4-H Contests

All Contest Day

All Contest Day Flier

Expand your 4-H experiences and participate in the Dakota~Thurston All Contest Day.  

Choose from

  • Speech
  • Presentation
  • Favorite Foods
  • Music

You can find information about preparing for the contests on this page.

Registration deadline is March 17th.  

Register at:  https://go.unl.edu/dtcontests25

FAVORITE FOOD REVUE

table setting diagram

 

Dust off your cookbook and prepare your favorite recipe shine up you glassware and flatware.

Prepare a centerpiece and serve up a sample of  one item from the menu you chose.

  1. All 4-Hers are eligible to participate. DO NOT need to be enrolled in a Foods Project.
  2. Select and prepare a favorite recipe (doesn't have to be from 4-H project manual but should relate to what was learned in a project and/or age appropriate, also skill level appropriate.
  3. Plan a menu which includes the favorite food. (Tell for what kind of meal: Example, family supper, Sunday dinner, children's party, Thanksgiving dinner, etc.). Write the menu on a 4 x 6 card.
  4. Write recipe on a 4 x 6 card. (4 x 6 cards may be handwritten or typewritten or computer generated, but should reflect the work of the 4-Her)
  5. Prepare a centerpiece and place setting for one on a card table. You must supply your own card table. You may use placemats or a tablecloth. You do not have to use your best china. Settings may be plastic, glass, etc. The emphasis is placed on how well it goes together and how appropriate for the occasion of the meal. Eight foot (8') plastic tables at the Fire Hall may also be used, One youth at each end of a table.  
  6. Have your display in place 15 minutes prior to the start of the contest, so that judging may begin promptly.
  7. Parents and leaders may assist carrying articles for display, but 4-Hers are to set up display themselves.
  8. The favorite food may be displayed as the whole product or as one serving. A microwave may be available to heat your food depending on location of contest, so plan accordingly.
  9. Contest is divided into Senior, Intermediate, Junior, and Novice Divisions, however this is subject to change based on number of youth entering contest, may be divided into Junior and Senior division.
  10. Each contestant will be interviewed by the judge for about five minutes. Questions will be asked about the favorite food, menu, and centerpiece and place setting.

Ribbon will be dropped on placing if above guidelines are not followed.

Planning & Writing the Menu & Writing the Recipe

MENU PLANNING

In planning a menu decide first on the main dish, then select accompanying dishes and finally the dessert if appropriate. 
A well planned menu:

  • Contains a variety of foods to meet the nutritional needs of those for whom it is planned.  (Utilize the “My Plate” Guidelines with the focus of half your plate being fruits & vegetables at every meal.)
  • Is attractive, with a variety of colors, textures, and flavors.
  • Is suitable for the occasion/meal.
  • Is readily prepared and easily served with equipment on hand.
  • Shows wise use of money and time.
  • Utilizes foods in season.
WRITING THE MENU

1. List the foods in the order in which they are eaten. Not every menu will include all of the foods listed.
 

  • Appetizer
  • Main Dish
  • Starchy vegetable
  • Other vegetable
  • Salad
  • Bread
  • Dessert
  • Beverage

             Example: 

Broiled Ham
Grilled Pineapple Slices
Cole Slaw
Hot Gingerbread with Applesauce
Coffee         Milk

 

2. Use capitals for all words except articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.
3. When an item on the menu has an accompaniment, place the main item to the left and the accompaniment to the right.. 
                   Example:  Hot Gingerbread with Applesauce
4. When a food is commonly prepared in more than one way, avoid confusion by describing the method of cooking, such as:
                   Roast Turkey       French Fried Potatoes 
5. List each food, with the exception of butter, cream, sugar, or salad dressing, unless it is something special.  
                  Example: Sour Cream Dressing
6. List the beverage last. 
7. Plan the spacing and arrangement of the items on the  menu so that the written menu is symmetrical. 

Print Version (PDF)

WRITING RECIPES
 

There are four main ways that recipes are written

STANDARD FORM
1. List all ingredients first.

        A.  List just what is needed to make the recipe. 
        B.  If ingredient is modified, the exact measurement is given.
        C.  Ingredients are listed in order of use.

2. The method follows in paragraphs or steps.

3. This form is excellent for recipes containing many ingredients.
 

Waffles
1 3/4 C. sifted flour
3 tsp. baking powder1/2 tsp. salt
2 beaten egg yolks
1 1/4 C. milk
1/2 C. melted shortening
2 stiffly beaten egg whites

 Preheat waffle iron.  Sift dry ingredients.  Combine egg yolks, milk, and shortening, combine with dry ingredients.  Fold in egg whites.  Bake in hot waffle iron.  Makes 8 waffles.

 

NARRATIVE FORM:
1. Includes the amounts of ingredients with the method. 

2. Especially suited to short recipes or those with few ingredients.

3. Hard to follow but uses least amount of space. 

Waffles

Preheat waffle iron.  Measure out 1 3/4 C. of sifted flour.  Add 3 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. Salt and sift again.  Separate the egg yolks from the whites of 2 eggs.  Beat the yolks slightly.  Add to the yolks 1 1/4 C. milk and 1/2 C. of melted shortening.  Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients.  Beat the 2 egg whites until stiff but not dry.  Fold the egg whites into the batter.  Bake in a hot waffle iron.  Makes 8 waffles.

ACTION FORM

1. This style combines narrative action with listed ingredients.
2. Takes more space but is easy to follow.
3. Ingredients are described in the same way as in the standard form.

Waffles

Preheat waffle iron.
Measure and sift together in mixing bowl:
1 3/4 C sifted flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix together:
 2 beaten egg yolks 
1 1/4 C. milk
1/2 C. melted shortening
Stir liquid ingredients into dry ingredients.
Fold in 2 beaten egg whites.
Bake in hot waffle iron.
Makes 8 waffles.

DESCRIPTIVE FORM

1. Each ingredient is followed by the necessary modification so the cook may readily see the ingredients needed.
2. Amounts of ingredients are listed in a separate column.
3. Each step is a separate paragraph.
4. This is a newer form and is very easy to follow. 

Flour, sifted
Baking Powder
Salt
Eggs, separated
Milk
Shortening, melted
 		1 3/4 C
3 tsp.
1/2 tsp.
2
1 1/4 C.
1/2 C. 		Preheat waffle iron
Sift dry ingredients into bowl
Combine egg yolks, milk and shortening
Stir liquid ingredients into dry
Fold in egg whites which have been beaten until stiff but not dry.
Bake in hot waffle iron
 

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RECIPE

1. Accurate
2. Complete
3. Simple and clear
4. It should be concise
5. List all the ingredients in the order used.
6. Give exact measurements in the easiest unit of measure.
7. Do not abbreviate unless necessary because of space limitations
8. Use weights for meat when helpful.
9. Use weight or fluid measure of canned goods.
10. Specify type of ingredient as kind of flour, fat, etc.
11. Use short sentences and clear, simple directions
12. Give word pictures if helpful such as foamy, syrupy, thickness, etc.
13. Give methods that are accepted procedures.
14. Specify size of pans or casseroles.
15. Give two tests for doneness if possible such as thermometer and a general test.
16. Give total yield or number of servings of a certain size. 

Information complied by: University of Nebraska  - Lincoln Extension, Dakota County

Dakota 4-h youth speech contest

Speech, Presentation, PSA, Video Communication

Prepared Speech

Through the 4-H Public Speaking Contest, youth have an opportunity to write  and prepare a speech, on a topic related to their 4-H experience. The judge will view the speech and evaluate based on the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech. 

· The 4-H Public Speaking Contest helps youth develop skills for communicating about current issues to real audiences, learn how to organize and prepare a speech, develop speech delivery skills, learn how to present themselves to others, and develop self-confidence.  Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.

· All speeches must be original and include 4-H as the major component of the speech.

· 4-H public speakers may not use the old speech written by a sibling, another 4-H member, or anyone else.

· Acknowledge the source of information used in the speech. For example, an article from a magazine may be used for reference but should not be quoted directly unless you tell the audience your source.

· The use of visual aids and props is not allowed.

· Dress appropriately. Do not wear costumes or special effects clothing.

 CLASSES:

Cloverkid Division, age 5-7 (1-2 minutes)
Junior Division, age 8-10*  (2-3 minutes)
Intermediate Division, age 11-13*  (3-5 minutes)
Senior Division, age 14 & over*  (5-8 minutes)

The Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA contest challenges youth to write and record a 60-second promotional audio recording focused on a yearly theme that could be played on the radio to promote the work of Nebraska 4-H. Youth are judged on their overall organization and delivery of the PSA.

*Contest is divided into Senior, Intermediate, & Junior divisions, this is subject to change based on number of youth entering contest, may be divided into Junior and Senior Division

After participating at the county level, up to five (5) contestants in the Intermediate and Senior divisions in both speech and PSA categories will be selected to advance to the state Public Speaking Contest.  The State Public Speaking Contest will be June 19-20, 2025 in Lincoln.  Must have received a purple ribbon to advance.  

Public Service Announcement

The Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA contest challenges youth to write and record a 60-second promotional audio recording focused on a yearly theme that could be played on the radio to promote the work of Nebraska 4-H. Youth are judged on their overall organization and delivery of the PSA.

PSA Cloverkid Division,  age 5-7
PSA Division, Junior age 8-10*
PSA Division, Int. age 11-13*
PSA Division, Senior age 14 & over*

 · Length:  60 seconds· Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.

· Youth will prepare a PSA around the theme: · Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.

· Youth will prepare a PSA around the 2025 theme: "Ready through 4-H...and beyond"

·  All radio PSA”s must promote 4-H and be general enough to be used anywhere in Nebraska at any time of the year.

· All 4-H PSA”s must included the following tagline within the last 10 seconds of the PSA:  “Learn more about Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development Program at 4h.unl.edu” The tagline is included in the 60-second time limit.

· Sound effect and public-domain music may be used. Copyrighted material may not be used.

· All PSA”s must be the original work of the presenter. Contestants may not use PSA”s written and provided by the state or national staff. PSA entries will be submitted electronically in a .wav or.mpe audio format along with the registration form.

 *Contest is divided into Senior, Intermediate, & Junior divisions, this is subject to change based on number of youth entering contest, may be divided into Junior and Senior Division

 After participating at the county level, up to five (5) contestants in the Intermediate and Senior divisions in both speech and PSA categories will be selected to advance to the state Public Speaking Contest.  The State Public Speaking Contest will be held in Lincoln, NE on Wednesday, June 19-20, 2025.

Presentation

An Illustrated Presentation is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something. Presentations are given on a stage. Judge views the entire presentation and engages in a question and answer session following presentation.

Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/premier-communication-event-contests#presentation

 Rules:

1. All participants must be 8 years old years old before January 1 of the current year.

2. All classes require the presence of the contestant(s).

3. Participants are required to pay a non-refundable fee of $5 for each participant or $10 for a team of two participants. (STATE FAIR)

4. A team presentation, consisting of two (2) individuals, may be given for any class; there is no separate class for team presentations. 

5. Enrollment in the project area in which the participant is making a presentation is not required.

Illustrated Presentation: 

 Participant Requirements: 
Youth may only participate in one class within Division 151.
Length:  · Team:  Junior 5-7 Minutes, Intermediate/Senior 8-10 minutes . Participants may be penalized if their presentation exceeds the time limits.
Individual:  Junior  3-5 minutes, Intermediate/Senior  6-8 minutes  

Presentation Topic:
· All 4-H Presentations topics should be related to what the 4-H youth is learning through 4-H educational experiences.
· 4-H Presentations should include an introduction (the “why” portion of the topic), a body (the “show and tell” portion of the topic), and a conclusion/summary (the “what” portion of the topic).

Contest Information:
Presenters using computer-based visuals may bring files on a USB drive that is PC formatted. Participants may also provide their own computer or other equipment as needed; however, participants must be able to connect their computer to a HDMI plug.

To participate in the Premier Communications Event on UNL campus participants must have received a purple rating at a County 4-H Presentations contest. 
The Premier Communication Event will be held June 19-20, 2025.

Impromptu Speech

Impromptu Speech

The Impromptu Speech competition gives youth the opportunity to write and present a speech around a 4-H-related topic that they select during the competition, where they are given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presentation. Judges evaluate the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech.

Rules

  • Length
    • Cloverkid Division 1 minute
    • Junior Division (ages 8-10): 1 1/2 minutes
    • Intermediate Division (ages 11-13): 3 minutes
    • Senior Division (ages 14-18): 5 minutes
  • Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.
  • On the day of the contest, participants will have a topic randomly selected for them. Youth will have no more than 15 minutes to develop a speech on the selected topic. Participants will then deliver the speech to judges and audience members. 
  • Example topic: My Day in 4-H 

Video Communication

The video communication contest allows youth to create a multi-media video around a theme related to 4-H. Judges will be evaluating on both the organization of information as well as the audio and video production.

 

Rules

  • Length: 60-90 seconds
  • Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed. 
  • Youth may use a phone, laptop, or tablet to create a multi-media piece around the 2025 Theme: "Ready through 4-H...and beyond"
  • Sound effects, public-domain music, and graphics can be used. Copyrighted materials may not be used. 
  • Videos will be submitted electronically as MP4 files along with the registration form.

Resources

Resources

Review the resources for information and tips on creating great speeches and presentations.

Look over the scoresheets to see how your entry will be evaluated.  

https://4h.unl.edu/nebraska-4-h-communications-resources/

PSA Scoresheet

Illustrated Presentation scoresheet

Impromptu Speech Scoresheet

PCE Impromptu Speech Scoresheet

Video Communication Scoresheet

Presentation Visuals

MUSIC CONTEST

4-H Music Contest

4-H Youth music contest

The 4-H Music Contest provides an opportunity for 4-H Youth to showcase their musical skills.  Youth can sing, play an instrument or dance.  The can preform solo or as part of a group. 

Rules:
All participants must be Dakota or Thurston County 4-H’ers. 
4-H’er may participate in a maximum of three (3) classes
Classes 901-906 must have at least three (3) participants.
Length of performance not to exceed 6 minutes. Accompaniment may be live or professionally recorded. Accompaniment can be provided by an adult or non 4-H member. 
Please provide you own music stand and tape/CD player if needed.
Ribbon will be dropped one placing if above guidelines are not followed.
Grand Champion Rosette will be awarded for Best of Show.

CLASSES:

GROUP COMPETITION
Junior Division (majority of participating group members) 8-12 yrs.
Drill or Dance Routine - May be a drill, square or folk dance, tap dance or any routine done as a group. Groups should be prepared to perform on a small stage.
Song Group (3 or more)
Combo or Band - Group with instruments of their choice, including piano. May include vocalists. 
 

Senior Division (majority of participating group members) 13 & over.
Drill or Dance Routines - May be drill, square or folk dance, tap dance or any routine done as a group. Groups should be prepared to perform on a small stage.
Song Group (3 or more)
Combo or Band - Group with instruments of their choice, including piano. May include vocalists.

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION
Individual Vocal
Duet Vocal
Individual Instrumental
Duet Instrumental
Individual Dance
Duet Dance

Scoresheet