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NC 4-H Introduces New Online System for Project Records

— Written by Jacob Hanlon — Contributors: Lauren Hoesli, Shannon McCollum | July 17, 2026

North Carolina 4-H is excited to announce a new option for completing 4-H project records. Beginning with the 2026 program year, members may complete their project record online through Kaleidoscope, marking the first step in a transition toward a fully digital project record system.

The development of this project has been underway for several years. During that time, the state 4-H team has worked to redesign project records for a digital environment. The system has undergone pilot testing and feedback from 4-H members, volunteers, and staff to help refine the experience before statewide implementation.

Introducing Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope is an online application platform used by organizations to manage awards, scholarships and other application-based programs. NC 4-H has contracted Kaleidoscope to provide a modern, user-friendly way for members to complete project records electronically.

Through the platform, members can:

Save their progress throughout the year

Return to their project record at any time

Generate a completed record for printing

By providing a more accessible and flexible way to complete project records, Kaleidoscope supports both the needs of today's 4-H members and the future direction of the program.

Preparing Youth for the Future

This transition is part of NC 4-H's ongoing effort to modernize parts of our programming and prepare youth for success in an increasingly digital world. As most scholarships, college applications, internships, and career opportunities increasingly rely on online application systems, moving to an online system will allow the next generation of leaders to develop valuable skills in digital record keeping, organization, and written communication.

Accessibility is another important factor in this initiative. Web-based systems can better support screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies, helping NC 4-H improve compliance with accessibility expectations established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Moving online helps ensure more members can fully participate in the project record process.

The online project record maintains the same general structure and requirements as the traditional format while providing a more streamlined experience, allowing members to update activities, achievements, project work, and reflections throughout the year.

While the long-term goal is to move toward a fully online system where project records can be both completed and submitted electronically, the transition will occur gradually to ensure counties, volunteers, families, and members have time to adapt to the new process.

What This Means for 2026

For the 2026 program year (project records documenting 2026 activities), project records completed through Kaleidoscope must still be printed and submitted as physical copies through county 4-H programs. Electronic submission through Kaleidoscope is not available at this time.

Recognizing that some members and counties may need additional time to adjust to the new system, NC 4-H will continue to offer alternative formats during this transition year.

In addition to Kaleidoscope, members may choose from the following formats:

• Fillable Google Doc version, which can be completed electronically
• Printable PDF version, which can be completed by hand

All three formats will be accepted for the 2026 program year. Regardless of which format is used, project records must still be printed and submitted according to county instructions and deadlines.

The 2026 program year represents an important milestone in the transition process. By introducing Kaleidoscope as an option now, we can continue gathering feedback and refining the online project record experience for future generations of 4-H members.

Looking ahead, we aim to eventually integrate features such as online submission, reviewer feedback within Kaleidoscope prior to submission, and electronic review and judging following submission.

At this time, portfolios cannot be completed through Kaleidoscope and must be completed using the traditional portfolio format.

We encourage members, volunteers, and families to explore Kaleidoscope and become familiar with the new system.

4-H Summer Fun is LIVE!

   

Are you ready for the premiere summer camp program in all of Robeson County?  Get ready to join us for 4-H Summer Fun!  We have camps this year for all ages and interests.  Our pdf booklet will be out soon and until then please check out the flyer about for dates, ages, and prices.  This is open to actively enrolled 4-H members from now until May 15.  On May 16th we will open to the public for registration.   

To register and pay please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988028093544?aff=oddtdtcreator.   

For questions please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at shea_ann_dejarnette@ncsu.edu or Jade McNeill at jade_mcneill@ncsu.edu or call (910) 671-3276.

Are you Ready for an AI Challenge?

The 4-H AI in your community challenge is live and will be available through May 3, 2026.

https://events.projectboard.world/4HAI2026

Youth learn about AI Education and then create a 2 minute pitch video about their idea for using AI to solve problems in their community.

Youth will be divided into two categories:  age 13-15 and age 16-18.

State winners could win:

First Place-$300

Second Place-$200

Third Place-$100

National winners-sponsored by Microsoft could win:

First Place-$1,000

Second Place-$600

Third Place-$400

A youth could earn up to $1300 just for completing this project.

Check out last year's projects here.

https://events.projectboard.wrld/4HAI

In addition to the AI challenge, please check out AI in Agriculture lessons on our CLOVER by 4-H online platform.  In addition to AI lessons, there are more than 300 different modules on health, computer science, citizenship, agriculture and more.

https://4-h.short.gy/mark-ai

Speak Up and Speak Out!

   

Now is your time 4-H Members!  Tell us what you want us to know, learn, experience.  Have an opinion about something that you need to express?  Well County Activity Day is your chance.  County Activity Day is the day where our 5-18 year olds have a chnace to compete in Public Speaking, Presentations, and Entertains.

   Why should you do this?  To build confidence and skills in public speaking, presenting, and leadership.  You can do this by presenting on a topic you care about in a supportive environment where participants gain valuable, constructive feedback and learn crucial organizational skills. This event allows you to showcase their knowledge, explore personal interests, and possibly advance to higher-level competitions.

  All you need to do is pick your topic and sign up.   To register go to our Eventbrite page and sign up.  If you are not going to be able to attend that day and compete because of a prior commitment? No worries, all you need to do is send an unedited video of you giving your speech or presentation and we will view that during the judging on May 2. Please note if you place in your age and category to move on to District you will need to compete in person.  District Activity Day will be at Mount Olive University on June 18. 

District Officer Opportunity

      

 Do you have what it takes to be a District Officer?  We are looking for 4-H Members who has the time over the next year to grow their leadership skills, communication skills, and is willing to be responsible (as part of a team) for 4-H district team events.  

      You must be at least 14 years old (4-H Age), have been in 4-H for at least two years to run for office, and actively enrolled in 4-H Online.  If you are interested please contact Miss Shea Ann at (910) 671-3276 or Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu to have a conversation and allow her to get your paperwork submitted to the state 4-H office.  Deadline to reach out to the county 4-H office is April 1 to get paperwork submited before Teen Retreat April 24-25.   

 

4-H Animal Science is Open for Registration

4-H Animal Science is the cornerstone of the 4-H program. Youth get the opportunity to raise an animal for show at the fair. In the process they learn about responsibility, record keeping, anatomy of that animal and more. It is a fun project with real world learning opportunities.

This year we will be offering Laying Hens, Broilers, Turkeys, and Rabbits. Please note that due to shortages of laying hen stock we may have to suspend the laying hen project. If we do that we will offer the opportunity to switch to another animal or offer a refund.

This year we are turning the animal science project on its ear so please read the following information carefully.

- All youth taking part in this project must be actively registered in 4-H Online to receive an animal.

- This project is open to all 4-H members ages 5-18. Please note our 5-7 year old Cloverbud division is non competitive.

- Youth must be registered and pay in Eventbrite prior to the deadline.

-Please note the deadline to register and pay for the Turkey project is earlier than all other animals. The deadline for this project will be February 28.

- If completing the turkey project youth will also be required to show at the state turkey show prior or during the state fair.

- Before registering please consider the needs of the animal (cost, pen, feed, outdoor area, predators, fencing, weather, etc.) before registering for this project. Once you register care, food, and other needs will be the responsibility of the family. Also think about vacations and schedules so that you can maintain a steady schedule for your animal in terms of water, feed, exercise, etc.

-We will hold an Animal Science Introduction on February 28 at the Extension Office. Seperate information will be provided on that session.

- There will be a mandatory Animal Science training and animal give-out at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair Grounds on June 6 from 9:30-10:30 am.

-Youth showing turkeys will receive their birds and feed from our office June 22.

-Youth showing broilers will recieve those birds from our office on August 21.

- Other in person scheduled visits, video trainings, and possibly in person trainings per species are likely during this process. This will be discussed at the animal science meeting/training/giveaway in June.

- Youth are required to show their animal at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair.

- We recommend the youth start by showing rabbits or chickens as a first project and move up to larger animals.

- Please check the zoning ordinances and if applicable Home Owners Association policies, on raising animals where you live.

-Youth may complete up to 3 different animal projects.

- A project record book will need to be completed and turned in as part of this project. There will be a training on record books and we will offer virtual help in completing the books. Please note that there is a separate competition for record books in January as well that you may turn these books in for. More information will be given about that program during training.

-Youth who turn in animals at the fair to show by the appointed deadline will receive a polo shirt that they can wear in the ring on show day.

To register and pay please go to:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-4-h-animal-science-registration-tickets-1983361663125?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you are not sure yet and would like to register for our information session that will take place February 28, from 10 am-12 pm at our office please register at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-h-animal-science-introduction-tickets-1983374201628?aff=oddtdtcreator

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made when you register your child, by calling the 4-H office at (910) 671-3276.

I f you have any questions please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at sadejarn@ncsu.edu, Jade McNeill at jade_mcneill@ncsu.edu, or Taylor Chavis at tbhunt@ncsu.edu 

4-H Top 4 for February 9, 2026

Happy Monday!

Hope everyone enjoyed thier weekend and the Super Bowl?

Just want to take a moment and say we have had our first two club meetings of the year.  Young Leaders had their organizational meeting in January, and the Art Hub 4-H Club was finally able to take the field trip to the NC Museum of Art this weekend after have to postpone a couple of times due to weather.  Congrats to our club leaders for hitting the road running in 2026.  We also know that the Dirty Rascals JMG 4-H Club has their schedule completed and will start meeting in March.  If you are interested in any of these or other club opportunities please contact Jade McNeill at jade_mcneill@ncsu.edu.

1.  Project Record Books and Portfolios are due to our office by the end of the day.  We added an extra week in due to snow, so we hope to have your record books in today.

2.  Volunteer Launch Pad  

We are excited to announce a virtual learning opportunity for our volunteers.  the 4-H Volunteer Launch Pad will be a quarterly virtual training opportunity for volunteers in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Cumberland, Hoke, and Robeson Counties.  We have determined topics based on the needs expressed by our volunteers in these counties who responded to a survey we sent out in December.  To learn more about the trainings please click this link or check it out on the app under programs.

3.  Project Record Book Judging

  On February 16th we will be holding our annual project record book judging.  This is a chance for you to learn about project records if you haven't seen one before and  learn first hand what it takes for a good one.  You can judge one or more if you like.   If you will be coming please register on Eventbrite so we can make sure to be set up for all our judges.  To register just click this link and answer the questions.  You can also register on the app. 

4.  Re-enrollment

Volunteers and members need to be reenrolled in 4-H Online.  If you have not reenrolled by the end of the month you will no longer get emails from us, so please make sure to take a moment and renroll on 4-H Online.

That is all for today.  Hope you have a great Valentines and Galentine's day and we can't wait to see you at one of our 4-H events.

Jade and Shea Ann

Teens as Teachers Advisory Council

 NC State Extension Specialist Dr. Maru Gonzalez and her team are developing a new curriculum and are seeking youth from counties across the state to serve as advisors in its creation and implementation.

The Teens as Teachers Advisory Council will help shape Youth Voices into Action, a new storytelling and civic engagement curriculum designed for North Carolina youth. Council members will play an important role in ensuring the curriculum is engaging, meaningful, and relevant to youth.

Youth Advisory Council members will:

• Provide feedback on the curriculum, using guiding prompts to make the process clear and simple. 
• Share insights and ideas for strengthening lesson activities and resources. 

 

Council members are expected to:

• Review curriculum content provided throughout the advisory period.
• Attend up to two virtual council meetings, where members will discuss ideas, offer suggestions, and reflect on the curriculum.
• Complete short reflection or feedback tasks as requested, using the provided guided prompts.

 

Compensation:

• Each Youth Advisory Council member will receive a $200 stipend upon completion of expectations.

 

Apply Now on Google Forms:

• Teens as Teachers Advisory Council Interest Form

 

Please Note:

• Submitting this application does not guarantee participation.
• Applications due by Friday, February 13th.

4-H Appreciation

 

We love to show how much we love our 4-H Families and volunteers.  4-H Appreciation is one of those days where we get to do it right.  

 

This year we had a PJ's and Waffles brunch in your honor and for those who came I think a good time was had by all.  Mrs Jade and Ms Shea Ann showed up in their special 4-H P.J.'s and were styling for this special day.  Lots of folks came in their PJ's and looked so good.  There were grinch slippers, 4-H socks, a bear PJ outfit (so comfy).  Our crowd was definitely trend setting for the occasion.

We had a great time making waffles in our PJ's and folks got creative.  That's good because we had a contest for the best looking waffle out of all that were made.  We will share the winners a little later in this post.

 

This year we had a more formal program with a power point of what our youth had accomplished.  We made this based on who was planning on attending and signed up for the event.  It was fun have friends, family, and volunteers see what our youth had done this year and we hope they have some ideas on what they want to do next year.  Mr. Mac Malloy, our County Extension Director said his favorite part of the event was listening to what our youth had accomplished.  He was proud of how invested they are in the program and how much they have obviously learned,  Actually we reached more than 6000 youth this past year, and although we don't recognize everyone we love being able to recognize those who were able to attend.  If you would like to check out our powerpoint we would love for you to see it by clicking this link. 

 

We also recognized our adult volunteers based on their years of service.  Did you know we have more than 70 volunteers who have served from 1 year to 42 years.  That is a lot of time and dedication to our program that we sincerely appreciate.  Leaders do everything from volunteering with programming to running clubs and helping with District and State level programs.  They are an amazing and talented group of folks. 

  Our youth and adults both received gifts.  Our youth received pocket baby lucky dragons (that look just like our 4-H mascot, Trifloium).  Our adults received their annual pocket calendars and 4-H car coasters to help market our program.   After a brief meeting with the youth present it was determined that the adults could also get a baby lucky dragon however they are also boaund by the same responsibilities that they youth are.  They will have to name them, give them attention, take them places, keep them warm in their pockets.  It is a lot to be responsible for a baby lucky dragon and we know our 4-H families are up for the challenge.   

 

Ms Jade said her favorite part of the event were the box photos.  She took photos of everyone willing to get in the box and made this wonderful collage for us to enjoy and use.  It is the Christmas tree photo at the top of this post and it is adorable!  These family and 4-H photos are adorable and we are so happy to have them to remember this by.

  For some folks the best part was being able to see what they and their friends had accomplished this year.  For the others it was eating some delicious brunch favorites like cinnamon rolls and tater tot casserole.  Mostly I think the big hits were games like candy cane fishing and of course what is starting to become an annual snowball fight.  Oh and lets not forget the waffle contest.  The winners received gifts for their efforts.  Coming in third was Tanya Underwood, Second was Thomas Underwood, and  in first place was Willie Roberson.  Way to go our incredible waffle makers!

  If you would like to see all the photos from our fun check it out here.  Make plans for next year's event we haven't decided what that quite looks like yet...maybe our baby lucky dragons can tell us.    

4-H Animal Science Career Night-Virtual

 National 4-H Animal Science Career Night, sponsored by the NAE4-HYDP Animal Science Working Group

December 18, 2025

7–8pm EST / 6–7pm CST

FREE for youth in grades 7–13 (ages 12–19)

Join us for an exciting evening with two incredible guest speakers from the animal science industry! Hear real-world career insights, ask questions, and explore future pathways in animal science.

Featured Speakers:

Mr. Jack Ward – Executive Vice President, American Hereford Association

Mr. Sam Cohen – Zoological Supervisor, Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

Register by December 17, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up or visit https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_6Jt5H9mJnKy8En4

Questions? Contact: mb2173@njaes.rutgers.edu

4-H Appreciation Brunch-Don't Waffle Over This

 

  We hope you will, "rise and shine" for our 4-H Appreciation Brunch, "PJs & Waffles" at the 4-H office (455 Caton Road, Lumberton, NC 28360) between 10 AM and 12 PM on Saturday December 13th.  We hope you and yours will come in your comfiest (and 4-H appropriate) holiday pajamas to enjoy a brunch like only our 4-H program can put together for you.  We will eat, have a program recognizing our youth and volunteers who register, and have a few fun surprises along the way.  To register you can go to our app under programs or  click on this link.

  

   This year we are asking our 4-H family to continue supporting our 4-H Lending library by bringing in new and gently used books for us to give out.  So feel free to do a little cleaning out of what your not going to read anymore (we need books for everyone) and bring it in to donate. 

  We're happy to celebrate a great 4-H year together and let us shower you with the gratitude you deserve. Whether you're a member, a parent, or a volunteer, you are the heart of 4-H. Get your plate and dig into our one of the kind waffle bar and other scrumptious items, because everything is better in your jammies!"

State Fair

 

The NC State Fair is quickly approaching from October 16-26, 2025. We wanted to remind you of the various opportunities you can participate in at the fair.

You can view the premium book and all the competition details online at:
NC State Fair 4-H Competitions

Click the Competition Information Section.

Entry Deadlines:

Please refer to the deadlines listed under each section in the premium book.

For 4-H Crafts, Exhibits, Entomology, Photography, Haybales, etc.:

• Entry Deadline: Sunday, September 15, 2025

• Haybale Decoration Time: Specific times will be allocated.

Exhibit Drop-Off Times:

• Deliver exhibits to the Education Building Saturday, October 11; Sunday, October 12 from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm; and Monday, October 13 from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon. • Exhibits released from other fairs will be accepted until 3:00 pm on Monday, October 13 with entry tag from prior fair. Call 919 839 4513 for details.

• Location: Education Building

• Haybale Decorating must be completed on Saturday, October 10 thru Monday, October 13. Location:  Grassy area in between of the Kerr Scott Building and the Administration Offices.

• Pick-Up Date: Monday, October 27, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Please see this section for specifics on when you can bring your items. Ensure you allow enough time to complete your entry process by Noon on the deadline day. We are open the weekend prior to the fair, so please avoid waiting until the last minute.

Competitions:

• County Exhibits: Pre-assigned with one per Extension District. The following counties—Perquimans, Onslow, Orange, Hoke —have been contacted and are working on their booths to represent each district. Must be completed by Sunday - October 12.

• Categories Open to Any 4-H’er:

• 4-H Crafts

• 4-H Photography

• 4-H Entomology

• 4-H Hay Bale Decorating (1 entry per county; submission must be coordinated by the county 4-H agent and registered as the County 4-H Program.

Competition Guidelines

• Competition is open to North Carolina residents only, and youth must be registered in 4-H online.

• Two entries per exhibitor, per Class.

• Entry registration deadline is Sunday, September 15, 2025

• NC Substitute W-9 forms are required to receive prize money.

• Deliver craft exhibits to the Education Building Saturday, October 11; Sunday, October 12 from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm; and Monday, October 13 from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon. • Exhibits released from other fairs will be accepted until 3:00 pm on Monday, October 13, with an entry tag fromthe prior fair.

• General Rules and Regulations of the Fair will govern this department.

• The point system used for judging in each class aids the judges in selecting winners, but is not the sole factor in the awarding of ribbons and placements.