Contact Us

Jennifer Caldwell
Program Coordinator, 4-H and Youth Development
University of Illinois Extension
850 Thompson St,
Becker Professional Suites,
Princeton, IL 61356
Phone: 815-875-2878
FAX: 815-875-2870
jacaldwe@illinois.edu

Jill Guynn
County Extension Director
University of Illinois Extension
850 Thompson St,
Becker Professional Suites,
Princeton, IL 61356
Phone: 815-875-2878
FAX: 815-875-2870
jguynn@illinois.edu

4-H Show Bureau County

4-H Show Bureau County

What is Conference Judging?

If you will be exhibiting projects at this year's fair, you've got a lot to look forward to! The judging will be done "conference style" by talking with the judge. The judging of projects is a learning experience for you, the 4-Her. From it, you can learn what you did well and how you can improve. An exhibit doesn't measure all that you've learned; it is only a sample. Conference judging gives you an opportunity to explain what you learned while working on your project. So this is your time to shine! When your project is being judged, it is important to keep the following things in mind:

    • Talk to the judge. Answer any questions he/she has for you. Make them aware of what you know!
    • You will be asked questions about your exhibit, so you should be prepared to tell what you were trying to do in your project (goals) and be able to describe the steps you took to make the exhibit.
    • FOLLOW THE RULES! Make sure that your exhibit meets ALL the requirements as stated in the 2011 Bureau County 4-H Fair Book.
    • Practice good sportsmanship. Be the kind and courteous individuals that we know you all are.
    • Listen carefully to the judge so that you can accept constructive criticism, and learn from it.
    • Remember: Projects are evaluated - not people! All completed projects meeting the fair requirements will receive a Blue, Red, or White rating. At this level, projects are evaluated individually, not compared to other 4-Hers' projects.
    • Realize that the judges are human, too! Mistakes can be made and we always need to keep in mind that most of our judges, superintendents, and recorders are VOLUNTEERS sharing their time to help out our program, and you! They offer their assistance and expertise, so please make sure you thank them for all their efforts!
    • Take some time to look at the exhibits prepared by other 4-H members. You may get some inspiration for a future project!

Questions the judge may ask you:

    • Did you enjoy working on your project? Why?
    • What was the easiest or hardest thing you did?
    • Why did you choose this exhibit?
    • Who assisted you with this project?
    • Tell me about the kinds of materials you used.
    • How did you make this exhibit?
    • What part of the exhibit do you feel you could improve? Why?
    • Would you like to continue in this project or try something else?
    • What part of the exhibit do you feel you could improve? Why?