County Project: Do Your Own Thing

Description: With the help of adult guidance, young people can determine their own projects.  The Do Your Own Thing project allows youth to participate in a project that may not be included in the current 4-H program.  Such projects can be developed to expand a current interest or to explore a new field.  This particular project encourages the use and development of individual abilities and creativity. 

State Fair Entries: None

OPTIONS:

1. The 4-Her may set up their own project and determine what they want to learn, set goals, and determine what they will exhibit at the county fair; or
2. The 4-Her may use a 4-H manual that is available for a state project not currently offered in Newton County and follow the exhibit guidelines listed in the manual for their grade and level.

Exhibit Guidelines:

1. The 4-Her may NOT choose an activity that duplicates the Guidelines of an existing project offered in Newton County (for example, Arts & Crafts or Scrapbooking).  If the member is unsure if their project qualifies for “Do Your Own Thing” or if it should be in another category, please contact the Extension Office and/or the 4-H Educator.
2. Project exhibit must be educational and teach the observer something or show what the 4-Her has learned.
3. Projects will be judged by level.

• Level 1: Grades 3-5
• Level 2: Grades 6-8
• Level 3: Grades 9-12

NOTE: Exhibit guidelines are the same for each level.

1. An exhibit can be a display, notebook, or 22” x 28” poster. A display can be no larger than 14” x 28” x 22”. If the project is larger than this size or is very valuable, the 4-Her may bring it to the project judging along with a poster or notebook describing how and what they made.  The project will be taken home after judging, and the poster or notebook will be on display during the fair week as the exhibit. 
2. Be sure to include at least a one-page summary of the exhibit with the project exhibit outlining why the 4-Her selected this project and what they did to complete the project.
3. It is recommended/suggested that all posters, notebooks, and display boards 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 or a lack thereof.