The 4-H year begins on September 1 and ends August 31. Between those dates 4-Hers have the opportunity to sign up for projects, work through the activities in the corresponding project manuals, create project exhibits for the fair, and complete records telling what they learned. 4-H projects are intended to be long-term studies. That's why members are give a full year to complete them!

Work with local 4-H club leaders to complete sign-up. They have the project listings and forms you'll need to get on your way to a rewarding 4-H experience.

Keep the following things in mind when signing up...

• Choose projects thoughtfully. 4-Hers should sign up only for the projects they're sure they'll have time to finish. Remember, members are expected to complete records and exhibit products for every project they enroll in.

• Most 4-H manuals are designed to require three years to complete.

• The project manual is only one tool 4-Hers will use to complete corresponding projects. Project manuals help direct learning. In order to complete them, however, members need to visit the library and talk to experts. They need to attend workshops and take tours. Additionally, they should check with the Extension office and find out if there are project support materials on file that will help them. Members are expected to do whatever it takes to prepare them for creating a project exhibit for the fair and expand their knowledge. Being in 4-H is all about figuring out how and where to get the information needed to accomplish the things one sets out to do.