4-H Projects

4-H Projects are the basic learning activities of the 4-H Program. Projects emphasize hands-on learning, with young people participating in an active, practical activity, often with help from parents, leaders, and other adults. These projects are age appropriate. As a member gets older and learns more about a given project, they are given more complex, challenging activities to do. For each project, members are given a manual with information they need on that project, as well as clear instructions on what to exhibit at the fair.

There are fifty projects available through the Delaware County 4-H Program. You can take as many of these as you want, however, we do caution 4-H'ers not to sign up for more than you have time to complete. Particularly for first year members, we recommend that you not take more than two or three 4-H projects.

Click on a link below to go to a brief description of that project. To return to the top of the page, simply click on the "back" button on your browser.

4-H Projects

4-H Animal Projects

Aerospace - Through fun and challenging hands-on activities, youth develop life skills while they learn about kites, hot air balloons, remote-control airplanes, gliders, and space shuttles. You will build a model rocket, kite, or airplane.

Alpaca and Llama - Learn about the care, nutrition, management, and exhibition of alpacas and llamas.

Beef - Learn about the breeds, care, nutrition, management, ethics, and exhibition of steers, heifers, feeder calves, and cow/calf.

Beekeeping - Learn about the care and management of bees, caring for beehives, and processing honey.

Bicycle - Learn about bicycles and biking that develop project skills such as bicycle maintenance, operation and safety, and bicycle touring.

Boer Goats - Learn about the care, nutrition, management, and exhibition of meat goat does and wethers.

Cake Decorating- Learn to make and use icing to develop creative cake decorating skills that will contribute to any family celebration.

Cats - Your cat or kitten will bring you many hours of enjoyment. Learn how to groom, feed, provide health care, and show your cat.

Child Development - Learn how to care for young children, how to design games and toys, and even start your own baby-sitting business.

Computer - Learn how to interact with computers, use a variety of software, add hardware, and take advantage of Internet. Develop skills used by computer users everyday.

Computer Arts - Use your creativity and computer skills to develop artistic projects. Make flyers, certificates, banners, greeting cards, plan a party and any others.

Consumer Clothing - Learn clothing selection, wardrobe planning, care of clothing, personal grooming, and to purchase articles of clothing to complement your wardrobe.

Crafts - Almost any type of craft can be made including but not limited to: models, fine arts, drawing and/or painting, needlecraft, wearable arts, ceramics and pottery.

Crops - Grow your own crops and learn identification, plant growth, and care. These crops are corn, oats, soybeans, wheat, popcorn, and hay.

Dairy - Learn about the breeds, care, nutrition, management, ethics, and exhibition of heifers and production cows.

Dairy Goats - Learn about the breeds, care, nutrition, management, ethics, and exhibition of dairy goat does and wethers.

Dog Obedience - Attend county workshops to train your dog to obey commands such as sit, stay, lay down, and heel.

Electricity - Learn about electricity and the safe use of it. Younger members learn the basics of circuitry while older members may wire lamps and buildings. Develop project skills such as safe practices, proper use of fuses and circuit breakers, proper lighting and wiring techniques.

Entomology - Learn about the world of insects through collecting, mounting, and displaying bugs. Develop an insect collection and add to it every year.

Floriculture (flowers) - Learn how to grow flowers and prepare arrangements, both fresh and dried. Also learn about terrariums, planters and table displays.

Foods - Learn the basics of food planning, preparation and preservation, the proper way to prepare and store foods, the basics of nutrition, and how to prepare balanced meals.

Forestry - Learn about trees, leaves, seeds, types of wood, tree planting, and woodlot management.

Gardening - Learn to plan, plant, and care for garden vegetables and herbs.

Genealogy - Learn how to trace your family history and complete a munti-family pedigree chart. This project also teaches you how to preserve valuable documents and records.

Geology - Collect and learn about rocks, fossils and minerals.

Gift Wrapping - Explore new ways of decorating packages. A great project for the creative!

Health - Learn first aid basics and ways to stay healthy and fit.

Home Environment - Learn how to arrange your room at home, design articles for home use, put together floor plans and decorate.

Horse and Pony - Learn about the care management and training of horses and ponies. County workshops are held.

Lawn & Garden and Tractor - Become knowledgeable in riding lawn mower or field tractor safety, principles of engine operation and maintenance. A driving contest will be held during the summer.

Microwave Cooking - Learn to use the microwave to prepare a variety of foods and complete meals.

Personality - Find out more about the "real you." Explore how and why you make decisions, how your friends see you and how you can participate in your community and the world around you.

Photography - Learn good picture taking techniques. Any type of camera can be used to take black & white and colored pictures.

Poultry - Learn about the breeds, care, nutrition, management, ethics, and exhibition of bantam, commercial, and exhibition chickens, waterfowl, and turkeys.

Pygmy Goats - Learn about the care, nutrition, management, ethics, and exhibition of pygmy wethers & does.

Rabbits - Learn about the breeds, care, nutrition, management, ethics, and exhibition of rabbits.

Sewing - You can learn how to sew, design your own garments, and learn how to model what you have made.

Scrapbook - Learn how to preserve our memories and photographs using different materials and methods.

Sheep - Learn about the breeds, care, nutrition, management, ethics, and exhibition of breeding ewes and market lambs.

Shooting Sports Education - Learn to safely handle and shoot firearms and archery under adult supervision. The guns, bows and arrows are provided.

Small Animals - Learn about caring for guinea pigs, gerbils, cats, mice, hamsters, birds (parakeets, canaries, etc.) and other small pets.

Soil and Water Conservation - Learn soil and water conservation practices that are important to city and country citizens.

Sportfishing - There will be instruction in fishing skills, safety, and learn to be good stewards of our aquatic resources. The primary goal is to get kids fishing!

Sports - Many youth are involved in sports. Learn the basic skills, rules, safety, and sportsmanship in your favorite sport. Have fun in learning and participating in sports as an individual, family, friends, or 4-H Club.

Swine - Learn about the breeds, care, nutrition, management, ethics, and exhibition of breeding gilts and market barrows.

Veterinary Science - Learn about the normal animal, diseases, pests and problems, and careers.

Weather - This project introduces youth to the fascinating subject of weather. Youth conduct experiments to understand weather processes, observe and study weather from a scientific point of view, keep records, and learn about weather forecasting

Weeds - Identify common weeds of Indiana that are found in yards, gardens, and fields.

Welding -Learn safety rules and proper welding procedures.

Wildlife - Learn about important wildlife concepts and features of common species, species interaction and wildlife management

Woodworking- Learn all about carpentry and woodworking. Younger members select one of the plans available in the Extension Office, or advanced members may select their own project.