Rockland County 4-H Project Showcase

In 2026, the Rockland County 4-H Program will be hosting our own 4-H Project Showcase and 4-H Fun Day this summer. Rockland 4-H members will be able to submit their projects, showcase their skills, and receive feedback for improvement!

About the Rockland County 4-H Showcase

Who can participate?

Any enrolled 4-H member can enter a project in the 4-H showcase. Whether you participated in a 4-H program, joined a club, attended a state event, or pursued your own 4-H projects this year, you are eligible to enter a project! Not enrolled? Contact Kristin Ruggiero at klf37@cornell.edu to learn how you can get involved!

What projects are accepted?

Any project you can think of can be entered in the showcase, as long as it was created in the current 4-H year (October 1 - September 30). For a full description of projects, view the 2025 NYS 4-H Youth Building Premium Book (the 2026 Premium Book will be released later this spring).

How do you enter a project?

1. Identify the project's section and class in the NYS 4-H Youth Building Premium Book.
2. Follow all guidelines in the judging book for completing and displaying your project.
3. Complete a Rockland County 4-H Entry Tag (or Cloverbud Entry Tag  for youth ages 5-7) for each project.
4. Complete the first page of the NYS 4-H Universal Evaluation Form (for food, use the Universal Evaluation Form - Food and Nutrition).
5. Bring project(s) with Evaluation Forms and Entry Tags to the evaluation at CCE Rockland on one of the two designated dates.
6. Meet with evaluators to discuss your project and receive feedback.

How are projects evaluated?

All 4-H Projects are evaluated based on the Danish System of Judging. The Danish System is a method of evaluating entries or exhibits relative to an ideal for the exhibitor’s grade level and experience. Awards are broken down into four categories:

• Excellent (blue)
• Good (red) 
• Worthy/Fair (white)
• Participation/No Award (green)

The evaluators take into consideration the “process” or what a 4-H’er has learned through their project, not just the end product. Perfection is not the goal of 4-H, youth development is. 

Who are the evaluators?

The evaluators are selected based on their knowledge and expertise in the project areas. Evaluators may be professionals, teachers, or other volunteers.

What are the benefits of entering projects?

By entering projects in the showcase, youth can:

• Be recognized for their accomplishments
• Display what they have learned
• Enhance individual learning and skill development
• Learn and recognize standards for quality project work
• Apply research-based subject matter to everyday life experiences

Where are the projects displayed?

The projects will be exhibited at the 4-H Fun Day at a library this summer.

Is there an opportunity for advancement?

Selected projects are eligible for evaluation and exhibition at the New York State 4-H Fair in Syracuse, NY. Even if a member's project is not selected for evaluation, their project may still be displayed in the Rockland County 4-H Booth. See NYS 4-H Fair for details.

Can animals be entered?

Not in the Rockland County 4-H Showcase. Dogs, cats, rabbits, cavies (guinea pigs), chickens, goats, horses, cows, sheep, pigs, and more are eligible for shows at the Orange County 4-H Showcase, though. There are different guidelines, procedures, and requirements for animals. Animal entries are typically due July 1st of the current year. For more information on caring for and showing animals, please read the 2025 Orange County Animal Show Book, visit NYS 4-H Animal Science Programs | CALS (cornell.edu).

Last updated March 5, 2026