Youth Development

Alamo Century 21st After School Program: During the school year, the Socorro County Extension Agent makes bi-monthly visits to the Alamo Century 21st after school program at the Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation. Programs generally last between 90 and 120 minutes and focuses on hands-on activities with strong educational components. Information and project ideas are taken from the 4-H project list and adapted to fit a variety of themes ranging from seasonal lessons to cultural exploration. Programs performed during this reporting period included:
• During the month of September we focused on the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. We learned about “How an Hot Air Balloon works” using information found of the Internet. We also used information from the Model Rocket 4-H project as supplemental information. As a hands-on activity we built paper mache hot air balloons.
• In October, we learned all about Pumpkins. The Agent used curriculum from the Illinois Ag in the Classroom to teach youth about pumpkin growth. We also learned about the variety of uses for pumpkins and how they are used by the youth in the program. We were able to get pumpkins donated to us by a local farmer and the youth made jack-o-lanterns out of them.
• The City of Socorro hosted a Halloween Carnival for youth in the community with the Socorro County 4-H members participating in the event. The 4-H Agent, with the help of 4-H members, had a table set up where youth could make arts and craft projects.
• During National 4-H Week, the Agents presented a workshop to the youth educating them on projects they can participate in, life skills you learn in 4-H and way to become a leader in 4-H. Flyers were sent home with all the parents explaining to them what 4-H is and how they can join a club in their community.
• November was the month of discussing what we are thankful for. We talked about what it takes to get all of the food to their table at Thanksgiving time. We talked about the farmers that grow that food, the soil it is grown in and all the benefits that meal has not only to ourselves. As a hand-on activity we made a Turkey out of construction paper and on each of the feathers on our turkey we put something that we are thankful for.
• During December we made homemade Christmas decorations to put on their Christmas Trees. One of the recipes we used was the applesauce and cinnamon recipe. The kids loved it because the ornaments smelt so good, they wanted to eat them!! The Agents objective was to teach them that Christmas is not all about buying things; there are a lot of things that they can be made from the ornaments on their tree to the gifts they give their family and friends.
Through these activities youth have learned several life skills. Some of these have included:
HANDS: Giving
• Contributing to Group Efforts: Youth are expected to participate in group discussion during the lector portion of the session. We often times do a question and answer session and all youth are expected to participate.
Working
• Teamwork: Some of the tasks that must be completed are done in groups of two or three. The youth must work together to complete the task, without fighting over how to get it done.
HEAD: Managing
• Wise Use of Resources: The Agent brings the supplies for the activities and the youth need to be creative in designing their end product. They are also expected to not waste materials.
HEART: Caring
• Sharing: Youth are expected to share supplies with each other. They are also expected to share stories and experiences while learning new information.
Relating
• Cooperation: Youth cooperate with each other as well as with the Agent to complete task. Youth must be patient by waiting for their turn to speak as well as waiting in line to gather their supplies.

Local Radio Show
Based on non-formal needs assessments data, community awareness for the 4-H Youth Development Program was lower than expected; efforts to increase community awareness and support for the Rio Arriba County 4-H Youth Development Program was heightened. Collaborating with local radio personalities, a monthly radio appearance was organized. After conducting the first appearance, community interaction and recognition was increased. An increase in Adult Volunteer applications was seen, in addition to increase interest in the 4-H Program. During the thirty minute appearance each month, updates of the County 4-H activities are given along with the opportunity for community members to call in and ask questions about Extension and 4-H. With the overwhelming support for the monthly appearance, plans to continue programming have been made.

School Enrichment
Through coordination and cooperation with teachers and school administration, County Extension personnel provided the students of a local Elementary School the opportunity to have a hands-on educational experience. One hundred ninety-five (195) students from grades kindergarten to fifth were exposed to the scientific process of seed germination. Youth were challenged to think critically when expressing gained knowledge through verbal questioning and classroom related topics. Evidence of gained knowledge was noted in areas of basic terminology, the germination process and visualization of key concepts.

Rio Arriba County Fair
One hundred four youth participated in the Rio Arriba County Fair showcasing their development of life skills through indoor and livestock exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Over six hundred items were exhibited. Youth received recognition and constructive feedback as aid to their life skill development. Over fifty thousand dollars was paid to County 4-H and FFA members through add-ons, the junior livestock auction, and fair related scholarships. A great percentage of youth who participated in the event showed increase appreciation for the opportunity to showcase their experience and knowledge. Increased knowledge and skills were noted in the following areas: home economics, creative arts, livestock, personal development, engineering, and natural resources.

County 4-H Camp and Cloverbud Day Camp
Fifty-two (52) youth and fourteen (14) adult volunteers attended the Rio Arriba County Camp held at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM. Youth participated in hands on workshops and activities designed to increase life skills related to teamwork, communication, leadership, respect and generosity. Senior 4-H members served as counselors and assisted in planning, organizing, and conducting camp activities. When asked “What was your favorite part of camp?” one youth participant reported, “Getting to have fun with friends,” this reinforces the importance of youth developing the sense of belonging. Adult volunteer leaders reported the observation of gained life skills in belonging, mastery, self-motivation, and self-responsibility.
Fourteen youth attended the Rio Arriba County Cloverbud Day Camp held at the Rural Event Center. The weeklong event explored topics related to food safety, nutrition education, animal care, electricity, water safety, and 4-H. All participants reported increased mastery in eating healthy, caring for their pets, and home safety. Observations of positive behavior changes were evident in youth participants. Parents noted they felt the day camp had made a positive impact on their child.