Youth Development

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.

Youth serve in leadership roles at the club level by performing the following duties: Elected Officer, Pledge Leader, Committee Chair, and recreational leader. Youth received training in the following areas through the San Miguel County Council trainings: Public Speaking, Leadership and Parliamentary Procedure. Fifty five percent of youth actively involved in Club Leadership gained skills related to planning and organizing, public speaking, as well as generosity skills by contributing to the group effort, this was shown through the members participation in club meetings and club events.

Local Club Meetings & Programs – 60% of all youth involved in the San Miguel County 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through demonstrations and leadership roles in their local club.
Radio Programs & Other Media – 5% of all youth involved in the San Miguel County 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills by providing ads for the local radio station related to County Fair, National 4-H Week, Kids Kows and More and 4-H Open House Enrollment Night.
San Miguel County 4-H Council Meetings & Programs – 20% all youth involved in the San Miguel County 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through leadership roles in the county council.

Youth serve in leadership roles in the county council by performing the following duties: Elected Officers, Committee Chair/Member, and parliamentarian. Youth have received training through the county council in: Parliamentary Procedure, Public Speaking, Recreation and Goal Setting. Seventy percent of youth actively involved in the County Council gained mastery of skills related to leadership showed through an increased willingness to serve as leaders in their local clubs and their community. Many parents have commented that 4-H has allowed their child to gain better public speaking skills and to “come out of their shell.”