Recognition of achievement of standards of excellence gives youth an external, pre-determined target for their learning experience.  Members may elect to have 4-H projects or performance evaluated at a local or county 4-H show, contest, fair or other exhibit opportunities. Youth have opportunity to compete in local, county, district, state and national contests and events.  View County 4-H web sites for dates and guidelines for events and activities. 

Recognition

Sponsor

Age Eligibility

Selection Criteria

Goal(s)

Ribbon Placings

Project Work demonstrating excellence in relationship to standards, i.e. exhibits, demonstrations, public speaking, skill-a-thons, project judging.

NE 4-H Youth Dev.

County Extension office, 4-H Council, County Fair Board, and State Fair Board.

See guidelines for various contests and events.

Standards for projects found in 4H project manuals.  Consideration is given for youth age and ability.  Standards for various fair exhibits can be found  on  fair exhibit score sheets.

Fair Score Sheets

Provides youth with genuine feedback so they gain insight into their own abilities and build mastery.

Exhibit Score sheets for helping members evaluate their work.

Presentation score sheet & information

Public Speaking  information & score sheets

PASE Life Challenges

Horse  Educational Contests

Livestock Educational Contests

Horticulture Events, Tree IHorticulture & Forestry Educational Events

Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Contest

Mastery is the building of knowledge, skills and attitudes and then demonstrating the competent use of this knowledge and skill in the manner of the proficient practitioner.  The level of mastery is dependent on the developmental ability of the individual youth.  The development of mastery is a process that happens overtime and is increased with repetition.

Clover Kids: 

This experience is not age appropriate for Clover Kids who need the freedom to explore their creative outlets. Children younger than eight cannot distinguish that they can be good at some things and not others. They tend to think in term of all good or all bad. This type of experience is confusing and undermines their self-confidence. It is appropriate to start helping them understand or think about standards of excellence, but their performance should not be evaluated in relation to the standards. Recognition is important for Clover Kids, but it should be positive and non-competitive. Recognition for participation is recommended.