North Dakota State University

What is a 4-H project?

A 4-H project is made up of three types of activities:

1. Hands-On Activities; making, producing, selling, practicing, observing, testing interviewing, etc.
2. Organized Activities; demonstrations, speeches, workshops, camps, county judging, project activities, exhibits, etc.
3. Leadership/Citizenship Activities; conducting, planning, teaching, assisting, informing, organizing, etc.

4-H members take a project as either an individual or group project.

Citizenship & Civic Education

• Citizenship

Communications & Expressive Arts

• Arts, Communications, Leathercraft, Photography

Consumer & Family Science

• Child Development, Clothing & Textiles, Consumer Savvy, Fiber Arts,  Home Environment, Leisure Arts, Money Management

Engineering, Science, & Technology

• Aerospace, Bicycle, Computers, Geospatial, Robotics, Small Engines, Welding, Woodworking

Environment & Natural Resources

• Exploring Your Environment, Fishing, Forestry, Insects (Entomology), Nature Trails, Outdoor Adventures (Shooting Sports) , Wildlife

Healthy Lifestyle Education

• Foods & Nutrition, Food Preservation, Health

Personal Development & Leadership

• Careers, Do Your Own Thing, Entrepreneurship, Leadership

Plants & Animals

• Crop Production, Gardening
• Beef, Cats, Dairy Cattle, Dogs, Goats, Horse/Hippology, Pets, Poultry, 
  Rabbits, Sheep, Swine, Biological (Veterinary) Sciences

Group Projects

•  Acres of Adventure, Cloverbud, Food, Culture and Reading, Exploring the Treasures of 4-H, Healthy North Dakota Clubs, Learn Abouts, Reading Makes Cents, There's No New Water

4-H members begin projects by reading the section called "project planning guide" in the project guide. You do no need to do everything in the project guide. Plan to do as many activities based on your interest and abilities. Keep in mind that the project plan can change as your interests change.

4-H members can spend days, weeks, or even month's on a project depending on the size and scope of the project plan. Projects can be repeated to accomplish additional project goals. Many project guides are designed to be used for more than one year. Although many project guides have levels or units, 4-H members can enroll in the level they feel comfortable with and are challenged in.

Many projects have leader or helper guides that contains information to help the adult or teen leaders work with youth in a project area. It may include information on working with activities, understanding youth, answer keys, suggestions for modifying activities, a list of resources, or other useful material.