Why Have a 4-H Record Book?

The 4-H program has a long history of record keeping. This focus reflects the importance of this life skill in our daily lives. In 4-H, young people track their activities, events, profits and losses, skill development and learning experiences.Completing a 4-H Record Book is a process where 4-H members record project and club work.
4-H Record Books serve a variety of purposes:
  • 4-H Record Books encourage members to set goals, pursue strategies to meet those goals, and to shift gears in the face of challenges and obstacles. 
  • A 4-H Record Book may be required to receive participation awards (such as star ranking, medals or pins based on 4-H Record Book achievements).
  • The 4-H Record Book is not required for 4-H membership or for participation in 4-H activities such as club events and activities, or for attending 4-H camps or conferences. 
  • Paper version, official manual, and sample record books are available from the California 4-H Record Book Training and Resources page.

2025-2026 Oak Town 4-H
​Record Book Submissions

Oak Town 4-H Members' Record Books for the 2025-2026 4-H Program Year are due on 8/29/2026 and should be emailed to [email protected] or turned in at the August Outreach Picnic.

Members wishing to enter their Record Books into the County 4-H Record Book Competition should use the Alameda County 4-H Record Book Survey. County Record Books are due TBD.

General Tips:    

  • If possible, do record events and project meetings as they happen. Write down:    
      • The date of the event
      • What you did or made
      • What you learned
  • If you have not been working on your record book and are starting now, find dates from the following sources:    
  • More help may be found in these places: