4-H Youth Development

4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: 4-H Youth Development Programming in Hard-to-Reach Communities

Sharon K. Junge (original lead), Vanessa Starr Spero (lead); Niki Crawson, J. R. Davis, Tara Dorn, Beth Rasa Edwards, Stacy Hall, Karen Henry, Heather Futch, Beth Kerr, Andrea Lazzari, Abby Morgan, Kristie Popa, Cindy Smalley, Melinda Souers, Kateli

This is part of a series of guides that have been updated with permission from 4-H National Council. This resource guide is designed to be used by Extension professionals and after-school providers to deliver positive youth development programs in hard-to-reach areas or populations. It includes information on identifying hard-to-reach audiences and potential challenges to their participation in 4-H programming. The original educational material was edited and revised for this edition by the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals Afterschool Working Group, led by Vanessa Spero. Published by the 4-H Youth Development Department, UF/IFAS Extension, May 2023.

4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Developing and Managing a 4-H Afterschool Program

Sharon K. Junge (original lead), Vanessa Spero (lead), Laura Valencia, Niki Crawson, J. R. Davis, Tara Dorn, Stacy Hall, Karen Henry, Heather Janney, Beth Kerr, Andrea Lazzari, Abby Morgan, Kristie Popa, Cindy Smalley, Melinda Souers, Katelin Stenro

This guide will assist Extension professionals in establishing new after-school programs in communities with insufficient programs available for school-age youth. The chapters cover a range of steps and considerations, including conducting needs assessments, hiring and training staff, and program sustainability. However, this guide cannot cover everything required. Additional resources that provide more in-depth information and tools are listed in this publication.

4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Starting 4-H Clubs in After-School Programs

Sharon K. Junge (original lead), Vanessa Starr Spero (lead); Niki Crawson, JR Davis, Tara Dorn, Beth Rasa Edwards, Stacy Hall, Karen Henry, Heather Janney, Beth Kerr, Andrea Lazzari, Abby Morgan, Kristie Popa, Cindy Smalley, Melinda Souers, Katie St

This resource guide is designed to be used by Extension/4-H professionals and after-school providers to deliver well-formed, positive youth development programs in after-school sites. It includes information on initiating the development of 4-H clubs at after-school sites, volunteer training resources and exercises, how to sustain the clubs, and connections to the community and beyond. The original educational material was edited and revised for this edition by the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals Afterschool Working Group, led by Vanessa Spero. Published by the 4-H Youth Development Department, UF/IFAS Extension, March 2024.

4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Teens as Volunteer Leaders

Sharon K. Junge (original lead), Vanessa Starr Spero (lead); Niki Crawson, J. R. Davis, Tara Dorn, Beth Rasa Edwards, Stacy Hall, Karen Henry, Heather Janney, Beth Kerr, Andrea Lazzari, Abby Morgan, Kristie Popa, Cindy Smalley, Melinda Souers, Katel

This resource guide is designed to be used by Extension/4-H professionals to deliver teen-led curricula in after-school programs. It includes an overview of program delivery, recruitment processes and training outlines. The original educational material was edited and revised for this edition by the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals Afterschool Working Group, led by Vanessa Spero. Published by the 4-H Youth Development Department, UF/IFAS Extension, April 2023.

4-H Agent Guide for Managing the Approval, Denial, and Releasing of Volunteers in Florida 4-H

Andrew Toelle, Heather Kent, and Sophia Cooney

The purpose of these Volunteer Management Guidelines is to provide Extension faculty assistance with approving, denying, and releasing volunteers. This document contains several example letters that may be used and other useful tools to assist you with this process. It also demonstrates steps in approving, denying, and releasing volunteers. Written by Andrew Toelle, Heather Kent, and Sophia Cooney; 7 pp.

4-H Archery Leader Guide: Basic and Advanced Levels, Ages 8–18 Years

Julia S. Kelly, Matt Benge, and Glenn Israel

The purpose of this guide is to provide a resource for archery leaders that includes reflection, application and evaluation with the activities. Written by Julia S. Kelly, and published by the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program, UF/IFAS Extension, June 2023.

4-H Citizenship Project: Volunteer Guide

John Rutledge, Joy C. Jordan, and Dale Pracht

4-H Eggcellent Adventures in Classroom Embryology: An Intracurricular Guide to Chicken Embryology

Shaina Spann and Judy Levings

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Developing organizational and volunteer systems to support youth development

4-H Exploring Citizenship, Unit I: Me, My Family, and My Friends

This material was prepared by the Southern Regional 4-H Citizenship Literature Committee through a grant from the Coca-Cola Company.

4-H Exploring Citizenship, Unit II—My Neighborhood

This material was prepared by the Southern Regional 4-H Citizenship Literature Committee through a grant from the Coca-Cola Company.

4-H Exploring Citizenship, Unit IV - My Heritage

John Rutledge, Joy C. Jordan, and Dale Pracht

4-H Exploring Citizenship, Unit V: My Community

John Rutledge, Joy C. Jordan, and Dale Pracht

4-H Exploring Citizenship, Unit VII: My World

John Rutledge, Joy C. Jordan, and Dale Pracht

4-H FAQs

Marilyn N. Norman and Joy C. Jordan

This article answers common questions about 4-H in Florida.

4-H Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Leader Guide

John Pipoly, Angelina Toomey, Sarah Hensley, Esen Momol, Jennifer W. Marvin, and Kelly Perez

This curriculum addresses Florida’s unique environment and may be used alone or as a supplement to the 4-H Junior Master Gardener curriculum. Youth will learn nine basic principles of FFL, including water, soil, and vegetation conservation through landscape and gardening activities. This curriculum targets youth in grades 6 to 8 (ages 10 to 14) and contains both in-classroom and home activities that allow youth to understand and engage the world around them. 137 pp.

4-H Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Workbook

John Pipoly, Angelina Toomey, Sarah Hensley, Esen Momol, Jennifer W. Marvin, and Kelly Perez

This curriculum addresses Florida’s unique environment and may be used alone or as a supplement to the 4-H Junior Master Gardener curriculum. This curriculum targets youth in grades 6 to 8 (ages 10 to 14) and contains both in-classroom and home activities that allow youth to understand and engage the world around them, thereby helping them gain life skills in the areas of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. This is the student workbook; 48 pp.

4-H GROW: A Path for a Successful 4-H in School Program

Michael Shawn Jackson and Andrew Toelle

4-H in School programs can reach large groups of youth in a narrow age range, yet they are difficult for many 4-H agents to implement. Building on Ask IFAS publication 4H324, the GROW model is a practical guide for agents to follow to increase the likelihood of beginning and sustaining a successful 4-H in School program. This model addresses who agents can reach out to when in the initial phases of beginning a 4-H in School program and steps to follow as it is being developed.  The model also outlines an organizational plan to eliminate miscommunication and unexpected mishaps by offering a clear understanding of expectations for all participants involved.  Finally, the model identifies tips to make a school enrichment program operate smoothly based on feedback from teachers and 4-H Agents with experience working with 4-H school enrichment programs.

4-H Horse and Pony Lease

E. L. Johnson and Wendy DeVito

4-H Livestock Judging: a 4-H Animal Science Project

Chad Carr, Justin Crosswhite, and Amanda Johnson

4-H Marine Aquarium Adult Partner Guide

Prudence Caskey

This guide is designed to assist the adult partner with a better understanding of the Marine Aquarium Project Book, as well as enhancing youths’ learning experiences. Written by Prudence Caskey, and published by the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program, UF/IFAS Extension, May 2023.

4-H Marine Aquarium Project Book: Youth Project Guide to Starting and Maintaining a Saltwater Aquarium System

Prudence Caskey

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

4-H Pizza Garden: An Agricultural Adventure

Janet Golden, Joy Jordan, Nan Jensen, Betty Lipe, Millie Ferrer, Anne Fugate, Erin Karkheck, Linda Bobroff, Karla Shelnutt, and Tracy Tesdall

4-H Project Learning

Judith Levings

A project is a planned series of learning experiences of six hours or more within a particular area of youth interest (Florida 4-H definition). The purpose of a 4-H project is to promote mastery of subject matter and to foster life skill development.

4-H Projects: Frequently Asked Questions

Joy C. Jordan

4-H Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits: Project Record

Debbie Glauer

4-H School Enrichment: A Guide for 4-H Faculty and Staff

Andrew Toelle

4-H School Enrichment can give youth and parents a picture of the benefits of a longer commitment to 4-H. The purpose of this revised 8-page publication is to support 4-H agents as they plan, develop, and evaluate school enrichment programs. Written by Andrew Toelle.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Adopting Club Bylaws

Written by Keith G. Diem. Revised by Candi Dierenfield, Karen Henry, Shreemoyee Ghosh, Melinda Souers, Abbey Tharpe, Claire Davis, and Paula Davis.

Why does a 4-H club (for youth ages 8–18) need bylaws? It is for the same reason our country needs a constitution! Fair and written rules protect the rights of all members. The following is a suggested format for 4-H bylaws, which may be adapted to meet local conditions.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: How to Start a 4-H Club (for Youth Ages 5–18)

Keith G. Diem, Joy Jordan, Dale Pracht, and Judy Butterfield. Revised by Candi Dierenfield, Nicole Crawson, Jessica Emerson, Shreemoyee Ghosh, David Hafner, Baliea Scarborough, Paula Davis, Melinda Souers, and Dallas Meringolo.

This is one part of the 4-H Volunteer Training series. It was originally written in 2005, adapted in 2014, and updated in 2023.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Planning a Successful Field Trip

Written by K. G. Diem. Revised by Karen Henry, Claire Davis, Heather Kent, Melinda Souers, Paula Davis, and Candi Dierenfield.

 Field trips can be great experiences for youth to learn project content and life skills. Field trips also contribute to the experiential learning philosophy of 4-H. This publication includes some suggestions to make field trips educational, safe, and fun.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Recognizing Young People

Originally written by Georgene Bender. Revised by Geralyn Sachs, Sarah Hensley, Andrew Toelle, Kelsey Cook, Marnie Ward, Shayla Reighter, Dallas Meringolo, Courtney Quirie and Christopher Decubellis.

Developing a sense of belonging is one of the Essential Elements of a positive youth development experience. Creating an inclusive environment in your 4-H club programs and activities can help you achieve this goal. Providing many forms of recognition for all, not just for those who excel in competition with other youth, supports this sense of belonging.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Selecting a Name for Your 4-H Club

Keith G. Diem, Marilyn N. Norman, and Joy C. Jordan. Revised by Jessica Emerson, Candi Dierenfield, Shreemoyee Ghosh, David Hafner, Amber Norris, Melinda Souers, Paula Davis, and Heather Kent

This is one part of the 4-H Volunteer Training series. It was originally published in 2005 and revised in 2012. It was updated in the summer of 2023 and is now published in 2024.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: The ABCs of 4-H: A Primer for 4-H Volunteers

Written by Keith G. Diem and Sarah Hensley. Revised by Candi Dierenfield, Shreemoyee Ghosh, Jessica Emerson, Paula Davis, Nicole Crawson, Bailea Scarborough, and David Hafner.

This information sheet is the introduction to the 4-H Volunteer Training Series (VTS). The series contains a wealth of information, from how to start a club, to planning field trips, to how to work with youth. This part was originally published in July 2014 and then revised in July 2018. It was updated in the summer of 2023 and is now revised in September 2024.

4H Project Guide: Swine Nutrition

R. O. Myer and J. H. Brendemuhl

A Guide to the Florida 4-H Council

Stacey E. Ellison and Tracy Tesdall

Action Research: A Methodology for Organizational Change

Dale Pracht, Andrew Toelle, and Brent Broaddus

Change is inevitable. When working within an organization, figuring out what needs to change can be a big issue. Having quality information available for use can make the decision process clearer and more effective. Action research is a methodology that can be used by people internal to an organization to identify what changes need to be made. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Florida 4-H Youth Development Program was written by Dale Pracht, Andrew Toelle, and Brent Broaddus.

Adopt a Tree

Martha C. Monroe, Christopher J. Frost, and Alison W. Bowers

The Forestry Adopt - A - Tree 4-H Project Book (4HFOM11) is for children ages 5-8. Kids locate and "adopt" a nearby tree, track changes to it over time, do bark and leaf rubbings, and search for visiting wildlife. Youngsters are also introduced to three common and special Florida trees: Cabbage Palm, Live Oak, and Longleaf Pine. First published February 2001. 

Awareness and Intelligence with Emotions

Heather Janney and Daniel Gonzalez

Emotions are a part of every human being. There are hundreds of emotions along with variations, mutations, and blends of those emotions. They tell us about what we are experiencing and help us to know how to react. There are no good or bad emotions, but there are good and bad ways of expressing (or acting on) emotions. In working with youth, who have the least experience with their emotions, extension professionals and volunteers – adults, must use extra special attention to their interactions. It is like building a pyramid with cups; any small action or interaction can make things start to tumble downward. As extension professionals and 4-H Volunteers working directly with youth, we can see these pyramids in the process of building up and tumbling down and we also have the ability to use the skills of emotional awareness and emotional intelligence to help deter again the potential negative impacts of youth breaking down with their emotions.

Beef Retail Identification Cuts

Brian Estevez, Chad Carr, and Larry Eubanks

Bluebirds and Other Cavity-Nesting Birds: Leader's Guide

Loretta Rodriguez, Jessica Kochert, Joy Jordan, Christina Packard, and Mark Hostetler

The Leader's Guide (4H WLL 30) supports the Bluebird and Other Cavity-Nesting Birds Youth Project (4H WLM 20). This 40-page guide provides group leaders additional information and group activities to support a bluebird project. The guide includes ready-to-use skill-a-thon resource materials and facilitator tips for each activity.

Bluebirds and Other Cavity-Nesting Birds: Youth Project Book

Loretta Rodriguez, Jessica Kochert, Joy Jordan, Christina Packard, and Mark Hostetler

This 4-H Bluebird Youth Project (4H WLM 20) is designed to help youth become careful and knowledgeable observers of bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds in your area. Youth will learn to create a habitat that promotes the health and safety of local cavity-nesting birds. Finally, the project guides youth to explore and learn about bluebird monitoring and data collecting programs of researchers as well as careers. The accompanying Leader's Guide (4H WLL 30) supports this project and provides additional information and answer keys to youth activities.

Children's Citrus Activity: Citrus Counting

Jamie D. Burrow and Ariel Singerman

Florida is well known for its citrus industry, valued at over eight billion dollars, and is one of the top citrus-producing states in the United States. This new one-page children’s activity sheet about Florida citrus includes an activity for students learning to count and match.

Children's Citrus Activity: Diaprepes Root Weevil

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

This two-page children’s activity sheet features pictures of Diaprepes root weevil larva and adults as well as feeding damage. Page two includes a maze.

Common Bark Beetle Pests of Florida

Sawyer Adams and Jiri Hulcr

This new 4-page guide was created specifically as an aid for youth forestry knowledge competitions, including 4-H and Future Farmers of America. Along with a collection of the listed beetles, it is suitable as a beginner’s introduction to the most important pine pests in Florida. Written by Sawyer Adams and Jiri Hulcr and published by the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development Program. Correction made to Reproduction Weevil description 10/18/2021.

Cooperative Unit Systems: 1. Introduction and Raising Market Animals in a Group Setting

Alyssa Schortinghouse

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Youth development

Cooperative Unit Systems: 2. Organizational Strategies

Alyssa Schortinghouse

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Youth development

Cooperative Unit Systems: 3. Swine Facilities

Alyssa Schortinghouse

Discovering 4-H Member Project Book

Joy Cantrell Jordan, Colleen Brown, Alisa Frye, and Bill Heltemes

Discovering the Treasure of Public Speaking Member Project Guide

Joy C. Jordan and Emily Eubanks

Do a Visual Presentation

Stacey Ellison

This publication covers the method of delivery, the plan, the visuals, how to look sharp and to have a sharp presentation.  

Educating Your State Legislators

Stacey Ellison

Engaging Volunteers through ISOTURES: Selecting for Volunteer Involvement

Andrew Toelle, Sophia Cooney, and Lori Wiggins

This is the Selection portion of the ISOTURE volunteer management model, part of the Engaging Volunteers through ISOTURES series. This 3-page publication discusses in detail the selection process for volunteers in Florida 4-H. Major revision by Andrew Toelle, Sophia Cooney, and Lori Wiggins.

Exploring Citizenship Unit III: My Clubs and Groups

This material was prepared by the Southern Regional 4-H Citizenship Literature Committee through a grant from the Coca-Cola Company

Exploring Citizenship, Unit VI: My Government

John Rutledge, Joy C. Jordan, and Dale Pracht

Florida 4-H Air Rifle & Smallbore Rifle Record Book

Julie P. Dillard and Gerald Culen

Florida 4-H Archery Record Book

Julie Pigott Dillard and Gerald Culen

Florida 4-H Camp Counselor Training Guide

Jessica Altum Cooper

Florida 4-H Community Pride Leader's Guide

Stacey Ellison and Grace Carter

This Leader's Guide will help you and your club members get the most out of the Community Pride Program.

Florida 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl

Chris Decubellis

Florida 4-H Dairy Record Book

Karen Hamilton, Chris Decubellis, Chris Holcomb, and Sarah Hensley

Florida 4-H Exploration: Careers in Horticulture

Marguerite Beckford, Sarah Davis, Kristie Popa, and Marnie Ward

This publication highlights some of the many career pathways in horticulture. 4-H youth and 4-H club leaders can use the document to explore potential career interests. Written by Marguerite Beckford, Sarah Davis, Kristie Popa, and Marnie Ward, and published by the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program, UF/IFAS Extension, September 2023.

Florida 4-H Fashion Revue

Geralyn Sachs, Monica L. Brinkley, Judith R. Butterfield, Heather M. Janney, Becky V. Bennett, Amolsch, S., Sarah T. Hensley, Pamela Phillippe, Muriel Turner, Stacey Ellison, and Brenda Williams; Clothing, Textiles, and Fashion Action Team: Marnie W

This planning guide and project report is appropriate for 4-H youth who take part in the Florida 4-H Clothing and Textiles Project. This publication offers an exploration of science and art through clothing design, engineering, technology, and craftsmanship. It contains fashion revue guidelines, interview and modeling tips, entry forms, and more. 

Florida 4-H Food Challenge: Event Hosting Guide

Geralyn Sachs

This guide will assist county Extension agents who conduct a Florida 4-H Food Challenge event. It contains contest guidelines, contests responsibilities, sample schedule, orientation talking points, registration template, score tally sheet, Judging questions, contest resources, scoresheets, and worksheets.

Florida 4-H Food Challenge: Team Captain Guide

Geralyn Sachs

This guide will assist adults who are coaching teams to prepare for the Florida 4-H Food Challenge. It contains contest guidelines, suggested resources, scoresheets, and worksheet.  

Florida 4-H Food Challenge: Youth Guide

Geralyn Sachs

This guide will assist youth who are taking part in the Florida 4-H Food Challenge. It contains contest guidelines, available resources, scoresheets, and worksheet. 

Florida 4-H Horticulture Identification and Judging: Contest Rules and Glossary

Sydney Park Brown, Jeffrey G. Williamson, and Tom Wichman

This publication provides guidelines and information for Florida 4H members and Master Gardeners interested in horticulture and/or in participating in state contests held annually at 4-H Congress or the Master Gardener Annual Conference.

FLORIDA 4-H JUDGING CARD

Florida 4-H Livestock Breeding Project Record Book

Animal Sciences Design Team

Florida 4-H Livestock Market Animal Record Book

Animal Sciences Design Team

Florida 4-H Poultry Project Record Book

Chris Decubellis

Florida 4-H Secretary Record Book

Sarah Thomas Hensley and Stacey Ellison

Florida 4-H Senior Horse Record Book

Wendy T. DeVito, Saundra H. TenBroeck, Shane T. Michael, Megan N. Brew, and Alyssa M. Ohmstede

The purpose of the 4-H Horse Program is to provide young people an opportunity to participate in a series of activities designed to improve citizenship, sportsmanship, horsemanship, character, competitive spirit, discipline, and responsibility, while creating an atmosphere for learning and awareness of the life around us. This new 24-page publication of the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development Program was written by Wendy DeVito, Saundra TenBroeck, Shane Michael, Megan Brew, and Alyssa Ohmstede.

Florida 4-H Shooting Sports Program State Plan: Program Guidelines and Best Management Practices

William Tillet

The following program guidelines, policies, and best management practices were all developed based upon the National 4-H Shooting Sports guidelines and regulations. Any of the following policies follow national guidelines at the very least and only increase safety or specify management policies for Florida 4-H Shooting Sports.

Florida 4-H Shotgun Record Book

Julie P. Dillard and Gerald Culen

A UF/IFAS numbered Curriculum for 4-H/Youth audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Youth development

Florida 4-H Tailgate: Cooking Equipment

Chad Carr, Brian Estevez, Sonja Crawford, Jason Scheffler, George Baker, Ed Jennings, and Mark Mauldin

Florida 4-H Tailgate: Cooking Safety

Chad Carr, Brian Estevez, Sonja Crawford, Jason Scheffler, George Baker, Ed Jennings, and Mark Mauldin

Florida 4-H Tailgate: Fire-Building

Chad Carr, Brian Estevez, Sonja Crawford, Jason Scheffler, George Baker, Ed Jennings, and Mark Mauldin

Florida 4-H Tailgate: Make Your Own Dry Rub

Brian Estevez, Heather Kent, Jereme Johnson, Haylee Linam, Nick Simmons, and Murilo Morata

Dry rubs are a delicious way to season protein and vegetables for the grill. There are four flavor components to a dry rub: spicy, salty, sweet, and savory. This publication lists traditional herbs and spices for each component to get you started designing your own dry rub.

Florida 4-H Tailgate: Meat Selection

Chad Carr, Brian Estevez, Sonja Crawford, Jason Scheffler, George Baker, Ed Jennings, and Mark Mauldin

Florida 4-H Tailgate: Smoking and Slow Cooking Meat

Chad Carr, Brian Estevez, Sonja Crawford, Jason Scheffler, George Baker, Ed Jennings, and Mark Mauldin

Florida 4-H Tailgating Contest Handbook

Brian Estevez, Chad Carr, Deanna Brock, Sonja Crawford, Mark Mauldin, Shayla Reighter, Laura Bennett, Caroline Chappell, Aly Schortinghouse, and Nick Simmons

This new 18-page publication of the UF/IFAS Florida 4-H Youth Development Program is intended for 4-H members who want to participate in the Florida 4-H Tailgating Contest. The purpose of this document is to provide all relevant resources for youth to be able to participate in the Florida 4-H Tailgating Contest.

Florida 4-H Treasurer's Manual and Record Book

Joy Jordan, Judith Levings, Sarah Hensley, and Stacey Ellison

Florida FFA Vegetable Judging Competition: A Study Guide

Jennifer Lynn Gillett-Kaufman

Florida's Fabulous Forests

Martha C. Monroe and Alison W. Bowers

The Forestry Florida's Fabulous Forests Project Book (4HFOM13) is the third 4-H Project Book in the Forest Resources series and for youth ages 12-18. It includes 17 engaging activities (each with reflective questions) and 47 ideas for additional projects and challenges. Youth explore 10 different kinds of forests in Florida: 8 natural ecosystems, the urban forest, and pine plantations. The activities also lead youth through an understanding of forest management, forest systems (wildlife, water, and soil), and forest management issues: wildfire and prescribed fire, forest insect and diseases, and invasive exotic plants. First published May 2001.

Food Demonstration Guide

Geralyn Sachs

This guide will help you plan and deliver a well-organized presentation that is entertaining and educational for your audience. A 4-H demonstration is a great way for you to share your passion and teach others about your 4-H food-related project work. Written by Geralyn Sachs, and published by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida 4-H Youth Development Program, June 2023.

Forensic Entomology

Erika Andersen and Russell Mizell with Jessica Kochert and Joy Jordan

Forensics is a hot topic, with many movies and popular television shows (such as “CSI”) introducing youth to the tools, processes, and critical thinking skills needed to solve various crimes. Within this world, insects have a growing presence. The field of forensic entomology focuses on the information that insects provide investigators about the time, location, and criminal negligence within a wide variety of criminal cases. This curriculum is a tool for teaching youth grades 6–8 about the contributions that insects make to the world of forensics. This three-week series of lesson activities is designed for use in after-school programs, summer day camps, and 4-H clubs. However, this package also includes the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for teachers within formal classroom settings.

Forest Resources Leader Guide for Florida 4H Project Books

Martha C. Monroe

Getting Started in the 4-H Embryology Project: Tips for 4-H Agents and Teachers

Marcus Boston, Chris Decubellis, and Judith Levings

Lamb and Variety Meat Retail Identification Cuts

Brian Estevez, Chad Carr, and Larry Eubanks

Life Skills in a Minute: Ironing versus Pressing

Heather Janney

The words pressing and ironing are often interchanged. However, these two terms are not equivalent. Ironing is what you do to remove wrinkles by sliding a hot iron back and forth. Pressing is the process of lifting and putting the iron down on a specific part of a project. When learning to sew, it is important to know the difference. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development program details the difference in these concepts. Written by Heather Janney.

Life Skills in a Minute: Sending a Card

Heather Janney

Most of us have received a greeting card at some point in our lives. Receiving a card in the mail is an experience: pulling it out of the mailbox, reading the outside of the envelope, breaking the seal, pulling out the card, reading the note from the sender, and then placing it somewhere special. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development program provides some guidelines to help with sending greeting cards. Written by Heather Janney.

Life Skills in a Minute: Sewing on a Button

Heather Janney

Even though sewing a button back on is quite a simple task, many people refuse to try it simply because it seems too daunting. This publication will help you to understand the difference in button types and share the methods to be utilized in sewing a button on. Written by Heather Janney and published by the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development program; 3 pages.

Life Skills in a Minute: Threading a Needle

Heather Janney

Threading a needle may sound simple, but a lot of people just don't know how. There are a few different ways to thread a needle, all of which are appropriate. This new 2-page publication of the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development program provides illustrated instructions for three ways to thread a needle. Written by Heather Janney.

Making Learning Fun

Keith G. Diem and Judy Levings

4-H learning methods and sound curriculum materials are well suited to small groups of youth in a variety of settings, including clubs, camps, schools, home-schooling, and "alternative" learning environments. Using a variety of creative teaching methods is essential for getting the attention of youth and adults.

Market Hog Project Financial Considerations

Alyssa Schortinghouse, Brian Estevez, Chad Carr, and Nick Simmons

The aim of this document is to introduce the financial considerations for a market hog project, to maximize profits for the project and to demystify the unexpected expenses that are often incurred. Secondarily, this document is designed to serve as a guide in creating a market hog project budget. The audience for this document includes youth interested in or participating in a market hog project, their families, and other interested parties.

My 4-H Cloverbud Project Summary

Florida 4-H Awards and Recognition Action Team: Cash, L., Sachs, G.M., DeCubellis, C.D., Ward, M., Meringolo, D., Hensley, S.T., Toelle, A., & Valencia, L.

The 4-H Cloverbud Project Summary is intended for youth ages 5–7 to complete at the completion of a 4-H educational project. This 7-page revision was compiled by the Florida 4-H Awards and Recognition Task Force; Geralyn Sachs and Laura Cash, chairs.

My Intermediate 4-H Project Report

Florida 4-H Awards and Recognition Action Team: Cash, L., Sachs, G.M., DeCubellis, C.D., Ward, M., Meringolo, D., Hensley, S.T., Toelle, A., & Valencia, L.

This report form is to be completed by intermediate (age 11–13) 4-H members as a record of their 4-H project completion. Project Reports should be turned in annually at the end of the 4-H year to their county 4-H agent. This 10-page major revision was compiled by the Florida 4-H Awards and Recognition Task Force; Geralyn Sachs and Laura Cash, chairs.

My Junior 4-H Project Report

Florida 4-H Awards and Recognition Action Team: Cash, L., Sachs, G.M., DeCubellis, C.D., Ward, M., Meringolo, D., Hensley, S.T., Toelle, A., & Valencia, L.

This report form is to be completed by junior (age 8–10) 4-H members as a record of their 4-H project completion. Project Reports should be turned in annually at the end of the 4-H year to their county 4-H agent. This 10-page major revision was compiled by the Florida 4-H Awards and Recognition Task Force; Geralyn Sachs and Laura Cash, chairs.

My Senior 4-H Project Report

Florida 4-H Awards and Recognition Action Team: Cash, L., Sachs, G.M., DeCubellis, C.D., Ward, M., Meringolo, D., Hensley, S.T., Toelle, A., & Valencia, L.

This report form is to be completed by senior (age 14–18) 4-H members as a record of their 4-H project completion. Project Reports should be turned in annually at the end of the 4-H year to their county 4-H agent. This 10-page major revision was compiled by the Florida 4-H Awards and Recognition Task Force; Geralyn Sachs and Laura Cash, chairs.

Plant Connections Leader's Guide

Janice Easton and Deborah J. Glauer

Plant Connections Member's Manual

Janice Easton and Deborah J. Glauer