Youth Development (Los Alamos County)

The 4-H agents dedicated time to maintaining and supporting 4-H club leaders and members. 4-H members and leaders had an opportunity to participate in a variety of county-wide 4-H activities during the year. Advertisement for activities was done via e-mail reminders to leaders. These activities included:


Objective # 1 – Camps, Workshops, Clinics & Trainings:
• Two 4-H members [1(W) 1(H); 2(F)] and two 4-H leaders [2(W); 2(F)] participated in Home Economics School. 100% of youth reported an increase in knowledge in sewing and baking skills as well as an improving life skills related to decision making, cooperation, teamwork and wise use of resources.


Objective # 2 – Competitive Events
• Six 4-H members [4(W) 2(A); 4(M) 2(F)] submitted end of year record books. Record books provide 4-H members with an avenue to report on the life skills they have mastered as well as demonstrate their level of belonging, generosity and independence throughout the 4-H program year.

• Los Alamos County 4-H program hosted the 2010 Northeast District 4-H Horse Show on June 12, 2010. Nine 4-H members [5(W) 4(H); 9(M)] from four counties participated in eight classes. All contestants are eligible to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. 4-H Agents secured the location, a judge and purchased ribbons and high point awards. Staff from the Los Alamos County Recreation Department assisted with the event by preparing the arena, providing show equipment, setting up classes and assisting with clean-up. Cost of conducting the show deducting participant entry fees was 1,672.44. Two [1(W) 1(H); 2(F)] Los Alamos County 4-H’ers assisted with the presentation of ribbons and awards.

• Two 4-H members [2(H); 1(M) 1(F)] participated in the Northern District 4-H Contests held June 29-30 in Albuquerque. 4-H’ers participated in the Favorite Food Show and the Home Economics Skill-a-thon contests. The 4-H home economist served as superintendent of the Public Speaking Contest and the 4-H Agent was superintendent of the Entomology Contest.

• State 4-H Conference and Contests – Three 4-H members and one 4-H leader [4(W); 2(M) 2(F)] attended and participated in the week long program July 12-16 on campus at New Mexico State University. Two members [2(W); 1(M) 1(F)] served in the role of voting delegates.

• Los Alamos County Fair. Nine [7(W) 2(H); 4(M) 5(F)] 4-H members exhibited 35 indoor exhibits. 75% of County 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to home economics, creative arts, livestock and personal development as evidenced by quality baking products, garments made, products exhibited, and ribbons awarded.

• New Mexico State Fair -- Seven 4-H members [5(W) 2(H); 4(M) 3(F)] exhibited 25 exhibits. Seventeen or 68% of the twenty five exhibits received first, second or third place awards.


Objective # 3 -- Awards & Recognition
• An Annual 4-H Awards Program was held November 7, 2009 at the Los Alamos Community Building. The purpose of the program was to recognize 4-H members who completed 4-H record books, and to recognize 4-H members and leaders for the number of years they’ve been involved in the program. Outstanding 4-H youth and volunteers were also recognized. Twelve (12) 4-H’ers [10(W) 2(A); 5(M) 7(F)] and four 4-H leaders [4(W); 1(M) 3(F)] received awards. Prior to the presentation of awards, one senior 4-H [1(W), 1 (M)] presented a slide presentation of his 4-H International Exchange Program to Australia. Bruch, provided by the 4-H families in attendance, was a new offering at this Saturday morning program. Eighteen [16(W) 2(H) 2(A); 9(M) 11(F)] members, leaders and parents were in attendance.


Objective # 4 – Community Service
• 100% of local club members participate in service projects at the county level. A County Community Service Projects was the creation of “Hollow Holly” for the Los Alamos Scarecrow contest. The scarecrow contest is sponsored by the Los Alamos Arts Council and is open to any community organization. The Council was awarded the Sleepy Hollow Award consisting of a certificate and cash award. Youth increased knowledge and skills relate to generosity and service learning, contributions to group efforts and responsible citizenship as evidenced by willingness to serve, appreciation of service opportunities and youth assuming leadership roles related to service. Results were reported by club leaders and in member record books.


The home economist served as judge for the Rio Arriba County 4-H Contests held April 26 in Abiquiu. She judged the Favorite Food Show, Consumer Decision Making Contest and Talent Contests.


A variety of 4-H enrichment expansion efforts occurred during the year. The home economist continues to meet with home economists from Santa Fe and Rio Arriba Counties to plan Just Be It – Healthy and Fit, a regional nutrition related school enrichment program being offered to fifth graders from the three counties. Time was dedicated to the components of the program: nutrition and fitness field trip, in-depth education program and parent education component.

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit Nutrition and Fitness field trip Component –

The short-term objective of knowledge gain for students attending a one-day field trip, held in September 2009, was met. There was a knowledge gain for fifth grade students on nutrition guidelines, making healthy snacks, physical activity, and goal setting as a result of attending workshops at a one-day educational field trip.

In 2009, 269 students from 5 schools in Los Alamos County participated. Pre and post knowledge tests for the day long program were administered and showed a 43% knowledge gain for the students.

Extension Agents from Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe Counties conducted Just Be It! Healthy and Fit nutrition and fitness school enrichment field trip experience offered during September to fifth graders from the three counties. Participation in the full day program involved 532 students [243(W) 236(H) 27(NA) 24(A) 3(B); 253(M) 279(F)] from 24 classrooms from 9 schools.

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit In-depth education program

The medium-term objective (1) for students to increase their nutrition knowledge during the school year was met. There was a statistically significant increase in nutrition knowledge scores for fifth grade students at Barranca, Aspen, Chamisa, and Mountain Elementary schools from September 2009 to May 2010.

Students increased their nutrition knowledge after receiving nutrition classes during the school year. In Los Alamos County, 142 students completed both the pre and post tests on nutrition knowledge. The pretest average score was 9.6 (60%) and the post test average score was 13.7 (86%) showing a 4.1 point (43%) gain. The difference in scores was statistically significant (p=.0001).

In addition, pre and post tests were administered to a second classroom at Aspen Elementary. This class did not receive in-class lessons and served as a control group to test the efficacy of the in-class instruction. While the control classroom’s scores (63%) were similar to the classroom which received in-class lessons (treatment) at the pretest (59%), post test scores were statistically different. The control group’s post test score was 72% showing a 15% gain and the treatment classroom’s post test score was 88%, showing a 50% knowledge gain. These differences were statistically different.

The medium term objective (2) for students to increase their fruit and vegetable intake was not met. In Los Alamos County, 139 students completed pre and post surveys on the intake of fruits and vegetables. The pre-survey average score for fruits was 2.66 and the post test average score was 2.64. The difference in scores was not statistically significant. The pre-survey average score for eating vegetables was 2.4 and the post test average score was 2.22. The difference in scores was not statistically significant based on a paired t-test.

The medium term objective (3) for students to increase their amount of physical exercise was not met. In Los Alamos County, 139 students completed pre and post surveys on physical activity. The pre-survey average score was 3.46 and the post test average score was 3.39. The difference in scores was not statistically significant.

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit Parent Component

The medium term objective (4) for parents to increase their nutrition knowledge was met. In Los Alamos County, 45 parents returned the evaluation and showed an increase in knowledge after receiving newsletters at home. The pretest score average was 78% and the post test score average was 92%. There was an 18% knowledge gain for parents. The return rate for newsletter evaluations was 32% (n=142).

Almost everyone wrote comments about what they liked best about the in-school program, such as “It was very good they told us how many vegetables to eat.” “Teaching them early how important it is to make the right choices about foods.” “Guest speakers, healthy tips, to have more physical exercise.” “How to read labels on food containers and how to live a balanced life as he grows up.” “How the classes are spaced throughout the year.”

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit Expansion Efforts

The long term objective of expanding the program to other New Mexico counties showed progress. The Just Be It! Healthy and Fit curriculum is in the final stages of being produced and disseminated to counties. It is expected that county agents will offer the program in their county and show positive results for youth. Presentations on the JBI curriculum will be made at the national conferences, NEAFCS and NAE4-HA, in September and October 2010.

Additional Home Economics Related Enrichment Efforts include:
• Los Alamos Middle School Lunch Hour Fun Fair – students visually learned how much sugar is found in a variety of beverages. “To Drink or Not Drink” consisted of four learning stations – healthy drink station, juice station, serving size station and beverage session. Using sugar and measuring spoon, students could calculate and actually measure out the amount of sugar in their favorite beverage. Approximately 125 students [85(W) 30(H) 10(A); 70(M) 55(F)] participated. Students were alarmed when they discovered 28 teaspoons of sugar are in their favorite 32-ounce soda!

• Family Festival – Blast-Off My Pyramid Trail Mix – Five 4-H youth and six adult volunteers [10(W) 1(A); 3(M) 8(F)] provided leadership to this annual event geared to families. One hundred twelve (112) youngsters [74(W) 3(B) 12(H) 2(NA) 28(A); 47 (M) 65(F)] participated in the “Blast-Off MyPyramid Trail Mix” activity. Children learned about MyPyramid by making a trail mix from foods of each of the five food groups. The activity was coordinated by the home economist.

The 4-H agents dedicated time to maintaining and supporting 4-H club leaders and members. 4-H members and leaders had an opportunity to participate in a variety of county-wide 4-H activities. Advertisement for activities was done via e-mail reminders to leaders. These activities included:
• National 4-H Week Proclamation – Five 4-H council officers [4(W) 1(A); 3(M) 2(F)] attended the September 30th Los Alamos County Council meeting where the week of October 5-11, 2008 was proclaimed as National 4-H Week.
• The Annual 4-H family pot-luck picnic was held on October 5 (National 4-H Club Week Sunday). Thirteen 4-H members, leaders and family members, representing two 4-H clubs, attended [8(W) 2(H) 3(A); 8 (M), 5 (F)]. Attendance was less than usual due to poor weather conditions.
• One club set up a window display on the 4-H program, at the public library. The display was up during the month of October and was created in honor of National 4-H Club Week (October 5-11).
• Nine 4-H members [7(W), 2(A); 6(M), 3(F)] representing four 4-H clubs submitted end of year record books.
• One club created “Super 4-H’er” for the Los Alamos Scarecrow contest. The scarecrow contest is sponsored by the Los Alamos Arts Council and is open to any community organization.
• The purpose of the Los Alamos County 4-H Council is to coordinate and plan collaborative projects, determine County 4-H policies, provide means of leadership training and to aid in the educational development of 4-H club members. The council meets every other month.
• An Annual 4-H Awards Program was held November 18, 2008 at White Rock Town Hall. The purpose of the program was to recognize 4-H members who completed 4-H record books, and to recognize 4-H members and leaders for the number of years they’ve been involved in the program. Outstanding 4-H youth and volunteers were also recognized. Twenty seven (27) 4-H’ers [25(W) 2(A); 6(M) 21(F)] and eight (8) 4-H leaders [8(W); 2(M) 6(F)] representing four clubs received awards. Dinner was served prior to the presentation of the awards.
• Two 4-H members [2(W); 2(M)] representing two 4-H clubs participated in the Senior Leadership Retreat held January 16-18 in Albuquerque. 4-H’ers participated in leadership workshops and activities planned and conducted by the State 4-H Ambassadors and Diplomats. The 4-H agent served as advisor to the county delegation as well as the State 4-H Diplomat team.
• One 4-H member [1(W); 1(F)] participated in the State 4-H Dog School, April 24-26 in Albuquerque.
• On 4-H member (1(W); 1(M)] is participated in the 4-H International Exchange Program. He spent a month this summer in Victoria, Australia. He shared his family culture, customs and heritage with his host family.
• Los Alamos County Fair and Rodeo Parade. The 4-H parade entry highlighted the three 4-H clubs in Los Alamos County.
• Los Alamos County Fair. Ten [8(W) 2(A); 5(M) 5(F)] 4-H members representing three 4-H clubs exhibited 37 indoor exhibits.
• New Mexico State Fair -- Seven 4-H members [5(W) 2(A); 4(M) 3(F)] representing three 4-H clubs exhibited 16 exhibits. Nine or 56% of the sixteen exhibits received first, second or third place awards. One senior 4-H member [1(W); 1(M)] served as a youth official and was responsible for receiving and setting up 4-H exhibits.

A variety of 4-H enrichment expansion efforts occurred during the year. The home economist continues to meet with home economists from Santa Fe and Rio Arriba Counties to plan Just Be It – Healthy and Fit, a regional nutrition related school enrichment program being offered to fifth graders from the three counties. Time was dedicated to the components of the program: nutrition and fitness field trip, in-depth education program and parent education component.

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit Nutrition and Fitness field trip Component –
The short-term objective of knowledge gain for students attending a one-day field trip, held in September 2008, was met. There was a knowledge gain for fifth grade students on nutrition guidelines, making healthy snacks, physical activity, and goal setting as a result of attending workshops at a one-day educational field trip.

In 2008, 244 students from six schools in Los Alamos County participated. Pre and post knowledge tests for the day long program were administered and showed a 27% knowledge gain for the students.

Full day Nutrition and Fitness field trip programs were held September 2009. Fifth grade students rotated between four, 45 minute workshops. The workshops include: MyPyramid, Vary Your Veggies and Focus on Fruits, Power Up with Exercise, and Fun with Food Facts. Workshops were aligned to the New Mexico Health Education Standards and Benchmarks. At the Los Alamos site, two tracks of workshops were held, thus allowing all Los Alamos County fifth grade students to participate. The home economist presented the MyPyramid workshop at all sites. Participation for the four sites was 532 students:
• Los Alamos – 268 students from five elementary schools and 13 classes participated. [196(W) 2(NA) 48(H) 21(A) 1(B); 139(M) 129(F)]
• Rio Arriba – 106 students from two elementary schools in five classes participated. [2(W) 92(H) 13(NA); 50(M) 56(F)
• Santa Fe – (two locations) 106 students from one elementary school and 4 classes participated from the Santa Fe Public Schools participated. [7(W) 84(H) 3(A) 10(NA) 2(B); 43(M) 63(F)]. From the Moriarty Public Schools, 52 students from one elementary school and 2 classes participated. [38(W) 12(H) 2(NA); 21(M) 31(F)]
• Just Be It! Student -Parent handout developed by the Extension agents, contained information and activities that reinforced the workshop topics. Each student received this handout which also included recipes, games and exercise logs.
• Teacher Resources Kit – Each of the 24 teachers involved received the MyPyramid for Kids Lessons 5-6 curriculum, additional health and nutrition resources and information on how to access support from the Cooperative Extension Service. A total of 13[11(W) 1(H); 3(M) 10(F)] Los Alamos teachers received their resource kit.
• Classroom Exercise Kits – upon completion of the evaluation process each classroom was provided with an exercise kit containing a variety of exercise equipment.
• Evaluation – pre and post tests were administered to students by classroom teachers. The identical tests contained 16 multiple choice questions. At all four sites the average percentage point increase from pre to post test was 30 percentage points of knowledge gained. Pre and Post test results for the Los Alamos County schools indicated an average increase from pre to post test of 30 percentage points increase of knowledge gained. Teacher evaluation instruments utilized a Likert type evaluation with some open ended questions. Results from the Los Alamos teachers were: When asked if they felt that from this field trip the student’s knowledge was increased about their personal health and nutrition, 100 % indicated definitely. When asked “Since the field trip, do your students perceive health and fitness in a positive or negative light?” 38% rated it definitely positive and 62% rated it positive. 100% of teachers thought the attending the program was a good use of their student’s time. Teachers rated each workshop and made suggestions for future programs.

• Grants and Funding – the field trip is component of a CYFAR (Children, Youth and Families at Risk) sustainable Community Grant Project grant awarded to New Mexico aimed at reducing the risk factors of childhood obesity for fifth grade students in Los Alamos, Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties by providing nutrition education, increasing exercise time and affecting change in the home and school environment. In an effort to begin the sustainability of the project, the Los Alamos Public Schools paid for the transportation of their students to the field trip.
• Volunteers – each site was responsible for recruiting volunteers to assist with the field trip program. Twenty six individuals [18(W) 5(H); 3(M) 23(F)] were recruited for the Los Alamos Program. These volunteers served as workshop presenters, workshop assistants and group leaders. An estimated volunteer contribution for Los Alamos County was $2535.00.

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit In-depth education program
Each county is offering an in-depth education program in one school in each county. In Los Alamos, three classrooms are being offered this educational program. Fifty nine (59) fifth grade students [42(W) 9(H) 6(A); 25(M) 32(F)] from Barranca Mesa elementary participated in the educational endeavor held twice a month. Each lesson, taught by the home economist, consisted of discussion or video presentation, a hands-on activity to reinforce the concepts discussed, an exercise activity and an easy, nutritious snack students prepare. Evaluation results of the program were the following.

Students increased their nutrition knowledge after receiving nutrition classes during the school year. In Los Alamos County, 59 students were in the program and 53 of them completed both the pre and post tests on nutrition knowledge. The pretest average score was 10.08 (63%) and the post test average score was 15 (94%) showing a 4.92 point (31%) gain. The difference in scores was statistically significant (p=.0001).

In Los Alamos County, 59 students were in the program and 53 of them completed pre and post surveys on the intake of fruits and vegetables. The pre-survey average score for fruits was 2.43 and the post test average score was 2.75. The difference in scores was not statistically significant (p=.1265). The pre-survey average score for eating vegetables was 2.11 and the post test average score was 2.64. The difference in scores was statistically significant (p≤ .0018) based on a paired t-test.

For Los Alamos County, there was not a statistically significant difference for physical activity for the year. The statistician reported that results for the entire group (n=138) can be statistically significant because of increased sample size, but an individual county score (n= 53) may not be statistically significantly different. The more students in the analysis, the more power there is in the statistical test. In Los Alamos County, 59 students were in the program and 53 of them completed pre and post surveys on physical activity. The pre-survey average score was 3.66 and the post test average score was 3.85. The difference in scores was not statistically significant (p=.1919).

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit Parent Component
In Los Alamos County, 22 parents returned the evaluation and showed an increase in knowledge after receiving newsletters at home. The pretest score average was 79% and the post test score average was 94% (out of 100%). There was a 15% knowledge gain for parents. The return rate for newsletter evaluations was 37% (n=59).

Almost everyone wrote comments about what they liked best about the in-school program, such as “Healthy, kid friendly recipes my daughter wanted to make at home; Games, trying new foods; I got him eating more vegetables.”

A parent program was held at Chamisa Elementary in March 2009. Educational programs on MyPyramid and Physical Activity were presented. Nine parents attended and showed an increase in knowledge. The pretest score average for MyPyramid was 67% and the post test score average was 90%. There was a 23% knowledge gain for parents. The pretest score average for Physical Activity was 71% and the posttest score average was 92%. There was a 21% knowledge gain for parents. Comments about what they liked best about the program, included “interactive activities; take away soup; well-organized, thanks!”Kids enjoyed it and we are all learning together. Great idea to do a family program! The exercises were simple.”

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit Expansion Efforts
The long term objective of expanding the program to other New Mexico counties showed progress. The Just Be It! Healthy and Fit curriculum is in the final stages of being completed. A mini-grant proposal form was written and the home economics agent in Cibola County was accepted to pilot a program in her county. It is expected that county agents will offer the program in their county and show positive results for youth.

MyPyramid – upon request of the Life Skills teachers [2(W); 1(M) 1(F)] at Los Alamos High School a program on MyPyramid was provided to their first semester special needs classroom. The program covered the components of the food guide along with information on nutrients, menu planning and label reading. A total of 4 students [2(W) 2(H); 1(M) 3(F)] were in attendance. The same program was provided for the second semester special needs classroom. A total of nine students [4(W) 4(H) 1 (B); 8(M) 1(F)] were in attendance.

MyPyramid for Kids – a local Cub Scout group utilized the MyPyramid Lesson developed by the home economist. The five boys [3(W) 2(H); 5(M)] assisted by three parents [2(W) 1(H); 2(M) 1(F)] though a hands-on building game learned the food groups and categorized a variety of foods into their respective food groups.

The home economist was asked by the Pablo Roybal Elementary School in Pojoaque to participate in their annual Career Fair. She utilized “MyPyramid” display she developed to illustrate the types of education home economists provide in the community. 284 second and third grade students, [21(W) 212(H) 50 (NA) 1(B); 132(M) 152(F)], participated in the morning long program. Students had an opportunity to play the “MyPyramid” individual/group game created by the home economist. The “MyPyramid for Kids” handout in both English and Spanish was distributed to students.

Family Festival – Ice Cream in a Bag – Six 4-H youth and four adult volunteers [7(W) 1(H) 2(A); 3(M) 7(F)] provided leadership to this annual event geared to families. One hundred twelve (112) youngsters [78(W) 6(H) 28(A); 46 (M) 66(F)] participated in the “Ice Cream in a Bag” activity. Children learned the science behind making ice cream and had a delicious treat in the process. The activity was coordinated by the home economist.

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit In-depth education program
Each county is offering an in-depth education program in one school in each county. In Los Alamos, three classrooms are being offered this educational program. Fifty nine (59) fifth grade students [42(W) 9(H) 6(A); 25(M) 32(F)] from Barranca Mesa elementary participated in the educational endeavor held twice a month. Each lesson, taught by the home economist, consisted of discussion or video presentation, a hands-on activity to reinforce the concepts discussed, an exercise activity and an easy, nutritious snack students prepare. Evaluation results of the program were the following.

Students increased their nutrition knowledge after receiving nutrition classes during the school year. In Los Alamos County, 59 students were in the program and 53 of them completed both the pre and post tests on nutrition knowledge. The pretest average score was 10.08 (63%) and the post test average score was 15 (94%) showing a 4.92 point (31%) gain. The difference in scores was statistically significant (p=.0001).

In Los Alamos County, 59 students were in the program and 53 of them completed pre and post surveys on the intake of fruits and vegetables. The pre-survey average score for fruits was 2.43 and the post test average score was 2.75. The difference in scores was not statistically significant (p=.1265). The pre-survey average score for eating vegetables was 2.11 and the post test average score was 2.64. The difference in scores was statistically significant (p≤ .0018) based on a paired t-test.

For Los Alamos County, there was not a statistically significant difference for physical activity for the year. The statistician reported that results for the entire group (n=138) can be statistically significant because of increased sample size, but an individual county score (n= 53) may not be statistically significantly different. The more students in the analysis, the more power there is in the statistical test. In Los Alamos County, 59 students were in the program and 53 of them completed pre and post surveys on physical activity. The pre-survey average score was 3.66 and the post test average score was 3.85. The difference in scores was not statistically significant (p=.1919).

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit Parent Component
In Los Alamos County, 22 parents returned the evaluation and showed an increase in knowledge after receiving newsletters at home. The pretest score average was 79% and the post test score average was 94% (out of 100%). There was a 15% knowledge gain for parents. The return rate for newsletter evaluations was 37% (n=59).

Almost everyone wrote comments about what they liked best about the in-school program, such as “Healthy, kid friendly recipes my daughter wanted to make at home; Games, trying new foods; I got him eating more vegetables.”

A parent program was held at Chamisa Elementary in March 2009. Educational programs on MyPyramid and Physical Activity were presented. Nine parents attended and showed an increase in knowledge. The pretest score average for MyPyramid was 67% and the post test score average was 90%. There was a 23% knowledge gain for parents. The pretest score average for Physical Activity was 71% and the posttest score average was 92%. There was a 21% knowledge gain for parents. Comments about what they liked best about the program, included “interactive activities; take away soup; well-organized, thanks!”Kids enjoyed it and we are all learning together. Great idea to do a family program! The exercises were simple.”

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit Expansion Efforts
The long term objective of expanding the program to other New Mexico counties showed progress. The Just Be It! Healthy and Fit curriculum is in the final stages of being completed. A mini-grant proposal form was written and the home economics agent in Cibola County was accepted to pilot a program in her county. It is expected that county agents will offer the program in their county and show positive results for youth.

The home economist dedicated time to maintaining and supporting 4-H club leaders and members. During the 2007-2008 year there were 74 members [56(W) 10(H) 8(A); 21(M) 53(F)] and 18 leaders [17(W) 1(H); 2(M) 16(F)] enrolled.

4-H members and leaders had an opportunity to participate in a variety of county-wide 4-H activities. Advertisement for both activities was done via the 4-H newsletter and e-mail reminders to leaders. These activities included:
• The purpose of the Los Alamos County 4-H Council is to coordinate and plan collaborative projects, determine County 4-H policies, provide means of leadership training and to aid in the educational development of 4-H club members. Forty three (43) members and leaders [36(W) 4(H) 3(A); 19(M) 24(F)] attended the four Council meeting held during the year. Prior to each Council meeting, Council officers meet to plan the agenda and prepare reports.
• National 4-H Week Proclamation – Five 4-H members and leaders [5(W), 2(M) 3(F)] attended the October 2nd Los Alamos County Council meeting where the Council proclaimed the week of October 7-13, 2007 as National 4-H Week.
• The Annual 4-H family Picnic was held on October 7 (National 4-H Club Week Sunday). Twenty-seven 4-H members, leaders and family members, representing four 4-H clubs, attended [18(W) 6(H) 3(A); 12 (M), 15 (F)].
• One club set up a window display on the 4-H program, at the public library. The display was up during the month of October and was created in honor of National 4-H Club Week (October 1-7).
• Fifteen 4-H members [13(W), 2(A); 75(M), 8(F)] and five Cloverbud members (4(W) 1(A); 2(M) 3(F)] representing four 4-H clubs submitted end of year record books. Participation increased by 36% from 2006.
• The county council officers [4(W); 2(M) 2(F)] created “Bag Man” for the Los Alamos Scarecrow contest. The scarecrow received the environmental award presented by the Los Alamos Arts Council.
• Pumpkin Carving – Twenty six [23(W) 2(A) 1(H); 12(M) 14(F)] members carved Halloween pumpkins for the Los Alamos Pumpkin Glow. Members learned the history of jack-o-lanterns, techniques for pumpkin carving and developed their creativity through their pumpkin carving design.
• An Annual 4-H Awards Program was held November 15, 2007 at Fuller Lodge. The purpose of the program was to recognize 4-H members who completed 4-H record books, and to recognize 4-H members and leaders for the number of years they’ve been involved in the program. Outstanding 4-H youth and volunteers were also recognized. Ten 4-H members [9(W) 1(A); 2(M) 8(F)], representing four clubs were involved in the actual awards presentation. Fifty two 4-H’ers [46(W) 1(H) 5(A); 13(M) 39(F)] and nine 4-H leaders [9(W); 1(M) 8(F)] representing five clubs received awards. Refreshments and fellowship followed the program.
• Four 4-H members [4(W); 2(M) 2(F)] representing two 4-H clubs participated in the Senior Leadership Retreat held January 18-20 in Albuquerque. 4-H’ers participated in leadership workshops and activities planned and conducted by the State 4-H Ambassadors and Diplomats.
• State 4-H Dog School, April 25-27 in Albuquerque, nine participated [9(W); 1(M) 8(F)]
• Teen Get-Away, April 20-22 Camp Inlow, two senior members served as counselors [2(W); 2(M)]
• Los Alamos County 4-H Contests – Seven 4-H members [4(W) 3(A); 5(M) 2(F)] participated in county contests competition. Members competed in Presentations and Favorite Food Show.
• State 4-H Conference, July 10-18 in Las Cruces, one senior member [1(W); 1(M)] participated.
• County 4-H Camp, June 6-8 in Ghost Ranch, one senior member [1(W), 1(M)] served as a camp counselor
• Los Alamos County Fair and Rodeo Parade. The 4-H parade entry highlighted the four 4-H clubs in Los Alamos County. Members in the dog project walked with their dogs, and members in the horse project, rode their horses. As a give-a-way item, 4-H pencils and cups were distributed to children along the parade route. Leadership for the effort was provided by two 4-H leaders. Approximately 20 4-H’ers participated in the float activity.
• Los Alamos County Fair. Fifteen [13(W) 2(A); 5(M) 10(F)] 4-H members representing three 4-H clubs exhibited 31 indoor exhibits.
• National 4-H Week Proclamation – Five 4-H council officers [4(W) 1(A); 3(M) 2(F)] attended the September 30th Los Alamos County Council meeting where the week of October 5-111 2008 was proclaimed as National 4-H Week.
• New Mexico State Fair -- Eleven 4-H members [9(W) 2(A); 5(M) 6(F)] representing three 4-H clubs exhibited 22 exhibits. Nineteen or 86% of the twenty two exhibits received first, second or third place awards. One senior 4-H member [1(W); 1(M)] served as a youth official and was responsible for receiving and setting up 4-H exhibits.

4-H Enrichment efforts continue throughout the year. The following are program efforts which the home economist provided leadership.

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit --is a nutrition and fitness field trip experience for fifth grade students. Aimed at combating childhood obesity and teaching children about healthy lifestyles, the project is a collaboration of Extension Agents from Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe Counties. Two hundred forty four (244) Los Alamos County students representing six elementary schools participated. [173(W) 1(NA) 51(H) 17(A) 2(B); 103(M) 141(F)]. At this site, 2 tracts of workshops were held thus allowing all fifth grade students to participate. Fifth grade students rotate between four, 45 minutes workshops – MyPyramid, Vary Your Veggie and Focus on Fruits, Power Up with Exercise and Fun with Food Facts. Workshops are aligned to the NM Health Education Standards and Benchmarks. In addition to the workshops, students are provided with a student-parent handout, developed by extension agents, which contained information and activities that reinforced the workshop topics. Teachers were provided with a resource kit containing a nutrition curriculum as well as additional health and nutrition resources. Upon completion of the evaluation process each classroom is provide with an exercise kit containing a variety of exercise equipment. Pre and post tests were administered. For detailed information and results on the program see Children, Youth and Families at Risk-Sustainable Community Grant Project: Just Be It! Healthy and Fit (Los Alamos County)

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit – an in-depth nutrition and fitness education program was conducted in Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe in two classrooms in one school in each county. Thirty eight (38) [28(W) 9(H) 1(A); 18(M) 20(F)] fifth grade students from Chamisa Elementary participated in the monthly educational endeavor. The Just Be It – Healthy and Fit project coordinator provided the nutrition related lesson. As the parent component to this program, a series of eight newsletters, reinforcing the lessons taught to the students, was sent home each month with the students. For detailed information and results on the program see Children, Youth and Families at Risk-Sustainable Community Grant Project: Just Be It! Healthy and Fit (Los Alamos County)

MyPyramid – upon request of the Life Skills teachers [2(W); 2(F)] at Los Alamos High School a program on MyPyramid was provided to their special needs classroom. The program covered the components of the food guide along with information on nutrients, menu planning and label reading. A total of 4 students [2(W) 1(H) 1(A); 2(M) 2(F)] were in attendance during the fall semester. During the spring semester, the home economist presented a similar program to six students [3(W) 3(H); 4(M) 2(F)] Upon request of the Culinary Arts instructor [1(H); 1(F)] the same program was presented to her classes as an introduction to nutrition basics. A total of 45 students [40(W) 5(H); 23(M) 22(F)] were in attendance.

Family Festival – Ice Cream in a Bag – Twenty 4-H youth and five adult volunteers [25(W); 8(M) 17(F)] provided leadership to this annual event geared to families. One hundred sixty six (166) youngsters [131(W) 20(H) 15(A); 61 (M) 105(F)] participated in the “Ice Cream in a Bag” activity. Children learned the science behind making ice cream and had a delicious treat in the process. The activity was coordinated by the home economist.

Seed Art – during the annual “Children’s Arts and Crafts Festival,” forty two children [30(W) 1(H) 11(A); 20(M) 22(F)] participated in preparing mother’s day pictures utilizing a variety of seeds and beans. The activity was coordinated by 4-H members and leaders from two 4-H clubs. Four youth and adult volunteers [3(W) 1(A); 3(M) 1(F)] assisted. Upon completion of the artwork, children were provided with a 4-H pencil and a brochure on the 4-H program.

The home economist was asked by the Pablo Roybal Elementary School in Pojoaque to participate in their annual Career Fair. She utilized “MyPyramid” display she developed to illustrate the types of education home economists provide in the community. 280 third and fourth grade students, [14(W) 210(H) 56 (I), 145(M) 135(F)], participated in the morning long program. Students had an opportunity to play the “MyPyramid” individual/group game created by the home economist. The “MyPyramid for Kids” handout in both English and Spanish was distributed to students.