Rockland County 4-H Project Showcase

The Rockland County 4-H Project Showcase is an opportunity for 4-H members to exhibit their unique talents and 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 NYS 4-H Youth Building Premium Book. 

How do you enter a project?

In June of each year, the Rockland County 4-H Program will accept registrations for projects through an online portal. To enter a project, members:

1. Register online for the Rockland County 4-H Project Evaluation/Showcase Event
2. Identify the project's section and class in the NYS 4-H Youth Building Premium Book
3. Follow all guidelines in the premium book for completing and displaying your project
4. Complete an Exhibitor Entry Statement
5. Bring project and Exhibitor Entry Statement to the evaluation at a prearranged location and time
6. Meet with evaluators to discuss their 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 are able to:

• 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 entered in the Rockland County 4-H Showcase will be on exhibit within the county. They may be displayed on our website and/or at a library or other community center.

Is there 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?

Yes! Dogs, cats, rabbits, cavies (guinea pigs), chickens, goats, horses, cows, sheep, pigs, and more are eligible for shows! There are different guidelines, procedures, and requirements for animals, though. For more information on caring for and showing animals, please visit  NYS 4-H Youth Development Program | Department of Animal Science (cornell.edu) and contact Kristin Ruggiero at klf37@cornell.edu.

Last updated August 22, 2022