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With more than 200 projects, there's something for everyone!
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Lorain County 4-H Project Resource Directory
4-H Project Books
The 4-H Project is the basis of a 4-H members' learning experience. Each year youth choose 1 or more projects, set goals, and engage in a variety of learning and service opportunities.
List of Ohio 4-H Projects
A complete list and brief descriptions of 4-H projects offered through Ohio 4-H can be found in the Ohio 4-H Project Guide.
Previewing 4-H Project Books
- Clubs may borrow the 4-H Project Book bins to have available at a club meeting for families to preview.
- Individual families may stop by a local OSU Extension office to preview 4-H project books before purchasing. Book availability may vary by county.
- Visit Project Central.
Project Central is an easy way for 4-H members and project helpers to preview Ohio 4-H project books and resources. Take a closer look at a book, find out what others have to say, and share your experiences.
See the directions below, or print out them out here.
Project Central works best when you use Firefox or Chrome web browsers!
Purchasing
There are three ways to purchase 4-H Project Books:
- Club orders may be placed through the local OSU Extension Office. (contact your 4-H Club Leader to ask if your club offers this option)
- Individual orders may be placed through the local OSU Extension Office. Call or stop by during office hours to inquire if the book you would like is available.
- Individual family orders may be placed online through OSU Extension Publications and shipped directly to your home address.
4-H Projects - getting started
Below are tip sheets to provide you with additional information and guidance regarding a variety of our more popular 4-H projects.
- Purchasing Market Animals
- Printing Cost Saving Opportunity for Youth
- Beef Learning Activities
- Cats
- Cavy Learning Activities
- Dairy Cow/Heifer Learning Activities
- Dog Learning Activities
- Dogs
- Goat Learning Activities
- Pocket Pets Learning Activities
- Beekeeping Learning Activities
- Bicycling
- Cloverbuds
- Cloverbuds - Sample Activity from Big Book of Cloverbud Activities
- Nutrition Projects
- Nutrition and Healthy Living
- Healthy Living
- Electricity Projects
- Self-Determined Projects
- Small Engine Projects
- The Arts
- Woodworking
4-H Project Interviews
4-H members may participate in 4-H project interviews. This learning experience allows youth to share their project learning experience with a community member familiar with the project area. Project interviews also provide youth feedback regarding what they have done well and suggestions for continuous learning. The resources below have been created to assist youth and judges in preparing for this fun learning experience.
2024 Project Completion and Fair Requirements
This reference guide provides Lorain County and Ohio State Fair project completion requirements. Please be sure to use this guide when preparing for project book interviews and fair judging opportunities.
Project Judging Dates -
Click on the blue links to be directed to the online interview sign-up for your project!
July 8, 2025, 4:30-8:00 pm at New Russia Township Lodge
- FCS- Food & Nutrition Projects
- FCS- Clothing Projects
- FCS- Special Interest Projects
- Ag/Still Life & Shooting Sports- Early Judging to qualify for State Fair
August 5, 2025, 4:30-8:00 pm at Lorain County Fairgrounds, building #11
- Ag & Still Life Projects
- Shooting Sports Projects
- FCS Make-up
August 16, 2025, Noon-2:00 pm at Lorain County Fairgrounds
- Large Ag & Still Life Projects
- Make-up for all other projects
Cloverbud Show & Tell - August 16, 2025 Noon - 2:00 pm at Lorain County Fairgrounds in the Ross Expo Center
Other 4-H Project Interview Resources
4-H Project Scoresheets
- General Scoresheet
- Animal Poster Scoresheet
- Cake Decorating Scoresheet
- Clothing Construction Scoresheet
- Clothing Project Interview Judging
- Food and Nutrition Scoresheet
- Quilt Project Scoresheet
- Shooting Sports Scoresheet
- Self-Determined Project Forms (bring completed forms with you to judging)
Animal Project and Record Book Evaluation Guidelines
All youth interested in exhibiting an animal at the Lorain County Jr. Fair are required to submit their 4-H Project Book and/or Record Book for evaluation. Members must receive at least 15 points to qualify to show at the Lorain County Jr. Fair. 4-H youth have two options to complete this evaluation:
- Submit completed animal project record book for evaluation.
OR
- Attend project interview evaluation with completed book and a poster on one of the topics of interest or learning activities from the project book.
Early Animal Book Evaluation- July 7, 2025
Large Animal Project Interview Evaluation- July 7, 2025
Small Animal Project Interview Evaluation- July 9, 2025
Final Animal Book Evaluation- July 21, 2025
Tip Sheets & Evaluation Scoresheets
- Animal Project Scoresheets: Record Book | Interview | Poster
- Beef Tip Sheet
- Cavy Tip Sheet
- Dairy Tip Sheet
- Dog Tip Sheet
- Equine Tip Sheet
- Goat Tip Sheet
- Market Lamb Tip Sheet
- Market Hog Tip Sheet- Project book 139, Project Book 140
- Pocket Pets Tip Sheet
- Poultry Tip Sheet
- Rabbit Tip Sheet
- Sheep Tip Sheet