Recognition and Awards Program
Standards of Excellence

Recognition of achievement for Standards of Excellence gives youth an external, pre-determined target for their learning experience.  This area of the Recognition program connects closely with the Essential Elements of Mastery and Independence. 

Section links for this page:
4-H Club Standards of Excellence
Project Work Standards of Excellence
Award Certificates

4-H Club Standards of Excellence
(Danish System)
The purpose of Standards and Seals is to provide recognition for 4-H clubs and groups reaching Missouri 4-H Standards of Excellence.  Standards and Seals encourage:

• A quality educational program for ALL members.
• A SAFE environment where ALL youths feel like they BELONG.
• An environment where youths have opportunities to connect with CARING ADULTS.
• An environment where youths are actively ENGAGED in EXPLORING and LEARNING about their INTERESTS.
• Opportunities for youths to strive for MASTERY in subject matter of INTERESTS.
• Opportunities for youths to set goals and be actively involved in the planning, implementing and evaluating the group’s program.
• Opportunities to EXPERIENCE and VALUE SERVICE to others and community.
• A VIBRANT environment where youths WANT to participate.

Youth ages 8 to 18 on December 31st of the program year are eligible for this participation recognition.  The goal of Standards and Seals is to provide 4-H Clubs with an external, pre-determined target for their group's learning experience. The standards for each seal are outlined in the 4-H Club Secretary Book Y671 (PDF).

Bronze Charter Seal S122
Silver Charter Seal S125
Gold Charter Seal S128
(use award order form in Just for Staff)

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Project Work Standards of Excellence
(Danish System)
Members may elect to have 4-H projects or performance evaluated at local, regional and state shows or events. Exhibits, demonstrations, public speaking, skill-a-thons and project judging are a few examples of these opportunities. The standards for projects are found in project curriculum with consideration given for youth age and ability.  Standards of Excellence provide members with genuine feedback to gain insight into their abilities and build mastery.

Blue/Gold Recognition
Project work demonstrating Excellent Work in relationship to Standards.

Red/Silver Recognition
Project work demonstrating Superior Work in relationship to Standards.

White/Bronze Recognition
Project work demonstrating Average Work in relationship to Standards.
 

Award Certificates
Versatile certificate that can be used for participation, progress toward personal goals, peer competition and standards of excellence.

See Award Certificates for a description.

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