Youth Development (Torrance County)

The Extension Home Economics Agent conducted a countywide program called County Contest Carnival, adopted from the neighbor county Santa Fe. Two presentations were held, one in Edgewood and one in Estancia. The program objective was to teach 4-Hers about the variety of contests conducted out county, district and state contests. The carnival aspect was set up with tables with a contest booth containing information on a science board about a specific contest. The youth completed worksheets at each booth in order to receive a prize. The carnival also gave the senior 4-Hers a chance to display leadership by assisting the younger 4-H members. The carnival also enriched and extended the knowledge of 4-H to Torrance County 4-H parents. A total of 60 youth participated and 30 adults.

The Extension Home Economics Agent became involved in the 2nd Annual Home Ec School. The Agent teamed up with the Valencia County Home Economics Agent and prepared and produced a community service project involving concepts from the Housing and Interior Design. The Agent prepared for the program by purchasing 30 12-inch terra cotta plant pots and spray painted the pots a variety of colors. The colored pots were stenciled by Home Ec School participants. The stenciling program covered information about community service and how 4-H encourages service activities. The stenciled pots were filled with soil and home grown flowers and plants. The Agents delivered the pots to the Ronald McDonald House in Albuquerque where the pots would make a lovely room decoration.

The Extension Home Economics Agent held practices for Novice and Junior 4-Hers competing at the Northern District Contest in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The practices were held twice a week and averaging five participants per practice. The Novice Horticulture team placed 1st, along with an individual 1st place and individual 3rd place.

The Agent held one pie baking workshop, where eight total youth participated. The youth prepared mini lemon meringue pies. The 4-Hers learned how to prepare pie crust, custard filling for pies and meringue. The youth also learned about the quality characteristics of meringue pies. One 4-H boy said he did not like pie at the beginning of the workshop, however, by the end he found an appreciation for lemon meringue pie.

The Agent conducted a grilling workshop during the summer time using the Meals Outdoors project guide. Three males and two female youth participated. The youth learned how to safely use a gas grill, pack for outdoor cooking, proper temperatures of foods and outdoor safety. The youth collaborated and cut up mixed vegetables on the grill. A shining moment was when all three boys ate the vegetables they prepared after disclosing how much they disliked vegetables. The youth also learned how physical activity is an important aspect to outdoor living. The youth participated in a nature walk prior to the cooking activity. They learned about proper foot wear and the importance of sunscreen.