Guide to a Successful 4-H Year
Attend as many 4-H meetings as possible. Club meetings give you general information regarding 4-H activities. Project meetings give you information that is specific to that project.
Obtain a 4-H handbook from the Extension Office or view it online at the Tippecanoe County 4-H website. Read the sections on your project carefully so you understand what you need to do and what you need to complete.
Enroll in your project areas by the deadline, May 15th. Obtain items you need from the Extension Office such as: manuals, record sheets (if not in the manual), poster materials.
Read the introduction in each manual along with information in the handbook. Sometimes the county requirements are different from those stated in the manual. If there is a conflict, the handbook is correct. If you have any questions call the project superintendent.
Plan your work so that it is spread out over time. Set goals for yourself and dates by which you wish to reach these goals. Try not to leave everything for the last moment.
Register online for the projects you are exhibiting at the fair on FairEntry (https://tippe4hfair.fairentry.com). Register by June 28th.
Read the June/July Tippecanoe Tabloid online (4-H online homepage) to obtain the date and location for judging each project. Make sure your projects, record sheets and manuals are complete.
Bring your projects and manuals to judging. You do not have to stay for the actual judging, but it is a good experience to do so. Often the judges give good advice for future projects and leave helpful suggestions and comments on the current project.
Make sure your white cards (4-H Records of Achievement) are up to date (See My Record of 4-H Achievement section in the handbook). These are used for county awards and trip selection. White cards may be filled out on the county website and then printed out.
Update you white cards and place them somewhere safe. These are used to apply for scholarships and awards.
Enjoy the fair! HAVE A SUCCESSFUL 4-H YEAR!
After the fair write thank you noted to adults who have helped you with your projects. (Leaders, Parents, Superintendents, etc.) If you receive a special award (trophy, scholarship, etc.), be sure to write a thank you note to the sponsor of the award.