Youth Development (San Miguel County)

State 4-H Conference is a week long summer event where senior age 4-H members can go and compete, learn, and make long lasting friendships. Agents goal is to have senior 4-H members participate in contests or workshops at State Conference. Agent chaperoned one youth and one adult to State Conference 2011. They competed in livestock skillathon and Horse. This was the first state conference for this youth. 100% of the youth learned life skills through the workshops and contests and they also learned how to interact with other kids from around the state. As a result, this youth benefited from the experience and knowledge gained from workshops. The Youth quoted: “ I had an awesome time and I will definitely go back next year

Local 4-H members serve as leaders during the annual Kids Kows and More expo. San Miguel County hosts the Kids Kows and More Expo annually for both Mora and San Miguel counties. The expo is for 3rd and 4th students each elementary school in the San Miguel and Mora is invited to participate. This year we had 12 elementary schools attend with about 520 students. During the expo the students saw presentations from Extension, South West Dairy, Beef Checkoff, and New Mexico Game and Fish Department. The students learn about agriculture and enjoy great demonstrations. Teachers that the agent spoke with after the expo stated that the students loved the expo and really enjoyed the demonstrations. The teachers said they were looking forward to returning to this expo in the future.

The agent participates in an annual Earth Day Celebration that is conducted through the Forest Service. The event is geared towards elementary students and all demonstrations and booths have something to do with the earth or keeping the earth healthy and beautiful. There were many other government and non profit agencies participating in the celebration. All eleven local elementary schools (K-5)were invited to attend. The Agent along with 2 4-H council members presented to the children all the fun activities that 4-H members get to do and take part in, students also go to do a hands on activity guided by the agent and the council officers. The students were able to plant a bean plant and take it home to grow it. Seventy five percent of the teachers that the agent spoke with after earth day said the students really enjoyed the hands on part and many of the students were still growing there beans.

County contest was conducted to expand life skills and knowledge. Seventy percent of novice youth advanced to District contest. Contest Areas included Fashion Review, home ec skill a thon, home ec identifying, and presentations. Ninety five percent of youth participating in competitive events increased mastery and independence related to teamwork, character and critical thinking as evidenced by team camaraderie, positive sportsmanship and completion of project related activities. One hundred percent of youth that attended gain public speaking skills and more know in their project area.

All of the local clubs conduct community service projects and 15% of 4-H youth participate in service projects at the county level. Examples of County Community Service Projects include: Christmas Caroling for elderly members of the community in assisted living homes, baby blanket donations to the local hospital, Highway Clean-up, Beautification projects on mainstreet,and helping out at the local soup kitchen. 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 in record books and people in the community showing their appreciation to the 4-Hers.