Youth Development (Lea County)

County Extension personnel along with community partners provided hands on, quality educational experiences through participating in Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day. 1,150 youth in Lea County participated in this event that focused on methamphetamine awareness, bike safety, first aid, 9-1-1, home chemical look a likes, home alone and stranger danger, wildlife safety and water safety. 82% of youth learned life skills related to independence, belonging, mastery and generosity as evidenced by healthy lifestyle choices, personal safety, critical thinking, problem solving, resiliency, and concern for others. Since the beginning of this program in 2006, the agent has secured $6,000.00 in outside funding by partnering with community organizations and securing matching grant funds through local educational grant office.

County Extension personnel provide quality educational experiences through cooperation with classroom teachers. 301 students ranging in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade gained knowledge related to nutrition, Egg to Chick, Ag in the Classroom and NM Flavor. 72% of youth gained knowledge relating to mastery and independence by critical thinking, problem solving, cooperation, responsible citizenship and self responsibility as evidenced by doing hands on activities and explaining what they learned as part of the wrap up of the lesson.

Forty-five (45) 4-H youth attending NM 4-H Home Economics School participated in a physical fitness track that provided information regarding muscles, importance of physical activity and the new fitness program called Zumba. Evidence of increased knowledge and skills relating to healthy lifestyle choices, stress management, disease prevention and self esteem is shown by positive feedback from adults and youth.
When chaperones were asked what their favorite thing about Home Ec School was one adult responded with “I thought the Zumba Kids were exceptional activities to encourage fitness- a great focus for the weekend”. Another 4-H parent responded with “kids loved Zumba- dance and exercise.”
When youth were asked the question what is something you learned during Home Ec School? What can you do/ know now that you didn’t know when you got here? One youth responded that he learned about “Muscles- where they were and how to stretch” while another learned that “Zumba is dance and exercise.”

80% of Lea County 4-H Clubs participated in service to community activities by assembling 50 cookie baskets to take to local donors, sponsors and buyers who support Lea County 4-H. Youth increased knowledge and skills related to generosity as evidenced by contributing baked goods, time and writing thank you cards.

Five youth representing four different County 4-H clubs increased their public speaking and communications skills by providing Radio PSA’s to advertise for the Lea County Fair and Rodeo.