, ATV Safety, Bicycling for Fun, Wheels in Motion, Science Fun with Kitchen Chemistry, Magic of Electricity Levels 1 and 2, Science Fun with electricity, Young Engineers in Solar Energy, Science Fun with Dairy Foods, Not Just Knots, Science Fun with Physics, Robotics Essentials, Robotics Master, Crank it Up, Warm it Up, Tune it Up, Ready, set,... Mow!
  • Welding
    • Arcs and Sparks
  • Woodworking
    • Measuring Up, Making the Cut, Nailing it Together, Finishing Up, and Woodworking Master
  • Self-Determined

Self-Determined Projects

If you're a 4-H member with a great project idea of your own or someone who is ready to go beyond a current project book, consider doing a self-determined project. Use the Self-Determined Project Guide to describe your project, set goals, and record your activities.

Prefer to type? Download and save this Self-Determined Project Guide fillable form.

Self-determined projects may be repeated if new areas of interest, learning experiences, and leadership/citizenship activities are selected.

Find More Information and Idea Starters Here!