4-H Recordbook

Recordkeeping is a valuable skill taught to members of the Texas 4-H program. Members are encouraged to keep project records and have these records reviewed annually by submitting a Texas 4-H Record Book. The primary purposes of completing a Record Book are for a young person to develop the skills necessary to set goals, work toward achieving those goals, reflect on his/her experiences, and set new and higher goals for themselves. A secondary benefit is to prepare young people for the process of completing academic scholarship and/or collegiate admission applications.

4-H Record Book is a competitive event where 4-H members assemble their records into a specified document and submit those for evaluation against other 4-H members. However, one may choose to complete a record book just for the skill learned and not elect to submit for competition. A Dallas County 4-H member who submits a record book for competitive evaluation to advance will be awarded a pin at the county annual awards banquet.

 

2026 Dallas County 4-H Record Books Submission Guidelines

 How the Scoring Process Works

Dallas County uses a two-step scoring process to help members improve and succeed:

  1. First Scoring (Initial Review, Completed by Agents) Due May 26, 2026 (50% of your score)
    • Record books are evaluated using the official rubric.
    • Members receive constructive feedback and have the opportunity to make corrections.
    • The highest-scoring book in each age division and project category may advance to District IV competition (optional).
  2. Second Scoring (Final County Judging, Completed by impartial volunteers) Due by June 16, 2026 (50% of your score)
    • Members resubmit their revised record books.
    • Final scores are based on the average of both submissions.
    • This final score determines county awards.

Important: Record books must be submitted twice to receive a final averaged score.

Key Dates

  • Record Book Workshop in person: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Virtual Recording: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WgSmToexu1uTBGYGyXQeZ4iPN6ftyYD6/view?usp=sharing
  • Initial Submission (Hard Copy Due at County office 6820 LBJ Fwy, Dallas): Tuesday, May 26, 2026 by 4:00 PM
  • Books Returned with Feedback: By June 5, 2026
  • District IV Submission Deadline (if advancing): June 12, 2026
  • Final County Submission (Revised Books Due): June 16, 2026
  • Awards Ceremony: August 8, 2026

Submission Requirements

  • Only one (1) record book per member may be submitted.
  • Record books must be attached to one main project area (include all related work within that project).
  • Hard copy submission is required.

Eligibility

  • Must be an active member enrolled in the 2025–2026 Texas 4-H program in Dallas County.
  • Must meet UIL academic eligibility requirements at the time of competition.

 Age Divisions

(Based on grade as of September 1, 2025)

  • Junior: Ages 8-10 (Grades 3–5)
  • Intermediate: Ages 11-13 (Grades 6–8)
  • Senior: Ages 14-18 (Grades 9–12)

Awards & Recognition

  • All participants receive a quality ribbon (Blue, Red, White, or Green).
  • NEW Score of 95 or higher: Earn a Project Medal.
  • Top entries may advance to District IV competition.
  • Top District Senior entries may advance to State competition.

Participants will be recognized at the Dallas County 4-H Awards Ceremony on August 8th.

Resources:

Dallas County 4-H Training – Record Books 2025-2026

Family Guide to the Texas 4-H Record Books:
Record Book Categories
Record Book Scoresheet
Record Book Forms 2025- 2026 Word
Additional Resources

 

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