Guide for New
4-H Members
Humboldt County 4-H
The Iowa Cooperative Extension Service’s programs
and policies are consistent with pertinent federal and
state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination
regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age,
and disability.
Contact Information
Iowa State University Extension, Humboldt County
727 Sumner Ave.
Humboldt, IA 50548
Phone: (515)332-2201
Fax: (515)332-2211
Email: xhumboldt@iastate.edu
Humboldt County Extension Webpage:
Humboldt County 4-H Webpage:
Humboldt County 4-H Facebook Page:
www.extension.iastate.edu/humboldt
www.extension.iastate.edu/humboldt/kidsteens.htm
www.facebook.com- Humboldt County-4-H
ISU Extension Humboldt County Staff:
Jerry Chizek
Regional Extension Education Director (REED)
Serving Humboldt, Webster, Hamilton & Wright counties
jwchizek@iastate.edu
Phil Heckman
Youth Program Specialist (YPS)
Serving Humboldt, Webster, Hamilton & Wright counties
pheckman@iastate.edu
Amy Craven
County Youth Coordinator (CYC)
acraven@iastate.edu
Kim Vitzthum
Office Assistant, Full Time (OA)
kimv@iastate.edu
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Table of Contents
General Information
4-9
What do the four H’s stand for?
4-H Facts
How does the 4-H program work?
What will 4-H do for me?
What does a 4-H club do?
Expectations of a Humboldt County 4-H Member
Helpful Information from 4-H Members and Parents
Humboldt County 4-H Program Guidelines
The Leadership Team
Goals and Records
10-11
Achieving Goals through 4-H Recordkeeping
Communications
12
Presentation
Working Exhibits
Extemporaneous Speaking
Share the Fun
Clothing Events
13
Fashion Revue
Clothing Selection
$15 Challenge
County Fair____________________________________________________________14
Fair Book
Deadlines
Pre-Fair Events
Entry Day
Livestock
ID Forms, Weigh-ins, Dates, FSQA, COOL,
State Fair ______________________________________________________________16
Static Exhibits
Livestock Exhibits
Horticulture Exhibits
Just for Parents
19
How are Parents and Guardians partners in 4-H?
4-H Vocabulary
20
A dictionary of terms and activities that make up the Humboldt County 4-H Program
Policies
Educational Trips, Events and Activities
Substance Use, Abuse, and Criminal Activity Policy
Civil Rights
Volunteers Will Abide by the Child Protection and Safety Policy
Humboldt County 4-H Foundation Educational Activity Financial Assistance Policy Page 3
25
General Information
What do the four H’s stand for?
HEAD – Through exciting hands-on learning experiences, 4-H’ers may learn about new project
areas, try new skills, and participate in various activities. 4-H’ers have fun learning from
volunteer adults and older youth, who are interested in sharing their knowledge and
experiences.
HEART – Through club, county, area, state events and activities members are continually
developing their sense of identity, particular project skills, and characteristics.
HANDS – A goal is for 4-H members to explore different areas that might lead to a future
career. Three essential factors are learning about one’s self, learning about work and
occupational opportunities, and learning knowledge of self and occupational opportunities.
HEALTH – 4-H continually strives to teach 4-H members to accept responsibility for their
lifestyle choices and to create a personal environment which encourages choices with positive
impact on their well-being.
4-H Facts
4-H Colors
Green and White. Green symbolizes nature’s most common color and
represents life, springtime, and youth. White symbolizes purity.
4-H Emblem The green four-leaf clover has a white “H” on each leaf to represent the four
H’s –Head, Heart, Hands, or Health.
4-H Motto
To make the best better.
4-H Pledge
I pledge:
My Head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
My health to better living,
For my club, my community, my country, and my world.
Origin of the 4-H Emblem and Name
It wasn't until 1907 when Jessie Field Shambaugh, from Page county and O.H. Benson,
Superintendent of Wright County Schools, started using a three leaf clover for the identity of
boys and girls clubs. The 3 H's were for Head, was trained to think plan and reason; Heart, to
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be kind true and sympathetic; and Hand, to be useful, helpful, and skillful. It wasn't until 1911
when O.H. Benson worked in Washington D.C. that the idea of the four-leaf clover came into
play. He suggested the fourth "H" to stand for Health, to resist disease, enjoy life, and make for
efficiency. Those are the four H's on the four-leaf clover.
How does the 4-H Program Work?
Club Youth and their families join a local 4-H club in Humboldt County, which currently has 11
active clubs and Clover Kids. A 4-H member attends club meetings monthly. At these club
meetings, members plan other club events, vote on agenda items, swap ideas and information,
and do fun and educational activities.
Beyond the Club Beyond local club participation, 4-H families can participate in a variety of
county-sponsored events, such as camps, county project meetings, workshops, citizenship trips,
and more! Humboldt County’s monthly newsletter, Humboldt Happenings, keeps you informed
on upcoming events. Be sure to read it!!
The Humboldt County 4-H Youth Committee. Its members serve to help direct the overall
programming efforts of the 4-H program. They assist with county events, the county fair,
evaluate record books for awards and recognition, and more. The committee is made up of
adult volunteers from all over Humboldt County.
The Teen Council is a group of 9th - 12th grade 4-Hers from across the county who set a living
example of 4-H standards for other members and friends of 4-H. They are active in promoting
4-H through community service, planning and assisting in miscellaneous events, fundraisers,
and being very visible at the county fair.
Beyond the County State level 4-H activities include: State 4-H Youth Conference, Iowa
State Fair, camps, and Citizenship-Washington D.C. Focus, and age-specific trips and
opportunities (Omaha Zoo Trip, Jr. Camp, Intermediate Trip, etc).
The Bigger Picture The 4-H program also has state headquarters along with other ISU
Extension programs on Iowa State University’s campus in Ames. ISU Extension is where most
of your project literature will come from.
The National 4-H Center is headquartered in Washington D.C., where national competitions are
planned and other literature is produced for use throughout the United States. They also work
strongly with State 4-H program directors to help make 4-H the best it can be in all 50 states.
You can take 4-H wherever you want to go.
You just need to set your goals and determine
how you’re going to get there!
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What will 4-H do for me?
4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with
caring adults. 4-H’ers will be able to demonstrate Leadership, Citizenship,
Communications, Personal Life Management and Knowledge.
What does a 4-H club do?
A 4-H club elects its own officers and conducts its own business. Most clubs meet monthly with
a yearly plan for their programs. Each meeting usually includes presentations by members.
Meetings might also include presentations by leaders, parents, or a resource person, recreation
or indoor games, a family sharing night, or a field trip.
Most clubs have fundraisers for their club’s events. Funds may be used for community service.
4-H members and their families are responsible for the cost of materials needed to complete
their exhibit(s).
If you join a Humboldt County 4-H Club, what is
expected of you?
Select a project suited to your interests, abilities, and age
Do project work according to the best information available
Attend and share in the meetings of the club
Participate in club activities
Serve on committees which you choose to be on
Keep and turn in a record of what you do in 4-H each year
Give at least one club presentation each year
Exhibit at the county fair
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Participation in club fundraisers
Participation in community service
Helpful Information from
4-H Members and Parents
From a member
If I had only known…
That the more I participate in my club’s activities, the more I learn and have fun!
That by reading the 4-H Family Focus, I can find out everything that’s going on in 4H right now, and what’s coming up.
To keep records of all 4-H activities, presentations, school, community, church, and
other organizations for later reference when applying for scholarships and awards.
Any of my friends can join 4-H! You do not need to own an animal to join 4-H.
(There are many projects don’t have anything to do with animals.)
From a parent
If I had only known…
To send a calendar with my child to meetings to mark down club and county
events.
To keep a drawer or shelf for all the 4-H newsletters, mailings, and record books.
Youth continue to add to their record book each year.
Parents and grandparents are encouraged to attend and participate in 4-H events
with their child(ren). Everyone’s help is needed to make the program strong. 4-H
is a FAMILY organization!
The County Extension Office has materials my child can use for presentations.
Besides reading the newsletter, I can call the Extension Office, club leader(s), or
other 4-H parents with any question(s) that I have, however small they may be!
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Humboldt County 4-H Program Guidelines
Membership
4-H membership is open to any young person who is in at least fourth grade of the
current program year. Membership may be in any club regardless of sex or place of
residence. It is usually most convenient to belong to a club in the same township or
community in which the individual lives and to a club where your friends belong. A
member may belong to 4-H in only one county. Youth may enroll in 4-H at any time, but
must be signed up by May 15 in order to bring livestock to the county fair. Our biggest
recruitment drive happens in the fall. The 4-H year runs from September 1 to August 31.
For ease of reference, membership is divided into three categories:
Juniors:
Grades 4, 5, and 6
Intermediates:
Grades 7 and 8
Seniors:
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Projects
Members can enroll in as many project areas as they would like to! Members may add
or drop projects and can exhibit in the project areas enrolled in. Members should
choose areas of interest they want to explore – not what exhibit they want to take to the
fair. Members should complete and evaluate their project goals at the end of the
program year. Record books should be turned into club leaders for evaluation and can
be turned in to the Youth Committee for awards and recognition on the county level.
Members are expected to do their own project work, including care of livestock projects.
Exhibiting
Exhibits must be the result of the members own project work and goals (set at the
beginning of the project year), not done by other persons, including family members.
Livestock, anything that breathes, must be properly identified by May 15; ID forms are
available at the county extension office. It is the member’s responsibility to be informed
about and comply with all rules and deadlines for events in which they wish to
participate, including the county fair.
Parental Involvement
The involvement of parents in 4-H is not required but is highly desirable. Their
attendance at club meetings and many county events is encouraged. Parents should
give guidance, support, and help (when needed) with member’s projects and to help in
areas of the 4-H program. They are expected NOT to do the members’ project work for
them.
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The Leadership Team
General / Organizational Volunteers Organizational volunteers are primarily responsible
for overall club organization. They coordinate, counsel, and plan programs. They have a key
responsibility to communicate with members, parents, other local leaders, the community, and
the County Extension staff.
Assistant Volunteers Help the organizational leader with various tasks.
Project Volunteers Project volunteers provide experiences, activities, and leadership to
members enrolled in a project. They can work with a single club or on a county-wide basis as a
County Project leader. (Examples: horse, dog, science)
Youth Leader A club member who provides leadership for a club project to activity. The
leadership may be for a single event or the entire 4-H Year.
Club Officers Club members elect their own officers to provide specific leadership to the
group.
Parents Because 4-H is a family activity, parents are involved too. They can help their own
children, as well as helping leaders, and helping members at project meetings or activities.
County Extension Staff County Extension Staff are responsible for overall 4-H program
management and curriculum. Each county in Iowa has an Extension Office. The first person you
will probably hear on the telephone or talk to when you come in the door is our Office Assistant,
Kim Vitzthum. If she does not know the answer to your question, she will put you in touch with
the person who does. One of those people might be the Regional Extension Education Director,
Jerry Chizek. The director’s job is to see that programming is happening in the county in all
areas Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communities, Families, Business & Industry,
Continuing Education, and 4-H Youth Development. Amy Craven is the 4-H County Youth
Coordinator. She is able to assist you with your 4-H related questions and helps provide 4-H
programming in Humboldt County. Field Specialists for Iowa State University Extension provide
leadership in various subject areas. These areas include youth development, agriculture,
families, community development, and business and industry.
County Extension Council The Extension Council consists of nine elected representatives
from all over the county. They oversee the County Extension program and are the legal
governing body. Extension Council is involved in the planning, follow-through, and evaluation of
programs in the county.
Humboldt County 4-H Youth Committee The Youth Committee is the governing body of
4-H in the county. Through its channels, rules and regulations for 4-H membership, projects,
exhibition, out-of-county events, awards and various other areas are formed.
4-H Teen Council The Teen Council is a group of youth from across the county who set a
living example of 4-H standards for other members and friends of 4-H. Teen Council members
are to improve communications between members and adults in 4-H. Their task is “to make the
best better”.
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Goals and Records
Achieving Goals through 4-H Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping is one of the unique 4-H learning opportunities. Recordkeeping is a
process that can be used throughout life in many ways.
4-H’ers can learn:
How to set goals
Plan and do things to meet their goal(s)
To collect and organize information
To accept and complete responsibility
To tell about what they liked to do and learned
4-H’ers are encouraged to select one or more of the following options for recordkeeping
on project(s):
For Your Record Book
Basic Project Record (4H-96A)
Experienced Project Record (4H-96B)
Advanced Project Record (4H-96C)
Project worksheets/manuals, such as livestock, food and nutrition, and others
Computerized Formats
Other Record Keeping Options
Audio Tape (4H-97A)
Portfolio (4H-97B)
Video Tape (4H-97A)
4-H’ers can follow five steps for recordkeeping:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Determine your interests.
Set your goals.
Form an action plan.
Do it!
Evaluate and make future plans.
STEP 1 – Determine your interests
This step occurs at the beginning of the 4-H year when you select your projects. The 4-H Pick a
Project paper (4H 200) outlines some activities that can help you determine your interests.
Then select those projects in which you want to enroll. Think about questions like: What things
do you find interesting? If you were in 4-H last year, what did you enjoy about the 4-H projects?
What new things would you like to learn and do? Your 4-H leaders and parents can help you
make these decisions.
Now keep track of the decisions you have made. Refer to the options for record keeping on this
page. You can use a 4-H project record form to write down what you want to learn, or record
your ideas on an audio tape, video tape, or computer if you have one available.
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STEP 2 – Set your goals
Setting your goals is simply deciding what you want to learn and do. Having goals is like a road
map. It is a tool that helps you plan how to get to where you want to go. Keep track of your
goals by using your record keeping system.
Goals have three parts that can be measured or checked.
The action: how you are going to do it
The result: what you will do
The timetable: when you plan to have it done
Goal example: “I want to make three nutritious snacks by the June meeting.” This goal has all
three parts the action, the result, and the timetable.
STEP 3 – Form an action plan
Now you have a goal to work toward, but it won’t just happen. YOU have to make it happen!
For example, if you have a goal to learn how to make a pie by July 1, think about these
questions:
Where will you get information you need?
What types of pie might you consider learning how to make?
Which recipe will you select for the pie crust?
Now take a look at your goals.
What is needed to achieve your goal?
How much time is needed to accomplish your goal?
STEP 4 & 5– Do it! Record it! Evaluate it!
As the year goes along, record what you do and learn in your project(s). Include what worked
well, what did not, and what you enjoyed the most.
Pictures, clippings, project worksheets, exhibit write-ups, and other items can be included to
help tell what you have done.
As you evaluate your goal(s), think about these questions:
Were you able to achieve your goal(s)?
What changes did you make on your project as you went along?
Is there anything about your project that you would change?
How do you feel about what you have learned?
What ideas would you like to build on for next year?
EVALUATE YOUR 4-H EXPERIENCE
Now you will evaluate your 4-H experience by summarizing your participation in projects,
events, and activities together on the 4-H Yearly Summary (4H-96). This summary is completed
each year and is a cumulative summary of your achievements in communication, participation in
the local 4-H club, and experiences beyond the local group.
Another recordkeeping form is the 4-H Recordkeeping Self-Evaluation (4H-98) as a guide to
evaluate the 4-H recordkeeping system you chose to use.
It is most helpful to talk about what you have done during the year with a leader, another 4-H’er,
or a parent.
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Communications
Presentation
Educational Presentation is sharing information about yourself or another subject with someone
else. Some presentations are called demonstrations or illustrated talks.
Each 4-H’er is expected to give one educational presentation each year in their local 4-H club.
There is also a county communications contest every summer (usually in June) where you can
present for awards and ribbons. Several presentations are selected to then advance to the Iowa
State Fair.
So where do you start, what do you do, and what do you talk about? One way to getting started
is by looking through your 4-H project materials for ideas. Make a list of projects you do, collect,
do after school, do for fun, and ask a parent, leader, or an older 4-H member for ideas. Take a
look at your list. Write the topic you’d like to “present” to your 4-H group.
Like a puzzle piece, a presentation has different pieces that fit together.
Introduction: Tell briefly what you are going to do and why you chose this topic.
Body: Give the details of doing it, showing it, or telling it
Conclusion: Repeat the main points. Mention where you found your information, in case
someone else wants to learn more about your topic.
Questions: Ask your audience if they have any questions or if there are no questions, say,
“This concludes my presentation.”
You may use articles, charts, sound, samples, videos, posters, or slide shows in the body of
your 4-H presentation. Use props to help make the topic more exciting or believable for the
group.
For more information on Educational Presentations contact the county extension office for
publications called “I Have to do What?” (4-H 850A) and “See! You did it!” (4-H 850LDR).
Working Exhibits
Working Exhibits are 4-H presentations where you get the audience involved by teaching or
showing. You are teaching a skill to an audience that you first have to catch the attention of to
make them stop, listen, and then participate. Working Exhibits consist of teaching a talent or a
skill you have to others.
Choose a topic that interests you, has steps or procedures, and involves an audience. For more
information on Working Exhibits, contact the county extension office or ask for publication
“Share a talent, Show off a talent, Do a working exhibit” (4-H 851).
Extemporaneous Speaking
Extemporaneous Speaking is when a 4-H member wants to challenge their ability to think
quickly on their feet. This contest initials developing a speech on a topic that is handed to you
just minutes before you are to present. Once the participant is given their topic they are allowed
a specific amount of time to prepare a speech, usually the speech would be a 2 minute
presentation. The participant will be aided with a few resources helping them to prepare their
speech. Those participating in this event present at the local level and if awarded will move onto
state competition.
Share-the-Fun
Share-the-Fun is all about having a great time! 4-H members share their individual talents or
can perform as a group doing things like an original skit or a small group singing a duet. Ideas of
acts include: singing, dancing, skits, comedy, playing an instrument, magic…there are so many
activities to choose from!
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Clothing Event
Fashion Revue
All participants (male or female) to qualify for participation in the county / state event should:
a. Have been enrolled in a 4-H Clothing project in the current 4-H program year.
b. Model a garment or outfit that the entrant has constructed, hand-knitted, machine-knitted,
or crocheted during the current 4-H year.
1. A garment or outfit consisting of one to three pieces such as party clothes, tailored suits,
vest, slacks, shirt, skirt, active sportswear and/or coats are acceptable as Fashion
Revue entries.
2. Blouses shirts, and sweaters are usually considered as garments. If they are used to
complete an outfit, they may be constructed or selected.
3. All other accessories and undergarments may be constructed or selected.
Clothing Selection
All participants (male or female) to qualify for participation in the county / state event should:
a. Select and/or purchase an outfit that represents the 4-H’ers goal or intended use for the
selected outfit.
b. Have had individual planned or county experience(s) in choosing shopping alternatives,
evaluating fit, quality and construction features, price and cost comparison.
The $15 Challenge
All participants (male or female) to qualify for participation in the county / state event should:
a. Purchase an outfit that represents the 4-H’ers intended use for the selected outfit.
b. Have had individual or county experience(s) in choosing shopping alternatives, evaluating
fit, quality and construction features, price and cost comparison.
c. Outfits must be selected and/or purchased at a garage sale, consignment store, or resale
shop (i.e. Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other stores of this type.) (Hand-me-downs or
clothing as gifts that were selected by the 4-H’er belong in Clothing Selection.)
d. Cost of outfit must be $15 or less, not including shoes, accessories or undergarments.
e. Receipt(s) MUST be turned in with Clothing Event Form.
Garden Tour Contest
Showcase your very own home garden(s) on site with a local Master Gardner. They will
evaluate your garden on the basis of maintenance, planning, soil and fertilization and your
overall plotting.
This is also an opportunity to ask the expert’s questions about your garden. Have them join
you at your garden(s). Ask questions about problems that may be developing in your garden,
listen to suggestions and compliments about your garden and even what might be a good
exhibit for the Humboldt County Fair!
Ribbons will be awarded during the Style Show in the Grandstands during the Humboldt
County Fair.
A signup sheet will be in the CEO. Watch for more information in the Humboldt Happenings as
the Humboldt County Fair approaches.
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Humboldt County Fair
The Humboldt County Fair is held in July at the Fairgrounds in Humboldt. The fair begins with
static (non livestock) exhibits being judged. Livestock shows are scattered throughout the week
and weekend with the auction taking place on Monday. 4-H’ers who had clothing judged prior to
the fair take part in a style show. Each family will receive a Humboldt County Fair Book. It is the
official fair book containing rules and information regarding the fair. There is a lot of information
in it so read it thoroughly!!
http://www.humboldtcountyfair.com/
Before the fair arrives, there are important dates and deadlines to watch for. These will be
posted in the monthly Humboldt Happenings newsletter.
Deadlines: Watch for in the Humboldt Happenings Newsletter




Market Animal weigh-ins
Market Beef must be weighed in and ID Forms turned in to the CEO by January 15th.
All 4-H & FFA livestock ID’s are due to the CEO by May 15th.
All fair entries for animals, garden tour, fashion revue, clothing selection, and
communications are due July 3rd.
Pre-Fair Events
 Communications, Fashion Revue, Clothing Selection and Garden Tour Judging - usually
takes place two weeks before the fair.
Entry Day
Each exhibit will need an entry tag and a learning card. These can be picked up at the CEO.
Each club will have a designated time for their members to bring their exhibits. Members will
sit down with judges (one on one) and go through a conference judging process. Judges will
ask 4-H’ers questions about their exhibits such as how did they went about doing their exhibit
and what they learned.
What Are Judges Looking For?
The judge will check for three major criteria:
1. Learning involved,
2. Workmanship and techniques, and
3. General appearance and design.
The judge will use the correct standards in each category that relate to the 4-H member’s goal
and exhibit. A copy of some of those standards is available at the ISU Extension office.
Learning involved
A member should be able to tell the judge:
 What was the goal for this exhibit? (Is the goal stated in a clear, concise sentence?)
 What were the most important things learned by working toward this goal?
 Tell about two things: knowledge and skills learned and how the goal was achieved. (Tell
about the information used, decisions made, problems faced and how they were solved,
what worked well, etc.)
Workmanship and Techniques
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If the exhibit is an actual product, look at the item made and ask:
 Does it show that what was learned relates to the goal for the exhibit?
 Were appropriate materials used to construct the item?
 Was a suitable method used to make the exhibit?
4-H project manuals can be used to get information on acceptable measures of quality for
specific exhibits.
If the exhibit is sharing an idea, ask:
 Was the intent and goal of the exhibit explained so people can understand it easily?
 Was complete and accurate information given?
 Was the writing and display organized in logical steps?
 Does the exhibit show creativity and originality?
General Appearance and Design
Look at the overall look and design of the exhibit, and ask:
 Does the exhibit attract the attention of people who see it?
 Does the exhibit look neat and attractive?
 Did the member use design elements and art principles where suitable?
If the 4-H’er made an educational display, is it well designed, attractive, and readable so that it
communicates an idea to the people who view it?
Livestock
Humboldt has a district livestock show. Any 4-H’er from a county that borders Humboldt
County may bring: beef, sheep, swine and/or horses. Only Humboldt County 4-H’ers may
show poultry, rabbits and pets.
Every species has a Livestock Identification form that has a specific due date.
FSQA (Food Safety Quality Assurance) - All youth ages 9 -11 on Jan. 1 will need to attend
an approved training each year. Youth ages 12-14 on Jan. 1 will have the option of
attending a training every year, or completing a test which will certify them until they turn 15.
Youth ages 15-18 on Jan. 1 will have the option of attending a training every year, or
completing a test which will certify them until they turn 19. At the time youth turn 19, they will
need to certify in the adult Quality Assurance programs according to the adult rules.
All livestock exhibitors must be FSQA certified in order to show at the Humboldt County Fair.
COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) - The USDA prepared for the mandatory COOL that
went into effect September 30, 2008. Below are the steps that 4-H members should take, as
this is not mandatory.
There is a COOL affidavit located on the Iowa 4-H Ag/Livestock website at,
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/Agriculture/documents/coolinfo.pdf. On the webpage is a
link to the affidavit. Page 1 explains the steps needed to be taken as well as example
documents that can be used for an audit trail. Page 2 is the actual affidavit.
4-H’ers who raise their own livestock for their projects need to fill this affidavit out and keep it
on file for a minimum of two years. In the case of an audit, 4-H’ers can provide authorities with
this affidavit along with other documents listed at the bottom of page 1 of the affidavit document
(birth records, calving report, purchase/sales receipts, etc.)
4-H’ers who purchase their livestock from others MUST have the producer fill out the
affidavit, give it to the 4-H’er, and the 4-H’er must keep the affidavit on file for a minimum of two
years. For example, a 4-H’er goes to buy his steer from a producer. The 4-H’er needs the
producer (seller) to fill out and sign the affidavit.
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State Fair
Below are two very helpful websites in regards to the Iowa State Fair.
Iowa 4-H State Fair Information
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/StateFair/StateFairInfo.htm
Iowa State Fair (non 4-H) Information
http://www.iowastatefair.org/
Humboldt County has a set quota of static exhibits that can be selected for the State
Fair. If your exhibit is selected at the County Fair level for the Iowa State Fair,
transportation for your exhibit to and from the State Fair will be provided (with some
exceptions due to size).
There are important dates and forms to watch for if you are planning to take livestock to
the State Fair. Watch your monthly 4-H newsletter carefully for these dates and forms.
The first website above also has information pertaining to the forms and dates.
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Out of County Opportunities
Jr. Camp is for 4-H’ers in 4th, 5th & 6th grade. Humboldt campers will join 4-H members from
Franklin, Hardin, Wright, Hamilton and Webster counties. The camp is held at the Iowa 4-H
Center near Madrid. Jr. Camp is usually held the second Wednesday - Friday of June.
Omaha Zoo Trip is for 4-H’ers in 6th, 7th, & 8th grade. Humboldt 4-H’ers will join members from
Hardin, Hamilton, Wright and Webster counties. Members enjoy a guided night hike on Friday
and sleep inside the zoo. Saturday includes an IMAX movie, gift shop time, and more time
visiting the zoo. The Omaha Zoo trip is usually held the last weekend in March.
Central Iowa 4-H Intermediate Trip - Twin Cities is for 4-H’ers in 7th & 8th grade. Humboldt 4H’ers will join other 4-H’ers from the other 16 central Iowa area counties. Discover the Twin
Cities on this fun trip. Visit: Cabela’s, Minnesota Zoo, mall of America, Science Museum of
Minnesota, Mill City historic flour mill museum, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Valleyfair
Amusement Park and other fun sites. The Twin City trip is usually held the 4th Tuesday Thursday of June.
Citizenship Washington D.C. Focus (CWF) Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a six
day program that helps youth identify and understand their active role in society. Conducted
in Washington D.C., CWF uses our nation’s capitol as a classroom to foster youth
appreciation, understanding and involvement in civic responsibility, government operations,
and current issues. 4-H’ers who attend must be in either grades 10, 11, & 12. Humboldt
County offers the trip every two years on the even numbered years. Humboldt 4-H’ers will join
members from Hamilton, Hardin, Wright, and Webster counties.
Iowa 4-H Center and State 4-H Camps The Iowa 4-H Center is a retreat center owned by
the Iowa 4-H Foundation and operated in conjunction with the Iowa 4-H Program and the Iowa
State University Extension. Open for year-round use, the 4-H Center has 360 beds among five
villages and is available for anyone to rent anytime. The Iowa 4-H Center is located on 1100
acres along the Des Moines River near Madrid, Iowa. All camps are overnight experiences.
Camp is a great place to meet people, develop life skills, and create a positive outdoor ethic.
4-H camps are open to all youth; 4-H membership is not a requirement.
State Council The Iowa State 4-H Council is composed of approximately 45 energetic and
positive high school juniors and seniors who act as ambassadors for 4-H. One of their major
responsibilities is planning the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference held annually in Ames Iowa every
June. Members are selected from their extension areas through an application and interview
process. The youth meet 3-4 times during the year. They get to know each other through
team building activities, plan conference, promote 4-H, help to ensure funding for 4-H
programs, and form friendships that last a lifetime. The Iowa State 4-H Council also serves as
ambassadors for 4-H, often meeting with county councils and 4-H groups in their local areas.
The State Fair, state 4-H events, and leadership workshops also keep the council active.
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State Conference Every June, over 1000 teenagers converge on the campus of Iowa State
University for 3 days full of speakers, workshops, mixers, dances, a banquet, and community
service activities. 4-H’ers who have completed 8th -12th grade are eligible to attend. You will
get to experience campus life and meet new people from across the state! You will be having
fun while learning by doing, dancing the nights away, and serving the community. You will get
to learn new things to take back to your community and school, and in the process you might
even discover something new about yourself! There are even opportunities for you to share
your talents with the rest of the delegation through small group discussion, and even a Talent
Show! If you have a specific interest in animal science or crops, you might want to look into
becoming part of the ROUND-UP or CSI: Crops tracks.
Senior Award Trip 4-Hers who are in high school are eligible to attend the Senior Awards
Trip to Chicago, Illinois. Three delegates are selected from Humboldt County with the cost of
the trip being covered by the Humboldt County Extension Council. To be eligible, youth must
turn in a record book. The Humboldt County Youth Committee will select the delegates.
National 4-H Conference - This is an award trip that senior level 4-H’ers can interview for. It
is held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. National 4-H Conference is a
working conference. Delegates attend workshops and discuss issues in teams to suggest future
programming for 4-H on a national, state, and local basis.
Delegates meet with federal legislators on Capitol Hill to discuss the impact of 4-H and
Extension programming in their areas. The overall purpose of the National 4-H Conference is to
provide meaningful involvement of representative groups of 4-H participants in program
development at the national level.
National 4-H Congress - This is an award trip that 4-H’ers in grades 10-11 at time of
application may apply for.
Youth will be able to demonstrate ability to address public issues of concern to youth, commit
to active roles in their communities, participate in a forum for disseminating program content
to other youth not attending the conference, through presentations, distance learning, and
technology, identify opportunities to strengthen the involvement of other youth in local county
and state 4-H programs.
The purpose of this trip is to: Provide youth a high quality, relevant educational experience
they would not otherwise obtain within their state. Provide a multi-track career development
experience focused on current themes of high interest to youth including work force
preparation and community service. Respond to the youth and program priorities from state to
state, including positive visibility for the 4-H youth development program. Create a learning
environment comfortable for youth coming from diverse experiences. Develop leadership skills
of youth by involving them as partners in planning and implementing the program. Recognize
and celebrate the contributions youth currently make and will continue to make in their
communities. Focus on positive experiences and accomplishments of youth who are
examples for other youth.
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Just for Parents
How are Parents and Guardians Partners in 4-H?
Help your 4-H’er select the right project(s) for their interests. Be aware of your 4H’er’s goals and encourage them as they work toward achieving them.
Read the monthly newsletter – the 4-H Family Focus. Pay attention to other
letters or post cards you may receive in the mail regarding specific areas your
child is interested in.
Teach, encourage and help your child with their record keeping.
Help 4-H’ers set standards of honesty, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.
Encourage and support the 4-H’er in attending club meetings. Volunteer to help
with club activities such as showing one of your hobbies or working with a project
group.
Help 4-H’ers complete club and county requirements for the year.
Give input into the county program by participating in county meetings and
serving on committees.
Offer to chaperon a club field trip or retreat, or camps and conferences!
Don’t expect your children to go it alone, but don’t do their 4-H projects for them
either. They will need you to share your wisdom, understanding and life
experiences with them. Your children will gain confidence and a feeling of
security when they know that their parent approves of their 4-H projects and the
club’s undertakings.
Encourage them to seek the counsel of other adults as their skill and knowledge
are needed. In 4-H, we want to help youth build connections with other adults in
their communities.
4-H can be a tool to help you and your 4-H’er work together.
Read the project material they receive and help think about what to learn
and what to do. Give assistance when it’s needed, but don’t do the project
for him or her.
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4-H Vocabulary
CEO When you see CEO in the 4-H Humboldt Happenings Newsletter or other places, it stands
for County Extension Office. This is the office where 4-H and extension staff is located, and
that you can call or stop by with any questions. Another source is the Humboldt County
webpage, www.extension.iastate.edu/Humboldt. Visit this website often for important
information you may need when the CEO is closed. Iowa State University Extension
provides research-based information to the general public. It is funded with county, state,
and federal taxes.
4-H’ers for 4-H A combined effort by 4-H clubs around Iowa to contribute to the 4-H
Foundation. The campaign is coordinated and promoted by the State 4-H Council. Funds are
used for special Iowa 4-H Youth program needs, the State 4-H Council, International 4-H
programs, and financial aid for participation in the 4-H events.
4-H Community Club A group of at least 5 youth who meet together with a leader. Anyone
grades 4-12 can join the club and work on projects of their own interest by themselves. These
clubs elect officers and have monthly meetings.
4-H Day at the Legislature 4-H Day at the Legislature teaches youth about the legislative
process and informs legislators about 4-H's impact on Iowa through community improvement
projects. A group of 4-H members of a club in Humboldt County may attend the Legislative
Day by writing a letter requesting to attend to the Youth Development Committee. The group
of 4-H members must have done an outstanding community service project the past year.
Each club that participates in 4-H Day at the Legislature will display information about a
community service project they have completed. In addition to meeting with legislators at the
state capitol, the 4-H members will participate in a series of educational workshops.
4-H Food Stand is a club fundraiser for the Humboldt County 4-H program. The success of
the food stand depends largely on the 4-H members and families who work in their shifts
during their club’s assigned time at the county fair. The profit from the food stand is divided
among the clubs who worked shifts during the fair.
4-H Year The 4-H Year is September 1 to August 31. All 4-Hers’ record keeping and club
books follow these dates.
Activities There are several additional opportunities for youth beyond the club level.
Listed below are programs that are geared towards different age groups in 4-H:
Junior Activities: Every August, the CN6 Junior Camp is held at the Iowa 4-H Center in
Madrid for junior 4-H members in Humboldt, Webster, Wright, Hamilton, Hardin and
Franklin counties. The camp is put together and led by local 4-H staff in each of the six
counties. Youth get a true 4-H camp experience while making new friends from
neighboring 4-H programs!
Intermediate Activities: Every summer, Humboldt County can send two (and
sometimes more!) intermediate 4-H members on the Intermediate Trip to the Twin Cities.
Youth travel with 4-Hers from around central Iowa to experience the best of what
Minnesota has to offer during a three day-two night trip! Sixth through eighth graders can
take an over night trip to the Omaha Zoo.
Senior Activities: The senior 4-Hers now become role models to the younger 4-Hers!
Opportunities for senior members include becoming a member of the County Council,
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Area Council, State 4-H Council, state conference, tech team, Citizenship Washington
Focus (to D.C.), and the ability to apply for the annual Senior Award Trip to Chicago!
Awards and Recognition Humboldt County 4-H recognizes our members for their hard work
and accomplishments during the year at the annual Awards and Recognition Event held on
the third Sunday of November at the Events Center on the fairgrounds. All 4-Hers and family
members are invited to attend.
 County Awards: All Humboldt County 4-Hers are eligible to receive awards. Youth
need to stop in the CEO and pick up an award application before turning their record
books into their leaders. Record Keeping must be turned in, along with award
applications, to the CEO by September 15 in order to be considered. Awards are
presented at the annual Awards and Recognition Event in November.
 Area and State Awards: Area and state project awards are similar to the county project
awards. 4-Hers do not need to apply for a county project award in order to apply for
area project awards. 4-Hers may also apply for positions on State Council and Tech
Team, or to attend National Conference and Council. The application process involves
five pages of support materials, and must be turned in to the CEO by the end of January.
Clover Kids gives children in grade 3 an opportunity to participate in activities uniquely suited
to their development. They grow and learn in a non-competitive environment, learn
appropriate life skills, meet new friends, and have fun. Clovers is also used as a stepping
stone to transition youth into the 4-H program once they are in 4th grade.
Code of Ethics All 4-H’ers must have a current Code of Ethics form signed by the youth and a
parent/guardian at the COE. Code of Ethics is given at the same time as enrollment forms.
Youth are expected to be sincere, honest, and act in sportsmanlike ways at all times. Youth
represent the entire program and their behavior reflects on their parents, leaders, club, and
the entire youth program. All adults involved with the youth program, leaders as well as
parents, are expected to set positive examples and serve as positive role models by what they
say and do.
Conference Judging This method of judging is used for the majority of all classes at the
county fair. The 4-H’er brings his/her exhibit and goal card to the judge to discuss the work.
The judge uses this information, any written information required by the class rules, and
exhibits itself in determining the ribbon placing of the exhibit. A ribbon is awarded and the
placing is recorded on the Exhibitor List. Parents are allowed in the Events Center on judging
day, but are not allowed to sit or speak with their youth while they are being judged.
County Communications Event The county communications event is held every year
before the fair on the same day as the Clothing Event. 4-Hers can enter an educational
presentation, working exhibit or poster, or enter in extemporaneous speaking. All presenters
are awarded ribbons, and selections are made for 4-Hers to advance to the Clay County and
Iowa State Fairs.
Dates to Remember The “Dates to Remember” is a month-by-month list of events and
deadlines for the Humboldt County 4-H program. The Dates to Remember are updated
frequently (once a month or more often) and included in the monthly newsletter—the
Humboldt Happenings—as well as being posted on the website.
Enrollment Form To become a 4-H club member, an enrollment form must be on file in the
Humboldt County Extension office by May 15. (Youth can enroll in 4-H at any time, but must
be enrolled by May 15 in order to take exhibits or livestock to the county fair). Members who
have been enrolled in a 4-H club will receive a re-enrollment form in the fall from a leader. A
4-H’er may only be a member in one county. 4-Hers can also re-enroll online.
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Entry Forms and Periods Entry forms must be filled out for communications, Share-The-Fun
and livestock entries to the county fair. Communication contest and Share the Fun entries
have individual due dates (specific to when the contests will be held). The Livestock Entry
Forms are due to the CEO during the County Fair Entry Period (May1-June 15).
Exhibits A 4-H exhibit is an outgrowth of the 4-H project which the 4-H’er often chooses to
share or showcase at the fair. For example, a plate of cookies would be an exhibit that could
be displayed as a result of participation in the Food and Nutrition project area.
Fair Board The Fair Board is responsible for the Humboldt County Fair. This is separate from
the Extension office and its staff, although they work together on many projects.
Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) 4-H’ers who exhibit beef, swine, sheep,
goats, bucket bottle calves, dairy, poultry, and rabbit will need to be FSQA Certified before
showing at the county or state fairs. For more information, look on page 15.
Learning Card The learning card is a written explanation included with each exhibit that you
take to the county fair.
Grants and Scholarships Various Grants are available to 4-H’ers and clubs throughout the
year such as The Pioneer Improvement Grant and Iowa’s Promise Youth Grant. Also, the
Iowa 4-H Scholarship Program offers many scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors in
4-H. All applications are available at the CEO.
Humboldt County 4-H Foundation The Humboldt County 4-H Foundation was established
for anyone who wishes to give money to help support educational workshops, new clubs,
grants to 4-H clubs, and financial assistance for the youth of Humboldt County. Money can be
donated by memorials, tributes, life insurance, real estate, gifts in kind, charitable gift annuity,
or by becoming part of the 4-H 400/1000 Donor Club. All monies donated stay in the county.
Pick up donation cards at the CEO.
Humboldt County Fair The most exciting time of the year for 4-H’ers and families is the
Humboldt County Fair held at the fairgrounds in Humboldt every July. 4-H members may
exhibit their 4-H exhibits they have been working on all year.
Humboldt County Website The website will allow you to access information from ISU
Extension and Humboldt County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many 4-H forms, information
about activities, the 4-H Family Focus, and the Dates to Remember are available on the
website. The website is www.extension.iaste.edu/Humboldt -- click on “Kids and Teens/4-H”
for the 4-H and youth page.
Iowa 4-H Center and State 4-H Camps The Iowa 4-H Center is a retreat center owned by
the Iowa 4-H Foundation and operated in conjunction with the Iowa 4-H Program and the Iowa
State University Extension. Open for year-round use, the 4-H Center has 360 beds among five
villages and is available for anyone to rent anytime. The Iowa 4-H Center is located on 1100
acres along the Des Moines River near Madrid, Iowa. All camps are overnight experiences.
Camp is a great place to meet people, develop life skills, and create a positive outdoor ethic.
4-H camps are open to all youth; 4-H membership is not a requirement.
Iowa 4-H Foundation A nonprofit corporation formed to supplement the state 4-H program,
primarily through the development and operation of the State 4-H Camping Center at Madrid
and specialized programs that are conducted there. They also provide funding for innovative
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programs around the state and provide funding for youth who need financial assistance to
participate in the youth program.
Jr. Clovers Jr. Clovers gives children in 1-2 grades an opportunity to participate in activities
uniquely suited to their development. They grow and learn in a non-competitive environment,
learn appropriate life skills, meet new friends, and have fun.
Livestock Identification Form Also referred to as Livestock or Animal ID. This is how the 4H’er identifies all of his/her livestock projects. This includes beef, swine, horse, rabbit, dairy,
sheep, goat, poultry, bucket bottle calf, rabbit, and dog. Market animals are weighed-in and
are identified at the designated weigh-in times. The Livestock ID form must be turned in to the
CEO during the Livestock Identification Period (January 1—May 15). No forms will be
accepted after May 15. Only the animals listed on the ID forms are eligible to be exhibited at
any 4-H show. This is not a fair entry, but its purpose is to insure the animal has been the 4H’er’s project during the year.
National 4-H Week Held the first full week in October. This week provides special recognition
to the 4-H program nationwide. During this week, Humboldt County 4-H organizes several
activities, promotional opportunities, and recruitment efforts in celebration of 4-H!
Newsletter When you check your mail around the beginning of each month and see a half
folded green paper, you are receiving the Humboldt Happenings. The Humboldt Happenings
is the monthly 4-H newsletter filled with important dates and upcoming activities. Be sure
everyone reads through it completely so information doesn’t get missed.
Pick-a-Project 4H 200 - A listing and brief description of projects can be found in the Pick-aProject newspaper. It also lists all of the publications available for each of the project areas
and their cost. The Pick-a-Project papers are available at the CEO and from your leader.
Most clubs distribute these in the fall with the re-enrollment forms.
Principles and Elements of Design A design is a visual plan you can use to create your 4H exhibit. When you describe something you see, you use words that tell about the lines,
shapes, colors, textures, and spaces. Line, shape, color, texture, and space are the basic
elements of design.
The principles of design are combinations of design elements (line, shape, color, texture, and
space). Rhythm, emphasis, proportion, balance, and unity are the basic principles of design.
More information on the principles and elements of design is available at the CEO.
Project An individual area or subject the 4-H’er wants to learn more about. A project often
includes leadership, citizenship, communication, and decision making. The 4-H’er often
researches or gathers information, then applies the findings to the project.
Project Materials Project materials are listed in your Pick-A-Project newspaper and are
available at the CEO at a low cost.
Record Keeping Each 4-H member is expected to record a summary and evaluation of the 4H member’s experience each year. You need to fill out at least one project record sheet and a
yearly summary sheet. Project worksheets are also available, both at the CEO and on the
web. Record Keeping is due to the CEO by September 15 if you would like to turn it to be
eligible for awards. For more information on Record Keeping, look back under Achieving
Goals Through Record Keeping.
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Ribbons Iowa 4-H uses the Danish system of judging – rather than competing against
someone else, 4-H’ers challenge themselves to create exhibits that represent their best. The
Danish system places exhibits in groups representing standards met.
White: Exhibit needs improvement on many standards or is missing information critical
to evaluation of standards met.
Red: Exhibit meets some standards well, but could use improvements on other
standards.
Blue: Exhibit meets all standards well.
Purple: Exhibit exceeded the standards and is the best of the blues.
Safety and Education in Shooting Sports (SESS) 4-H Safety and Education in Shooting
Sports is a 4-H program which enhances the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional
development of youth through safe, educational, and socially acceptable involvement in a
shooting related activity. Youth MUST be a 4-H member in order to participate in the Shooting
Sports Program.
Special Interest Club These groups have a series of meetings on certain topic; like horses,
dogs, and Safety Education in Shooting Sports. Members of any 4-H club may attend multiple
sessions of any or all interest clubs that they’d like.
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Policies
The following policies are taken from the Humboldt County Youth Policy Document for
Iowa State University Extension youth programs. This document is maintained by the
Youth Committee.
Educational Trips, Events and Activities
All 4-Hers may participate in county, area, state, national, and international events and
programs. They must meet specific eligibility requirements for the event and must satisfactorily
complete preparatory orientation as required for specific programs. Members are expected to
represent 4-H well at all programs in which they participate.
Substance Use, Abuse, and Criminal Activity Policy
If a 4-Her is involved in substance use or criminal activity at a 4-H sponsored event, parents will
be contacted immediately and appropriate action taken. While working with youth and 4-H
activities, adult volunteers will abstain from the use of alcohol and illegal drugs. Any 4-Her
caught in a confirmed incident of substance use, abuse, and/or criminal activity may not be
recommended for any trip, activity, or recognition for one year.
Civil Rights
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion,
sex, age, or handicap. Girls or boys may belong to any 4-H club in Humboldt County.
Volunteers will abide by the Child Protection & Safety Policy
Beginning with the 1994-95 program year, all new staff and new volunteers involved with the 4H Youth program will have a background screen conducted before they are appointed to a paid
or volunteer position.
Humboldt County Education Activity Financial Assistance Policy
The Humboldt County 4-H Foundation may pay $10 or 10% of the fee for a 4-H member
to attend 4-H camps, conferences and approved educational activities. A member may
receive funding only one time per year. The 4-H year is September 1, through August
31.
To receive funding for any educational activity the youth fills out the appropriate activity
application to turn into the Foundation Board. Each individual application will be taken
into consideration for exceptions to this policy. Youth may apply to the committee to
receive additional funds that will be decided on a case by case basis.
No funds will be distributed unless current enrollment form is on record and the youth is
in good standing with their 4-H club.
Thank you to Greene County 4-H for the use of the “Guide for 4-H Families - Greene County” template in preparing
this member guide. This “Guide for 4-H Families - Humboldt County 4-H” has been prepared by County Youth
Coordinator David Stephens. Last revision was done by Amy Craven on 11/26/2012.
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