How to Create and Submit Your Early Bird Book

Now that you have successfully completed your Brigade camp, you are faced with the daunting task of not only going out and doing programs, but reporting them as well.  However, with this comes rewards!

The Early Bird book is designed to reward those that have not hesitated to go out in their community and do programs in the months immediately following camp.

Think of your Early Bird Book as the rough draft of the Book of Accomplishments you will turn in March 15th.  When grading Early Bird books, camp committees generally look at the quality and quantity of programs and activities completed, rather than the presentation of the book.

Step 1: Do as many projects and activities as you can!!!  Each camp has a different program requirement, the more you complete and document, the better your chances of invitation on the Early Bird trip.
Make sure you document your activities with signed report forms!  Pictures are not required in this book, but are appreciated!

Step 2:  Fill out and complete activity report forms.  Typing out your forms is the best way to keep your records neat.  Typed forms are not necessary for the Early Bird book; however, think about the time you’ll save on putting together your Book of Accomplishments if your reports are already typed!  Download the report forms and save onto your computer so you can type and print out.  Be sure to give a detailed description of your activities!

Step 3: Create your very own Early Bird book!  Compile all of your report forms.  Notebook binders will do the job for this book, but scrapbooks are suggested for your Book of Accomplishments.  See the educational activity values sheet for instructions on how to arrange your book.  Even though you may not have completed an activity from every category, creating sections and arranging your reports in the appropriate section will be great practice for your Book of Accomplishments.

Step 4: Submit your book to the correct committee person by the correct date!!!  Information on whom and when to submit your book is mailed several times, several months in advance with the monthly newsletter.  This information can also be found below.  If mailing your book, it must be postmarked no later than the specified due date.

Step 5: Wait for results.  Once the books have been submitted, camp committee members will judge the books.  The cadets that have met the requirements will be invited to attend the Early Bird hunt/fishing trip!  You will be notified on the results soon after the committee meeting.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

• Call up another cadet and do a project together.

• Write an article about camp and submit it to a wildlife publication.

• Set up your tri-fold at the local feed store, vet clinic, or library.

• Give a presentation or talk to your Ag or science classes, or organizations in which you are involved.

• Make a plant collection (use heavy books to press plants or scan them).

• Participate in county fairs or 4-H photo and art contests.

• Have fun and you will motivate others by your enthusiasm!