What is a project?
Each 4-H member will have an opportunity to select one or more projects to learn about during the year. A project is simply a topic, or subject, the member wants to explore. The member will focus on increasing his knowledge and skills on this topic during the year. Projects are completely self-paced. A member may focus on a project over the whole year, or maybe just a few months of the year. Similarly, a member may choose to explore the same topic for many years, gaining a real, in-depth knowledge of the project.
Another member may prefer to explore a wide variety of projects during his/her years in 4-H.
In most cases, the member will end up with one or more finished exhibits to enter in the fair from each project he/she selects. With nearly 150 projects available, there is something to interest every child.
There is not a limit to the number of projects a member can select; however, parents and leaders should help guide members in setting realistic, but challenging goals. It is always better to complete fewer projects that reflect quality workmanship then to do a “rush job” and complete a lot of poorer quality projects.
Project work is at the heart of 4-H. As youth work to complete a 4-H project, a lot more is happening than “just” learning new skills. In fact, project work encompasses all four “H’s”- head, heart, hands, and health. Take for instance a young person working on a sewing project.
Their project-related activities may involve…
- HEAD Mental development: gaining deeper knowledge and reasoning abilities
- HEART Emotional development: developing interests, appreciation, and wholesome attitudes
- HANDS Skills development: ability to do, skill in doing, and the habit of doing
- HEALTH Physical development: understanding and appreciation of growing and changing body