Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
Youth Development (Colfax County)
Plan Goals
To promote positive youth development for Colfax County youth through 4-H project work, special interest and school enrichment programs, competition, clinics, workshops, outreach efforts, record books, camps, county council, officer trainings, junior/teen
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Youth Development
Impact Reports
Welcome to 4-H Workshop
In order to address the need to orientate new 4-H members to the 4-H program requirements, the 4-H agent and home economist planned a joint workshop for youth and adult leaders in February of 2011. Two State 4-H specialists traveled to Raton HS to conduct the adult workshop, which was also offered to leaders in Union, Mora and San Miguel counties. Six leaders from Colfax and San Miguel counties participated in the workshop gaining leadership skills and ideas to benefit the youth in their clubs.
The 4-H agent and home economist team taught the youth workshop attended by seven youth, including three junior leaders from Colfax County. The youth learned about the 4-H motto, slogan, creed, emblem and history by completing pages from the Welcome To 4-H project book, then used their creativity to paint and decorate picture frames that could be exhibited in the fair as part of their project. Photos were taken of the youth so that they could be placed in the frames after drying. The home economist also showed the youth how to properly give a 4-H demonstration, which was followed by a demonstration given by two of the participants. The 4-H agent then guided the youth through a “contest” simulation where they learned more about the livestock and home ec skill-a-thon, wildlife and horticulture contest. 4-H record books and indoor exhibit boards were also on display for the 4-H’ers and parents to view. This allowed them to ask questions and see examples so that they had a better understanding of the 4-H program expectations.
In order to address the need to orientate new 4-H members to the 4-H program requirements, the 4-H agent and home economist planned a joint workshop for youth and adult leaders in February of 2011. Two State 4-H specialists traveled to Raton HS to conduct the adult workshop, which was also offered to leaders in Union, Mora and San Miguel counties. Six leaders from Colfax and San Miguel counties participated in the workshop gaining leadership skills and ideas to benefit the youth in their clubs.
The 4-H agent and home economist team taught the youth workshop attended by seven youth, including three junior leaders from Colfax County. The youth learned about the 4-H motto, slogan, creed, emblem and history by completing pages from the Welcome To 4-H project book, then used their creativity to paint and decorate picture frames that could be exhibited in the fair as part of their project. Photos were taken of the youth so that they could be placed in the frames after drying. The home economist also showed the youth how to properly give a 4-H demonstration, which was followed by a demonstration given by two of the participants. The 4-H agent then guided the youth through a “contest” simulation where they learned more about the livestock and home ec skill-a-thon, wildlife and horticulture contest. 4-H record books and indoor exhibit boards were also on display for the 4-H’ers and parents to view. This allowed them to ask questions and see examples so that they had a better understanding of the 4-H program expectations.
NE District 4-H Contests
The Colfax County 4-H Agent and home economist worked together with the Colfax County 4-H Council and other NE district 4-H Agents to plan the 2011 NE District 4-H Contests held June 21-23 in Raton. A total of 64 youth from eight counties registered for contests ranging from shooting sports to public speaking to favorite foods.
The day before the general contests at Raton HS, the Colfax County Extension agents hosted the NE District Shooting Sports contests at the NRA Whittington Center with participants in traditional and compound archery, .22 rifle and shotgun. The next two days included a welcome/orientation, three workshops, and general, livestock and home economics contests along with an evening hamburger cookout at Roundhouse Park followed by swimming at the new Raton Aquatic Center.
The home economist was responsible for tabulating shooting sports results, securing home economics judges and contest volunteers, preparing the program booklet, working with other district agents to acquire up-to-date contest guidelines, readying the 4-H Council concession for volunteers, and purchasing supplies and groceries for the hamburger cookout.
The home economist also served as superintendent of the favorite food show contest and taught a workshop highlighting two of the NM Flavor projects. Over 20 4-H’ers, siblings and parents participated in the NM Flavor workshop where they learned to make and decorate a cornhusk doll as well as homemade tortillas served with butter and jam. Many of the 4-H’ers and parents had never experienced these NM cultural projects and voiced plans to conduct workshops in their counties. Later in the summer, when judging at the Harding County Fair, the home economist saw cornhusk dolls made at the district workshop.
The Colfax County 4-H Agent and home economist worked together with the Colfax County 4-H Council and other NE district 4-H Agents to plan the 2011 NE District 4-H Contests held June 21-23 in Raton. A total of 64 youth from eight counties registered for contests ranging from shooting sports to public speaking to favorite foods.
The day before the general contests at Raton HS, the Colfax County Extension agents hosted the NE District Shooting Sports contests at the NRA Whittington Center with participants in traditional and compound archery, .22 rifle and shotgun. The next two days included a welcome/orientation, three workshops, and general, livestock and home economics contests along with an evening hamburger cookout at Roundhouse Park followed by swimming at the new Raton Aquatic Center.
The home economist was responsible for tabulating shooting sports results, securing home economics judges and contest volunteers, preparing the program booklet, working with other district agents to acquire up-to-date contest guidelines, readying the 4-H Council concession for volunteers, and purchasing supplies and groceries for the hamburger cookout.
The home economist also served as superintendent of the favorite food show contest and taught a workshop highlighting two of the NM Flavor projects. Over 20 4-H’ers, siblings and parents participated in the NM Flavor workshop where they learned to make and decorate a cornhusk doll as well as homemade tortillas served with butter and jam. Many of the 4-H’ers and parents had never experienced these NM cultural projects and voiced plans to conduct workshops in their counties. Later in the summer, when judging at the Harding County Fair, the home economist saw cornhusk dolls made at the district workshop.
State 4-H Home Economics School
A team of county home economists worked with the State 4-H Home Economics Specialist to develop plans for the Third Annual State 4-H Home Economics School, which is much like the long running agricultural based horse and livestock schools in the state. In March of 2011, 69 4-H’ers, six junior instructors, 17 volunteer leaders and 21 instructors, from around the state, converged on the Valencia High School campus for a three day weekend of experiences within the home economics project and contest areas.
This year the home economist served as co-chair of the 4-H Foods track which focused on food preservation and food gifts from the kitchen. The food preservation track was led by the Luna and Grant County home economists however, the home economist assisted them by instructing 23 4-H’ers in making grape jelly. This was one of three other food preservation experiences provided in the morning workshop. In the afternoon, the home economist teamed with the Roosevelt County home economist to teach the youth to decorate their jars of grape jelly for gift giving and to embellish cones of hot chocolate mix and cookie CD’s for gift giving or as a thank you gift. Numerous other examples were on display, giving the youth additional ideas for projects. The Roosevelt County home economist also compiled a recipe booklet for the participants to use in creating future food gifts.
Additional youth tracks included “Creative Touches / Duded -Up Denim”, “Interior Design” and community service projects along with two mini tracks on photography and fitness. Adult workshops were also offered simultaneously with the youth tracks.
Overwhelmingly positive evaluation responses to the home economics school have prompted the planning committee to add additional youth and adult workshop experiences. When asked how participant’s changed because of their participation, youth commented, “I learned to meet new people and apply skills that I learned in my tracks”; “I’ve learned a lot about preserving foods and giving food as gifts”; “Home Ec School has inspired me to try some new 4-H projects”; and “This is my first time attending, but I feel much more confident”. Overall event evaluation reflected that 78% of attendees rated Home Ec School as being a grand or reserve champion event.
A team of county home economists worked with the State 4-H Home Economics Specialist to develop plans for the Third Annual State 4-H Home Economics School, which is much like the long running agricultural based horse and livestock schools in the state. In March of 2011, 69 4-H’ers, six junior instructors, 17 volunteer leaders and 21 instructors, from around the state, converged on the Valencia High School campus for a three day weekend of experiences within the home economics project and contest areas.
This year the home economist served as co-chair of the 4-H Foods track which focused on food preservation and food gifts from the kitchen. The food preservation track was led by the Luna and Grant County home economists however, the home economist assisted them by instructing 23 4-H’ers in making grape jelly. This was one of three other food preservation experiences provided in the morning workshop. In the afternoon, the home economist teamed with the Roosevelt County home economist to teach the youth to decorate their jars of grape jelly for gift giving and to embellish cones of hot chocolate mix and cookie CD’s for gift giving or as a thank you gift. Numerous other examples were on display, giving the youth additional ideas for projects. The Roosevelt County home economist also compiled a recipe booklet for the participants to use in creating future food gifts.
Additional youth tracks included “Creative Touches / Duded -Up Denim”, “Interior Design” and community service projects along with two mini tracks on photography and fitness. Adult workshops were also offered simultaneously with the youth tracks.
Overwhelmingly positive evaluation responses to the home economics school have prompted the planning committee to add additional youth and adult workshop experiences. When asked how participant’s changed because of their participation, youth commented, “I learned to meet new people and apply skills that I learned in my tracks”; “I’ve learned a lot about preserving foods and giving food as gifts”; “Home Ec School has inspired me to try some new 4-H projects”; and “This is my first time attending, but I feel much more confident”. Overall event evaluation reflected that 78% of attendees rated Home Ec School as being a grand or reserve champion event.
4-H Favorite Food Show
The Favorite Food Show contest is open to all novice, junior and senior age 4-H members regardless of their area of project enrollment. Preparation for the contest includes choosing a favorite recipe with nutritional value, learning to make the recipe with ease, choosing the appropriate table service and centerpiece, practicing proper food safety habits, and learning the nutritional value of the recipe. One junior age 4-H’er competed in favorite foods at the county level competition held in Cimarron the first week of June. Beforehand, individual guidance was given to the 4-H’er and her parent in preparation for her first competition. The home economist coordinated the contest with the Cimarron Schools and critiqued the contestant’s presentation based on the quality of the favorite food, the table setting and display, knowledge of nutrition and food safety as it related to the favorite food and her presentation skills. Feedback was then given to the 4-H’ers and her parent in preparation for their next level of competition.
The home economist also served as coordinator and superintendent of the NE District Favorite Food Show held in Raton. Two other home economists from the district assisted the home economist in this effort. To prepare for the contest, the home economist sent correspondence to all NE District 4-H counties along with updated score sheets and rules; secured judges and arranged for contest facilities; and prepared contestant recipe booklets, score sheets and a contestant schedule for the actual contest held on June 22nd. A total of four junior age and two novice age 4-H’ers competed the first afternoon of district contests. Four counties – Harding, Santa Fe, Union and Colfax - were represented in the contest. Response from the parents, 4-H’ers and agents was positive.
On the state level, the home economist once again served as contest co-superintendent with the Union County Home Economist. Input from the State 4-H Home Economics Specialist was also given to prepare contest schedules, recipe booklets, and score sheets before the contest. Upon arrival at the state contest held during State 4-H Conference in Las Cruces, the three senior age contestants were given a brief orientation before proceeding to set up their display tables and prepare their favorite food. The home economist gave directions to the three contest judges and assisted them and the contestants during the judging process. Score sheets were tabulated and reviewed with the judges as they made their final decision for high point individual placing. This year’s contestants, representing Union, San Juan and Hidalgo counties, increased their nutritional knowledge, sharpened their public speaking skills, gained confidence in the development of new food preparation skills, and used their creativity to prepare their contest displays.
The Favorite Food Show contest is open to all novice, junior and senior age 4-H members regardless of their area of project enrollment. Preparation for the contest includes choosing a favorite recipe with nutritional value, learning to make the recipe with ease, choosing the appropriate table service and centerpiece, practicing proper food safety habits, and learning the nutritional value of the recipe. One junior age 4-H’er competed in favorite foods at the county level competition held in Cimarron the first week of June. Beforehand, individual guidance was given to the 4-H’er and her parent in preparation for her first competition. The home economist coordinated the contest with the Cimarron Schools and critiqued the contestant’s presentation based on the quality of the favorite food, the table setting and display, knowledge of nutrition and food safety as it related to the favorite food and her presentation skills. Feedback was then given to the 4-H’ers and her parent in preparation for their next level of competition.
The home economist also served as coordinator and superintendent of the NE District Favorite Food Show held in Raton. Two other home economists from the district assisted the home economist in this effort. To prepare for the contest, the home economist sent correspondence to all NE District 4-H counties along with updated score sheets and rules; secured judges and arranged for contest facilities; and prepared contestant recipe booklets, score sheets and a contestant schedule for the actual contest held on June 22nd. A total of four junior age and two novice age 4-H’ers competed the first afternoon of district contests. Four counties – Harding, Santa Fe, Union and Colfax - were represented in the contest. Response from the parents, 4-H’ers and agents was positive.
On the state level, the home economist once again served as contest co-superintendent with the Union County Home Economist. Input from the State 4-H Home Economics Specialist was also given to prepare contest schedules, recipe booklets, and score sheets before the contest. Upon arrival at the state contest held during State 4-H Conference in Las Cruces, the three senior age contestants were given a brief orientation before proceeding to set up their display tables and prepare their favorite food. The home economist gave directions to the three contest judges and assisted them and the contestants during the judging process. Score sheets were tabulated and reviewed with the judges as they made their final decision for high point individual placing. This year’s contestants, representing Union, San Juan and Hidalgo counties, increased their nutritional knowledge, sharpened their public speaking skills, gained confidence in the development of new food preparation skills, and used their creativity to prepare their contest displays.
4-H Shooting Sports
Enrollment numbers in the 4-H shooting sports project areas of rifle, shotgun, archery and muzzleloader continue to remain strong in Colfax County with 26 novice, junior, and senior age youth enrolled in one or more of the above mentioned disciplines. Through practices, trainings, competitions, community service and fundraising efforts the youth gain valuable skills in marksmanship, gun safety, and service to others.
The Colfax County Senior 4-H Rifle, Archery and Shotgun competitions were held the first weekend of April at the NRA near Raton as qualifying events for the state competition. Five senior age youth participated in these contests, which allowed them to become eligible to compete in the state level competition.
The State 4-H Office requested assistance from the home economist in planning for events associated with the State 4-H Shooting Sports Contests held at the NRA in May. The home economist made arrangements for the initial superintendent’s lunch and meeting the day before the contests and contacted a local caterer to plan for a brisket dinner to be served at the welcome/orientation held the first evening of the event. Concessions were also coordinated with the same caterer for the next day’s competitions. The home economist also served as one of two official scorer’s for the State 4-H .22 Rifle Three-Position Contest and the .22 Silhouette Rifle Competition. After a full day of competition, the home economist and 4-H agent worked with Colfax County 4-H Council members and parents and members from all five 4-H clubs in the county to host a dance and concession for the shooting sports members in attendance at the state competition. The home economist secured the DJ, coordinated the use of facility with the Raton National Guard, prepared publicity flyers to be sent to all county Extension offices, purchased the concession items for the fundraising event and worked in the concession throughout the evening fundraiser, which netted over $600 for the County 4-H Council.
The home economist also worked with the 4-H agent, the NRA staff and our shooting sports leaders in setting up the ranges, scoring targets, tabulating scores and preparing awards for the Colfax County and Northeast District novice and junior rifle, archery and shotgun competitions at the NRA. Twelve Colfax and Union County youth participated in the Novice and Junior County Shooting Sports Contests in early June, while 64 youth from Union, Harding, Mora, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Colfax Counties participated in the NE District Contests the third week of June. The overall number of competitors showed a marked increase from the past few years.
In order to increase the level of funds in the 4-H Council shooting sports account, the 4-H Agent and Colfax County shooting sports leaders coordinated two major fund raising opportunities to benefit our 4-H youth. The shooting sports members and parents joined the 4-H Agent and home economist in “selling” special golf hole events for the golfers participating in the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Annual Golf Tournament at the Trinidad Country Club. The two day event netted nearly $1900 for the Colfax county shooting sports program. Although unable to assist at the second fundraiser, an additional trap shoot event, hosted by the Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA) brought in another $1000 for a total of $2,890.
Enrollment numbers in the 4-H shooting sports project areas of rifle, shotgun, archery and muzzleloader continue to remain strong in Colfax County with 26 novice, junior, and senior age youth enrolled in one or more of the above mentioned disciplines. Through practices, trainings, competitions, community service and fundraising efforts the youth gain valuable skills in marksmanship, gun safety, and service to others.
The Colfax County Senior 4-H Rifle, Archery and Shotgun competitions were held the first weekend of April at the NRA near Raton as qualifying events for the state competition. Five senior age youth participated in these contests, which allowed them to become eligible to compete in the state level competition.
The State 4-H Office requested assistance from the home economist in planning for events associated with the State 4-H Shooting Sports Contests held at the NRA in May. The home economist made arrangements for the initial superintendent’s lunch and meeting the day before the contests and contacted a local caterer to plan for a brisket dinner to be served at the welcome/orientation held the first evening of the event. Concessions were also coordinated with the same caterer for the next day’s competitions. The home economist also served as one of two official scorer’s for the State 4-H .22 Rifle Three-Position Contest and the .22 Silhouette Rifle Competition. After a full day of competition, the home economist and 4-H agent worked with Colfax County 4-H Council members and parents and members from all five 4-H clubs in the county to host a dance and concession for the shooting sports members in attendance at the state competition. The home economist secured the DJ, coordinated the use of facility with the Raton National Guard, prepared publicity flyers to be sent to all county Extension offices, purchased the concession items for the fundraising event and worked in the concession throughout the evening fundraiser, which netted over $600 for the County 4-H Council.
The home economist also worked with the 4-H agent, the NRA staff and our shooting sports leaders in setting up the ranges, scoring targets, tabulating scores and preparing awards for the Colfax County and Northeast District novice and junior rifle, archery and shotgun competitions at the NRA. Twelve Colfax and Union County youth participated in the Novice and Junior County Shooting Sports Contests in early June, while 64 youth from Union, Harding, Mora, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Colfax Counties participated in the NE District Contests the third week of June. The overall number of competitors showed a marked increase from the past few years.
In order to increase the level of funds in the 4-H Council shooting sports account, the 4-H Agent and Colfax County shooting sports leaders coordinated two major fund raising opportunities to benefit our 4-H youth. The shooting sports members and parents joined the 4-H Agent and home economist in “selling” special golf hole events for the golfers participating in the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Annual Golf Tournament at the Trinidad Country Club. The two day event netted nearly $1900 for the Colfax county shooting sports program. Although unable to assist at the second fundraiser, an additional trap shoot event, hosted by the Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA) brought in another $1000 for a total of $2,890.