Youth Development (Lea County)

Seven 4-H youth served as presenters at the annual County 4-H Banquet, increasing their public speaking skills and giving leadership to the overall program. Members received pins and Outstanding 4-H Awards in recognition of their achievements and increase in live skills throughout the 2008-2009 4-H year. 175 members, leaders and guests attended the event.

47 youth participated in the Lea County Fair and Rodeo 4-H Indoor Exhibits showcasing their development of life skills through indoor exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Approximately 295 items were exhibited. Over $1,000.00 was paid to county 4-H members through inside exhibit premiums. 89% of county 4-H youth who exhibited at the fair showed an increase in knowledge and skills relating to Master, Independence, Belonging and Generosity as evidenced by keeping records, cooperation, self-motivation, self- responsibility, personal safety, decision making, and critical thinking observed by agents, judges and fair board members.

State wide events and contest trainings were conducted to expand life skills and knowledge. Four teams of senior age 4-H youth advanced to the Family Consumer Science Bowl competition at the FCS Classic during the National Western 4-H Round Up in Denver, CO. Contest information included Food Guide Pyramid, Nutrition for Athletes, Plating it Safe, Trail Foods, Housing and Be the E- Entrepreneurship. 85% of youth participating in competitive events increased Mastery, Belonging and Generosity through cooperation, critical thinking, decision making, self-esteem and teamwork.

10 Senior age youth advanced to State level completion. Contest areas included Horse, Horse Bowl, Livestock, Wool and Home Economics Skill a Thon. 100% of youth participating in competitive events increased mastery, independence and belonging related to teamwork, self esteem, self-motivation, learning to learn, critical thinking and decision making as evidenced by time devoted to practicing, increased confidence in speaking skills, increased knowledge in subject matter and observing other contest areas of interest.

County competitive events and contest trainings were conducted to expand life skills and knowledge. Ten (10) novice and junior youth participated at the district level. Contest areas included Home Economics Bowl, Livestock, Meats, Crops and Wildlife. 100% of youth participating in competitive events increased mastery, independence and belonging related to teamwork, self esteem, self-motivation, learning to learn, critical thinking and decision making as evidenced by time devoted to practicing, increased confidence in speaking skills and observing other contest areas of interest.