Contests & Events
CONTESTS
- Public Speaking
- Hippology (Horse Bowl)
- Dog Bowl
- Share-The-Fun
- Presentations
- Fashion Revue
- Northeast District 4-H Contest
EVENTS
- 4-H Intermediate Congress
- State 4-H Congress
- National 4-H Congress
- International 4-H Youth Exchange
- 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus
- LifeSmarts
- County 4-H Horse Show
- District 4-H Horse Show
- State 4-H Horse Show
- County 4-H Dog Show
- State 4-H Dog Show
- 4-H Shooting Education
- Virginia 4-H Dairy Poster Contest
Pre-registration is REQUIRED for all 4-H Contests and Events
Pre-registration will require complete information. For all contests this will include name, address, phone, age, birthdate, and information related to the contest. For Public Speaking, the title of the speech will be required. For Presentations, the title and category area will be required. For Fashion Revue, a description of the garment or outfit and related information must be typed or neatly printed on the registration form. All registration materials must be in the Extension Office a week prior to the contest. Photocopies are acceptable. The registration forms for 4-H contests and events are here (.pdf).
Note: Only one registration/entry form per contest allowed. Also, all competitors must arrive at the contest site at least 15 minutes prior to the starting time for the contest.
Awards
4-H contests, with a few exceptions, use the Danish System of awards. Blue ribbons are given for excellent work, red ribbons are given for very good work, white ribbons for good/fair work. There is no limit on the number of contestants who can win blue ribbons (or red or white ribbons). The first, second, and third place winners in a contest could all have blue ribbons or they could all have white ribbons. First place does not guarantee a blue ribbon nor does a blue ribbon guarantee a first place.
In addition to the ribbon awards, most contests also have additional prizes such as savings bonds, cash awards, and gift certificates. These additional prizes are subject to availability of a donor. Contest winners should make certain they send a thank you note to the donor of their award. Bond winners must return their completed bond information sheets within 14 days or lose their eligibility for a bond.
NOTE : 4-H members from other units are welcome to participate in all 4-H activities on a space available basis. However, 4-H members primarily affiliated with a unit other than Henrico are ineligible to receive any prizes or premiums available to Henrico 4-H members.
Back To TopProgram Assistants
Assistance with 4-H contests, shows, and other events is often needed. 4-H members available to assist with these activities should complete the "Program Assistance Form" provided in this publication. Members competing in an event would not typically be used as part of the assistance crew.
Public Speaking
Contestants choose their own topic and prepare an original speech. Some facts and figures may be quoted, however, it is not a technical talk, but rather your viewpoint on a particular topic. For example, you might speak on "Why I am Proud to Be An American," "How Football Changed My Life," or "Who Benefits Most, Horse or Owner." Junior and Intermediate 4-H'ers should plan to speak for 3 to 6 minutes while Seniors should plan a 5 to 7 minute speech. Three by five note cards may be used to help insure that main ideas are covered. Please do not read your speech! You will be judged on delivery, composition and your response to two questions asked by the judges.
Hippology (Horse Bowl)
Hippology is a written quiz based on designated references. The references for junior and intermediate 4-H'ers are the revised (2001) editions of Horse Science and Horses and Horsemanship. These books may be ordered from National 4-H Supply contact them at (301)961-2934; Horses and Horsemanship, item CO-200, price; Horse Science, item CO-201; set of these, item CO-203). Delivery requires several weeks. The senior reference is The Horse by Evans, Borton, Hintz, and Van Vleck. In addition to information found in these books 4-H'ers will also have to be able to identify grains, hay, breeds, coat colors, and equipment.
You do not have to own or ride a horse to compete in the Horse Bowl. You do need to take a 4-H Horse Project (horseless horse project).
Dog Bowl
Similar to the Horse Bowl. Participants will be quizzed on training, care, showing, anatomy, diseases, terminology, history, and all topics related to canines.
Share-The-Fun
Share-The-Fun is the 4-H talent show. Competition is divided into six categories as follows:
- Vocal (includes yodeling; a singing presentation which may include dance or play an instrument but will be judged on vocal performance)
- Instrumental (may sing or dance if desired but will be judged on instrumental performance)
- Dance (includes tap, modern, acrobatic, ballet, jazz, folk, interpretive)
- Drama (play or scene from a play, monologue, mime)
- Variety (includes magic acts, puppetry, clowning, tumbling/gymnastics)
- Combination (any combination of vocal, instrumental and/or dance)
Contestants are judged on talent, creativity, audience reception, showmanship, costume, props, and material chosen. Each act may have up to 4 contestants and should require 2 to 4 minutes of time. There is no Intermediate age category in this contest only Juniors (9-13) and Seniors (14-19). Members of an act must all be in the same age category. Acts with mixed age groups may be allowed to participate in an unofficial capacity (not eligible for awards or competition at a higher level).
Presentations
4-H presenters teach their audience "How To" do something. Your presentation may be on "How To" bake a cake, patch a bicycle tire, groom a horse, make an electric lamp, plant a garden, etc. (Note: Live animals may not be used.)
Every presentation has three (3) parts - the introduction, body, and summary. In the introduction, tell who you are, what your topic is, and how and why you chose your topic. In the body, tell and demonstrate how to do something. In the summary, review the main points of your presentation and ask if there are any questions. While posters have been the traditional visual aid- slides, tapes, transparencies, and any other means may be used. All work must be completed by the 4-H member.
The presentation should be appropriate for the age and experience level of the 4-H'er and sufficient in length (time) to cover the topic. In most cases the time range will be: Juniors 2 - 5 minutes, Intermediates 5 - 10 minutes, and Seniors 10 - 15 minutes.
Fashion Revue
Category I *
Fashion Revue participants select material and patterns then construct a garment (or garments) that complements their wardrobe. 4-H'ers are judged on the construction of their garment (fit, techniques, notions), how well they model it (poise, posture, grooming), the suitability of their outfit (fabric, style, color), and their response to questions about construction, care, cost, etc.
An entry form, Category I worksheet, fabric swatch and Virginia 4-H Fashion Revue Record must be completed by all contestants!
Category II *
Participants purchase clothes or use their current wardrobe to coordinate an outfit (i.e. choose clothes that look good together and look good on you). Contestants are judged on how well the outfit complements them and how well they model.
An entry form, Category II worksheet, and Virginia 4-H Fashion Revue Record must be completed by all contestants!
Category III *
Participants select garments they have made, purchased, or had constructed by someone other than themselves. Participants complete the entry form and Virginia 4-H Fashion Revue Record. Participants in this category receive quality ribbons only and are not eligible for district or state competition.
*NOTE : The entry form for this contest must be typed, neatly printed, or set up on a computer (font size 12 or larger) and printed. This entry may not be given over the telephone. There are additional requirements that must be met to compete in district and state competition. Contact the Extension Office when you submit your application if you wish to be considered for further competition.
Northeast District 4-H Contest
The District 4-H Contest provides an opportunity for 4-H members and their families to meet 4-H families from the entire Northeast District. District presentation and Fashion Revue competitions will take place in the morning with the award ceremony following. Lunch is served for all those who order in advance. Then District Share the Fun and Public Speaking competitions take place in the afternoon with another award ceremony following. Participants may compete in one morning and one afternoon competition. Subject to availability, scholarships will be provided for 4-H members who go on to compete at State 4-H Congress.
4-H Intermediate Congress
4-H Intermediate Congress is held on the Virginia State University Campus during the month of July. Intermediate 4-H Congress is a training ground for youth who are interested in becoming leaders in 4-H. Through fun, exciting, interactive sessions, youth will enhance their ability to serve in local, district, state, and national 4-H leadership roles as future 4-H club leaders, 4-H camp counselors, members of 4-H Cabinet, State 4-H Congress leaders, and/or National 4-H Congress/Conference participants.
State 4-H Congress
State 4-H Congress is held on the Virginia Tech campus during the month of June. This is the premier, annual, statewide 4-H event for teens and adult volunteer leaders. Congress has multiple learning opportunities including: workshops, service projects, social events, sports events, elections, and state-level competition. All senior 4-H members may participate.
Senior 4-H members who have competed at the County level may compete at Congress. When local funding is available for scholarships, there will be a differential in funding favoring those who compete or run for office. The four State Officers and the District Representatives (three in each of the six districts) work throughout the year planning the next year's Congress, promoting 4-H, and working with all areas of the state.
National 4-H Congress
National 4-H Congress has served as the premiere educational and recognition event for senior 4-H members. National 4-H Congress is held in Atlanta, Georgia, in late November. National Congress provides participants an exciting opportunity to explore careers, engage in a variety of quality learning experiences, and have great fun by getting to know other 4-H members from across the country.
Outstanding 4-H members will be selected to represent Virginia at National 4-H Congress. Candidates for selection must be senior 4-H members in the current 4-H year who are able to demonstrate outstanding achievement as a 4-H member in the areas of leadership, citizenship, and personal development. To apply, the 4H member must submit a portfolio of their 4-H career and participate in a competitive interview process.
International 4-H Youth Exchange
IFYE programs provide exciting experiences for youth ages 15 to 19 and, in some cases, 4-H Alumni up to 25 years of age. Participants travel to a foreign country and live and work with host families during their stay. There is usually a charge associated with these programs. There is no charge for serving as a host family for a visitor from another land.
4-H Citizenship Washington Focus
During a week's stay at the National 4-H Center, 4-H members (14 to 19) learn first hand the process of government. They also tour historic attractions and enjoy a variety of social and recreational activities. Cost is approximately $700.00. Scholarships are usually available. Call for details.
LifeSmarts
LifeSmarts is a group activity that teaches teens to be smart and responsible consumers and citizens. Teams consist of 4 or 5 individuals plus a coach. The competition consists of three rounds. Consumer questions are asked to individual members, to the team, and to the quickest responder using a buzzer system. The content and competition questions focus on five key areas of consumer knowledge that teens need to know to function effectively in today's marketplace. These are: Personal Finance, Health and Safety, Environment, Technology, and Consumer Rights & Responsibilities. In addition to the important information and knowledge that participants gain, they also develop teamwork, self-esteem, verbal communication skills, leadership abilities, and have fun competing. LifeSmarts is open to all teens aged 14 to 19 years old. Each team member must qualify to compete at the state level by passing three preliminary rounds by way of the Internet.
County 4-H Horse Show
Henrico's 4-H Horse Show is typically held in March at Dorey Park . Participation in this show is recommended for all members who plan to compete in the District 4-H Horse Show. It is also the only time representatives from the Extension Office will measure horses.
District 4-H Horse Show
4-H members must have competed in at least one 4-H contest in order to be eligible for the District 4-H Horse Show. Also, 4-H'ers must keep an up-to-date record book (Horse Management) and have exclusive care of their horse for 30 days prior to District Show. The project book must be submitted for judging during October.
State 4-H Horse Show
In order to attend the State 4-H Horse Show the 4-H'er must have competed in the District Show and must have exclusive care of the horse for 90 days prior to the State Show. The horse show programs at the District and State levels have much additional information that show participants must read and follow!
County 4-H Dog Show
Henrico's 4-H Dog Show date is to be announced. A volunteer coordinator is needed for the show. Participation in this show is recommended for all members who plan to compete in the State 4-H Dog Show.
State 4-H Dog Show
4-H members must have competed in at least one 4-H Contest in order to be eligible for the State 4-H Dog Show. Also, 4-H'ers must maintain a 4-H Dog Project book and submit it for judging during October (leader to verify member is actively working on project). The State 4-H Dog Show has both team and individual competition and non-dog events.
4-H Shooting Education
4-H members learn the safe handling and use of firearms and archery tackle under the leadership of specially trained adult volunteers. The program is designed to be a family centered, outdoor activity. Project options are: Archery, Hunter Education, Muzzle Loading, Shotgun, Rifle, and Pistol.
Virginia 4-H Dairy Poster Contest
June is National Dairy Month. A theme is chosen each spring for the 4-H Poster Contest to promote milk and other dairy foods. Posters must be on standard poster board, and contain only original, hand-drawn artwork done by the participant. Computer-generated artwork and text are not acceptable and will result in disqualification of the poster. Every entry will receive a participation button. First, second, and third place winners in each age group will be submitted for further competition at the state contest held at State 4-H Congress in June. State winners in each age category will receive cash prizes (first = $30 and an engraved plaque, second = $20, and third = $15). Those receiving an honorable mention will be awarded a rosette ribbon. More information can be found at www.dasc.vt.edu/youth.