These instructions are for Van Wert County, OHIO only. Please contact your local Extension Office for details on your own county’s judging.
CAN I USE MY OLD BOOK?
Yes. But you must be able to show the judge what you learned this year. We do suggest that you try another project unless it is a more open-ended project with varying skill levels (like cake decorating, or scrapbooking).
ARE ANY OF THE PAGES OPTIONAL FOR MY CHILD? WHAT IF THEY ARE ONLY A FIRST YEAR MEMBER?
All books are different. It can be very hard for us to answer this question with over 200 books. If you flip to the first couple of pages, most books have an outline of the expectations of the project. There it will tell you how many areas you will need to complete. See the next question for a more full explanation.
HOW DOES MY CHILD KNOW WHAT TO COMPLETE?
In each of the project books, there should be a loose sheet of paper that has a table on it. The table lists project number and name, skill level, project completion requirements, county requirements, and Ohio State Fair requirements. This is a great resource for making sure that you have it all completed before judging.
WON’T THE ADVISOR DO THE PROJECT FOR THEM IN THE CLUB MEETINGS?
Club meetings are a great chance to ask questions, socialize with other club members, give demonstrations, and learn about general 4-H opportunities (camp, swim day). Many of the clubs are a general club and advisors are not expected to help your child complete the book in the meetings. Many will help you complete it, practice judging, or talk to you about your project, but actually completing the book should be a family affair with your child in the driver seat of the project.
HOW MUCH ARE THE BOOKS?
The books are $6.00 each from the Extension Office. Advisors will ask you how many you need to turn in a club order. It is preferred that you get your books through the club as we have a limited stock of project books here at the Extension Office and cannot guarantee any book at any given time.
Note: There are some books that vary more in cost. They are marked in the Ohio 4-H Family Guide with their price. Unmarked books mean the price is $6.00.
HOW WILL MY BOOK BE SCORED? WHEN WILL MY BOOK BE SCORED?
Your book will be scored based on the criteria listed from the project completion requirements. The judge has the right to deduct points for incomplete records. Books will be scored Tuesday, July 18 at Van Wert Middle School. Appointment times will be available from 3:00pm-6:50pm that evening.
WHAT ABOUT SEWING PROJECTS?
Sewing projects are scheduled into time blocks. They cannot be scheduled in the system like the others. You will receive a letter than explains when you will be expected to attend judging.
I CAN’T MAKE IT TO JUDGING BECAUSE WE ARE NOT GOING TO BE IN TOWN! WHAT DO I DO?
You will need to speak with your Club Advisor, and set up a time for their book to be judged. They will be following the same guidelines as the judging on July 18. Please note that if you do not attend the July 18 judging that you cannot be selected as a participant for the Ohio State Fair, or as a County Trophy Winner.
WHAT KIND OF QUESTIONS WILL THE JUDGE ASK? HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD?
Judges will ask questions
- Tell me about your project.
- What did you like?
- Knowledge-based questions
Judges may ask a variation of the questions above. If you feel your child may struggle with interaction with one of our judges and requires accommodation, please contact Heather to complete a Winning Plan Request.
WHAT GRADING SYSTEM DO YOU USE?
We are implementing a grading system this year that is worded differently.
SUPERIOR-4-H member went above and beyond the project requirements. They had superior knowledge of project and developed an extensive exhibit.
OUTSTANDING-4-H member met all project requirements. They had basic knowledge of subject matter and a nice exhibit.
GOOD-4-H member met only some project requirements. They needed more project knowledge and more extensive exhibit.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT-4-H member met none of the project requirements.
We feel with this model that the majority of projects will receive an outstanding grade, and the ones with superior will be our highlighted projects.
When will I know if my child will win an award?
Awards will be given at the 4-H Awards ceremony the Sunday before Fair begins. You will receive a post card if you are getting an award to invite you to attend.
What other things can my child participate in with their project?
IF MY CHILD DOES NOT GET THE GRADE I THINK THEY DESERVE, WHAT CAN I DO?
Judges are given score sheets to express what they feel is maybe a good or needs improvement project. If you feel your child was treated unfairly, please contact the Extension Office to set up an appointment to speak with Heather regarding the decision. Heather will review the grade and comments along with the book to look over the grade received. Arguments the day of judging will not be tolerated as they provide a hostile environment for the youth that are already tense about the judging process.
