Ideas for 4-H Unit Recognition

Unit 4: Awards and Recognition
Lesson 3: Ideas for 4-H Unit Recognition

Most 4-H units schedule some sort of Awards Program at the end of the 4-H year or later. These programs range from simple events with light refreshments to elaborate catered dinners. Traditions are important and it may be wise not to meddle with successful programs that are meeting the needs of your young people. As the old saying goes, “Don’t fix what ain’t broke.” But, if you’re looking for some new recognition ideas, the information shared in this lesson may be helpful.

Celebrate! – It’s important to remember when recognizing young people to celebrate their accomplishments. You may even want to consider calling your event an Awards Celebration. Keep your celebration fun, not too long and focused on the young people. There are many ways to celebrate and one format isn’t necessarily better than another. Ideally, your celebration is for young people by young people with adults at the microphone (or even on stage) no more than absolutely necessary. Don’t forget that serving as MC or presenting an award is also recognition that many teens and older members appreciate.

Let’s Party! Just about everyone enjoys a party. If you’ve noticed a decline in Awards Program attendance you might want to try something different. A pizza party or any kind of party may be just the thing. You may also want to consider a theme party. For several years we held an Awards Harvest Party, an idea borrowed from Delaware 4-H. Since the party was during National 4-H Week (first full week in October) with Halloween in the air, many folks attended in costume. Members were asked to come dressed as a 4-H project with prizes awarded to the best costumes. A Cookie Buffet and Ice Cream Sundae Bar were also very well received.

Ceremonies – When recognition is given as part of a ceremony, the experience is often enhanced. In 4-H we often use ceremonies to install club officers and recognize the H’s and Spirit of Camp, but not much else. Illinois 4-H has created a wide variety of ceremonies complete with a script and staging suggestions. In some cases a ceremony will need to be adapted to Maryland, but most are fine as they are. If you’d like to explore adding a ceremony to your awards program, go to: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/ceremonies/

Awards Dinners – While “potluck” dinners are no longer permitted, it’s still possible to hold an affordable awards dinner with some creative planning. A local business may be unable to donate an entire dinner for hundreds of people, but may consider donating all or part of one menu item. Thanksgiving Feast Since most 4-H units have many grocery stores, restaurants and other food outlets in their service area, if even a fraction of the food vendors donate a menu item, an amazing buffet can be assembled. Another option is asking civic groups to sponsor all of part of the dinner. Many of these groups are looking for ways to serve the community and recognizing outstanding young people will be appealing. Don’t just ask for money. Also ask for a few members to help serve the meal. The accomplishments of your 4-Hers are so heartwarming that future donations will be available for the asking, especially if sponsors receive multiple forms of thanks including photo ops in the local paper.

If you have a question or comment please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Dan Tabler at dtabler@umd.edu , or by calling 302-856-4513.

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dht 1/19/07

For more information, contact Lisa Dennis

Last updated: 06/13/2009