4-H Self-Determined Project
All POSTER exhibits must have a hard backing; such as foam board, plywood, plasterboard, etc., and all posters must have a see- through plastic covering and be displayed horizontally. The thickness of the poster backing should not exceed 5/16 inch. (22"x28"). If these guidelines are not followed, the exhibit will be judged then dropped one ribbon grade. Leave the area in the lower right hand corner of posters 3" high by 3" wide for a label. Labels will be provided by the Extension Office. The 4-H member's name and club should be permanently marked on the back side of each poster. 4-H members must cite all sources where information was obtained.
All posters, notebooks, and display boards must include a reference list indicating where information was obtained, giving credit to the original author, to complete the 4-H member’s exhibit. This reference list should/might include web site links, people and professionals interviewed, books, magazines, etc. It is recommended this reference list be attached to the back of a poster or display board, be the last page of a notebook, or included as part of the display visible to the public. A judge is not to discredit an exhibit for the manner in which references are listed.
Any member may enroll in the project and may do whatever they wish, providing it does not duplicate a requirement in an existing project offered in Boone County. Each member will select an area that is of interest to him /her (i.e. music, auto mechanics, social dance, poetry, collectibles, history, architecture, safety, remote control aviation, etc).
Indiana 4-H projects that are not offered as their own project in Boone County are also included in Self Determined. Those projects include: Bee Keeping, Soil and Water, and Sport Fishing are also enrolled under this project. State Projects will follow guidelines found on the IN 4-H website: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/index.html
4-H members wanting to exhibit a state project must notify the Extension Office by May 15th so that manuals that go along with the project can be purchased and given to member in time to complete required activities.
No arts and crafts should be entered into Self-Determined.
If the member does not wish the exhibit to be touched, the member is responsible for providing an appropriate covering (see-through, plastic film, plastic box, etc.)
Exhibit will consist of a suitable display no larger than 2’x3’.
The display cannot include a living animal.
The record sheet must be turned in at exhibit check-in time.
Class exhibit guidelines
Beginner (grades 3-5): Create and exhibit one age/grade appropriate exhibit.
Intermediate (grades 6-8): Create and exhibit one age/grade appropriate exhibit.
Advanced (grades 9-12): Create and exhibit one age/grade appropriate exhibit.