I took 4-H only one year. I can't say I learned much. Maybe I should have stayed in it longer. My kids do 4-H and I am really disappointed. There are no project leaders, for the most part. My kids are interested in things like sewing and woodworking, but you are on your own. If you don't know someone who knows how to do the project and is willing to teach your child-GOOD LUCK. The people at the extension office are clueless about what you need to do. We do livestock and there is very little guidance for that. Those who know don't want to share because it would put them or their kids at a disadvantage. Record books are never checked or required. For the most part the kids who win buy their livestock to win. They do very little work. My husband and I are trying to change that and require more of our kids and become involved.