Showcasing Hard Work

Junior, intermediate and senior members may all strive for star ranks. Each star level takes an average of two years to complete. Star rank achievers receive a tangible star, which is often attached to the 4-H hat.

EXTERNAL IMAGE

Bronze Star: Complete at least 5 of the 8 PDR categories.

Silver Star: Complete at least 6 of the 8 PDR categories.

Gold Star: Complete at least 7 of the 8 PDR categories.

Platinum Star: Complete at least 7 of the 8 PDR categories.

Many counties in California have an Emerald Star program, which is sponsored by the county 4-H office and/or the county 4-H leaders' council. The Emerald Star program is designed for intermediate and senior 4-H members.

How can I earn these star ranks?

To qualify for any of the achievement rank awards, 4-H members must attend 80 percent of both the local club and the project meetings held during the year.  To obtain any of the ranks, 4-H members must complete the asterisked (*) categories as a part of his/her total effort.  This excerpt from the Personal Development Report (PDR), part of the 4-H member record book, shows the numbers and categories necessary to earn each star ranking:

Categories of Participation

1. 4-H Projects Completed: This category records projects a 4-H member has completed.

    

2. 4-H Project Skill Activities
   This category records activities where 4-H members either exhibited their 4-H work or demonstrated their knowledge to an audience and/or judge.

    

3. 4-H Events Attended
   This category records 4-H events, other than 4-H club and project meetings, that the 4-H member attended during the year.

    

4. Leadership Development 
   This category records leadership activities undertaken by the 4-H member.

    

5. Citizenship & Community Service
   This category records citizenship and community service activities undertaken by the 4-H member.

    

6. Communication Skills 
   This category records communication activities undertaken by the 4-H member.

    

7. Honors and Recognition
   This category records the significant honors and recognition earned by the 4-H member.

    

8. Lifestyle Activities
   This category records lifestyle activities both in and outside of 4-H that the member participated in.

    

Bronze Level (5 categories required)

• 4-H Projects Completed: 2*
• Project Skill Activities: 4
• Events Attended: 12
• Leadership Development: 10
• Junior or Teen Leader: 0
• Citizenship & Community Service: 10
• Communication Skills: 12*
• 4-H Presentations: (4*)
• Honors and Recognition: 5
• Lifestyle Activities: 10

Silver Level (6 categories required)

• 4-H Projects Completed: 4*
• Project Skill Activities: 8
• Events Attended: 25
• Leadership Development: 20
• Junior or Teen Leader: 0
• Citizenship & Community Service: 20*
• Communication Skills: 24*
• 4-H Presentations: (7*)
• Honors and Recognition: 10
• Lifestyle Activities: 20

Gold Level (7 categories required)

• 4-H Projects Completed: 8*
• Project Skill Activities: 15
• Events Attended: 40
• Leadership Development: 30*
• Junior/Teen Leader: (2*)
• Citizenship & Community Service: 30*
• Communication Skills: 36*
• 4-H Presentations: (10*)
• Honors and Recognition: 15
• Lifestyle Activities: 30

Platinum Level (7 categories required)

• 4-H Projects Completed: 12*
• Project Skill Activities: 20
• Events Attended: 60
• Leadership Development: 40*
• Junior/Teen Leader: (4*)
• Citizenship & Community Service: 40*
• Communication Skills: 48*
• 4-H Presentations: (15*)
• Honors and Recognition: 20
• Lifestyle Activities: 40