Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18th, 2026 for Mecklenburg County 4-H's 3rd annual County Activity Day! Whether you choose to do a presentation, poster, public speaking, or even all three, this event is your platform to show off your skills and accomplishments!

*Date is tentative and subject to change*

2026 Registration: Not yet available

Time: To be determined

Location: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center: 2415 Lester Street

View the guidelines and categories (2025): 4-H Presentations 2025

What is County Activity Day?

County Activity Day is an annual showcase where youth from across the county will provide a presentation where you can showcase your skills or interest with one the three presentation styles: Demonstration, Illustrated Talk, and Formal Speech.

Types of Presentations:

• Demonstrations: Includes doing, showing, and making something with finished product
• Illustrated talk: Talking while utilizing charts, pictures, and models
• Formal speech: Verbal speech sharing information with no visual aids or props

*Please note, those who chose to do a formal speech are automatically in the "Public Speaking" category

Who Can Participate?

Any youth in Mecklenburg County ages 8-18 years old is able to participate! They must register in 4-H Online (which is free). More information on how to register is included below.

What are the Categories/Topics?

 

Animal Science

• Horse
• Horse Public Speaking
  • Please note, horse public speaking is separate from public speaking. Time limits for horse public speaking are as follows:

Ages 8-10 and 11-13: 4-10 minutesAges 14-18: 8-10 minutes

• Livestock and Dairy Production
• Poultry Production and/or Preparation
• Small and Companion Animals

Citizenship & Civic Education

• Citizenship/Community Service

Communication & Expressive Arts

• NC 4-H Talent Showcase
• Arts & Communications
• Digital Reality
• Public Speaking

Family & Consumer Sciences

• Family & Consumer Sciences
• Hospitality, Etiquette, and Social Graces

Environmental Science

• Entomology
• Environmental Science (Soil & Water)
• Fisheries & Aquatic Resources
• Forestry and Wildlife

Healthy Lifestyles

• Agricultural Safety and Health
• Dairy Foods
• Egg Cookery – (National Contest is Egg Chef Challenge)
• Fruit & Vegetable Use
• Foods & Nutrition
• Health and Fitness
• Peanut Foods
• Safety

Personal Development

• Open Class
• Careers & Entrepreneurship

Plant Science

• Horticultural Science

Science & Technology

• Agriculture Science (formerly Crop Production)
• Wheels and Engines
• Electric
• Science & Technology

Outdoor Cookery Competition

Competition categories for District Activity Days and State Finals

• Beef Grilling
• Chicken Grilling
• Pork Grilling
• Seafood Grilling
• Turkey Grilling

Please note, Chicken and Turkey Char-Grill 14-18 Age Categories are required to do an oral presentation.

Outdoor Cookery Resources

*Please click the links for specific details in each category

What are the Age Categories

Junior: 8-10

Intermediate: 11-13

Senior: 14-18

*The Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories will have the opportunity to compete at the state level if they place 1st or 2nd at the district level

How Long May A Presentation Be?

In most categories, there is a 5 minute minimum and 12 minute maximum. For public speaking, the requirements are 5 minute minimum and 7 minutes maximum. Going over or under the time limits will result in deducted points.

For all general presentation categories, the following time requirements are expected: a minimum of 5 minutes and a maximum of 12 minutes. Judges will use their discretion in ranking presentation length. 

Exceptions are as follows: Public Speaking (5-7 minutes); Chicken Barbecue (2 hours); Turkey Barbecue (2 hours); Pork Cookery (2 hours); Beef Char-Grill (2 hours). Turning baskets or cooking baskets are not permitted during Chicken and Turkey BBQ.

Horse Category Time Requirements: Horse, Individual 8-10, 11-13: 4-12 minutes; Horse, Individual 14-18: 9-12 minutes; Horse, Team 8-10, 11-13: 5-15 minutes; Horse, Team 14-18: 10-15 minutes; Horse Public Speaking 8-10, 11-13: 4-10 minutes; Horse Public Speaking, 14-18: 8-10 minutes.

One point is deducted per judge for each minute under or overtime limits.

Are presentations done individually or in groups?

Presentations can be individual or a team of up to 2 people. Participants may only do 1 presentation regardless of if it is team or individual.

What if I don't know how to give a presentation?

That is okay! All information on how to give a presentation as well as how to create will be found on this page below. Watch the videos to get a better idea of how to present, and look at the PPT template to see how to create your own 4-H Presentation.

• 4-H Presentations 101
• 4-H Presentations – Youtube Video Example #1
• 4-H Presentations – Youtube Video Example #2
• 4-H Presentation PPT This PowerPoint provides you tips on how to create a 4-H presentation. The PowerPoint shows you how this process will be conducted.
• For even more presentation resources, visit the NC 4-H Presentation Page Link below

NC 4-H Presentations

What Happens If I Win My Category?

If you place within the top 3 of your category, regardless of your age division, you will receive a ribbon!!

If you place in the top 2 of your category, you will be able to compete at the District Activity Day on June 17th, 2025, at West Iredell High School in Iredell County. Transportation will not be provided this year.

Is The Public Allowed To Watch The Presentations?

Yes! For the first time ever we are inviting the public to watch our 4-H youth present. We know for many of you this may be your first time seeing a 4-H related event take place, and we highly recommend that you come see our 4-Hers present both their skills and passions!

Volunteers will be needed for both check-in and Judging. Any adult volunteers are welcome. If you are interested, please contact 4-H Staff