With more than 200 projects, there's something for everyone!
TAKE QUIZ
Take this fun project quiz to determine what 4-H project is best for YOU!
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.
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Cloverbuds - Sample Activity from Big Book of Cloverbud Activities
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.
Project Interview Judging
Click on the JUDGING TITLE to be directed to the online interview sign-up for your project. Click on the project name to find the Project Aide for your project. Project Aides include important information regarding project dates, deadlines, completion guidelines, and county and state judging requirements.
July 15, 2026, 4:30-8:00 pm at New Russia Township Lodge
This judging is for all FCS Projects and Ag/Still Life Early Judging (those interested in qualifying to compete at state fair)
Food & Nutrition Projects
Click on the project name to review the Project Aide.
Additional Resources for Food & Nutrition Projects:
Clothing Projects
Additional Resources for Clothing Projects:
Special Interest Projects
Ag/Still Life & Shooting Sports- Early Judging to qualify for State Fair
Use the link above (July 15, 2026 judging) if you are interested in qualifying for State Fair competition in an Ag/Still Life or Shooting Sports project. Ag/Still Life and shooting sports youth that participate in a this judging are not eligible for county placings or special awards. Refer to the Project Aides below for important information regarding project dates, deadlines, completion guidelines, and county and state judging requirements.
August 11, 2026, 4:30-8:00 pm at Lorain County Fairgrounds, building #11
This judging is for all Ag/Still Life, Shooting Sports and FCS Make-up judging.
Ag & Still Life Projects
Shooting Sports Projects
| 630 | Safe Use of Guns |
| 631 | Basic Archery |
| 750 | Rifle |
| 751 | Archery |
| 752 | Shotgun |
| 753 | Pistol |
| 754 | Hunting and Wildlife |
| 755 | Muzzleloader |
| 756 | Living History |
| 757 | Crossbow |
FCS Make-up
Youth that participate in a make-up judging are not eligible for placings or special awards. Refer to the Project Aides above.
Large Ag & Still Life Projects
Make-up for all other projects
Youth that participate in a make-up judging are not eligible for placings or special awards. Refer to the Project Aides above.
August 16, 2025 Noon - 2:00 pm at Lorain County Fairgrounds in the Ross Expo Center
- Cloverbud Show & Tell
Other 4-H Project Interview Resources
- Making a 4-H Poster
- Interview Judging Instructions
- Interviewing Tips for Judges
- 2024 project completion matrix
- 2026 PCFR for State Judging Only
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 13, 2026
Project Interview Evaluation- July 13, 2026 (call the Extension office to schedule an interview)
Final Animal Book Evaluation- July 27, 2026
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