Through 4-H program youth discover potential within themselves by exploring their inner passions, interests, and learning from peers and industry experts. 4-H Projects help members find and nurture their spark. Each year, members select at least one project to explore. The project enrollment guide has more information on available projects. Download the guide in the link below.

Project Enrollment Guide PDF

For more information and resources available go to the Wisconsin 4-H Website, link below.

Wisconsin 4-H Projects website.

A 4-H PROJECT IS:

• Planned work in an area of interest to the 4-H member.
• Guided by a 4-H adult volunteer who is the project leader.
• Aimed at planned objectives that can be attained and measured.
• Summarized by some form of record keeping.

Members participating for the first time may be encouraged to limit their selections to one to two projects for the year. As members gain experience, the size or depth of the project may increase, and/or additional projects may be selected. Some project groups meet once a week, while others might meet once or twice a year. The purpose of these meetings is to guide the members in gaining knowledge, attitudes, skills, and habits needed to successfully navigate educational and professional pursuits, and their role as citizens in a complex world.

Participating at the Fair

One of the many models 4-H uses to help youth thrive is Experiential Learning. Youth learn by doing, reflecting on what they have done and then applying what they learn. The reflection piece to this model is an extremely important part of positive youth development. One way to reflect on what has been learned is by participating in the local fair. 

At the fair, youth (exhibitors) submit projects or entries to be critiqued by state-licensed judges. There are different types of judging or evaluations, but for Outagamie County Junior Fair a conference or interview style is used. Judges will ask questions to the youth to help them reflect on the work they accomplished and to further their learning and application in the future.

Sample questions may include:

• Tell me about your project.
• How did you do it?
• What process did you use?
• What surprised you about the work you did?
• What was the most challenging?
• What skills did you use, practice or gain?
• What would you like to do differently the next time?
• What did you learn?
• Did anyone help you?

The judges are compensated for their time and to share their opinion of projects with the exhibitors. Sometimes exhibitors don’t get the ribbon they think their project deserves, and that is okay. It is important to help youth focus on what was learned and the experience rather than just the outcome. If you need ideas for how to help your child accept constructive feedback here is a great resource.

If during the fair, you have questions about rules or regulations you can reference some of the resources below or contact the group in charge. This may be the Outagamie County Fair Board, the Outagamie County 4-H Educator, or yet another group. 

• Is it Fair or it is 4-H?
• Outagamie County Role Comparison
• Fair Flow Chart
• Outagamie County Fair
• Outagamie County 4-H

Available Projects

Cloverbuds (K-2)
The purpose of the Outagamie 4-H Cloverbud project is to foster the development of life skills essential to the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth for youth ages 5-8 years old.

Committee Meeting Purpose Outline