Portage County Life Skills projects focus on developing life-long learning through hands-on projects. Life Skills projects include sewing, food and nutrition, shooting sports & natural resources, STEM projects, dogs, pocket pets and other non-livestock projects.
Portage County Life Skills Achievment Award - Due Jan. 6, 2026.
4-H volunteers may nominate a 4-H member(s) of any age and any year in 4-H for a Life Skills Achievement Award. Fill out the nomination form and return to the Portage County Extension Office or email to: PC4HLifeSkillsCommittee@gmail.com by Jan. 6, 2026
2026 Life Skills Project Judging
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Life Skills Project Judging and Communication Day is July 18, 2026, from 12 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Portage County Fairgrounds
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Public Speaking & Mock Interview Contest, July 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Portage County Fairgrounds (more info here)
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Clothing Day and Life Skills Awards is July 23, 2026 at Ravenna High School
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Judging from 12:00 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.
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Style Revue from 5-6:15 p.m., Clothing project awards to follow.
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All Life Skills Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. (Ravenna High School)
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Plan for Success
Portage County follows the rules and guidelines set by the state. You can find rules and grading rubrics for each project category below!
State Fair Non-livestock Guide
2025 State Fair Project Judging Dates
2025 Life Skills Benefit Baking Contest and Live Auction, and 4-H Basket Silent Auction
Bid on tasty treats and baskets put together by Portage County 4-H youth. Proceeds go to 4-H clubs partipating in the auction as well as the Portage County Life Skills Scholarhip Fund.
When: Sun., August 24, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Where: Hubbard Building, Portage County Randolph Fair
Silent and live auctions run concurrently. Silent auction bids close 30 minutes after the end of the live auction. Winning bids will be announced. Live auction bidders must sign up prior to the start of the auction in Hubbard Building. No bidder numbers require for silent auction.
2025 Life Skills Scholarship
A scholarship opportunity is available for Portage County 4-H members who have successfully completed any Life Skills project(s) (including Grade Day participation) for two or more years. The award is not based on financial need but is an investment in the youth’s future endeavors. This scholarship of up to $750 will be awarded to current 4-H members.