Youth Development (Eddy County)

Teaching 4-H members from Eddy County new skills and information in a form of friendly competition was accomplished when the Home Economist coached approximately twelve youth in 4-H contests. During the months of April, May, and June the Home Economist worked closely with parent volunteers and the county 4-H Agent to develop teams of youth who would participate in county and district 4-H contests. Over 20 youth participated in regularly scheduled practices to learn about the contest rules and guidelines as well as develop the skills and knowledge necessary to compete against their peers. Contests specific to the Home Economics program area were coached by the Home Economist to novice and junior 4-Hers from Eddy County. The Home Economics Skill-a-thon and Consumer Decision Making contests teach youth about various utensils, skills, and techniques used in different projects such foods, clothing, and interior design, as well as the ever important life skill of consumerism. Youth studied various commodities and learned how to make informed decisions about such products as meal trail foods, jeans, and digital cameras. Of the twelve youth who participated in Home Economics all twelve placed in the top five at the District level.

In order to provide youth of Eddy County a deeper understanding of the various agriculture products produced in and around Eddy County, the Kids, Kows, and More program is organized each year. Although there was not an organized event in Eddy County, the fourth grade students from Artesia Elementary Schools were invited to participate in the Chaves County program. The Home Economist served on a committee and worked cohesively with agents and other committee members to organize the event and coordinate with Artesia Schools to participate in the event. The Home Economist sought financial support from Eddy County donors in order to offer funds to assist the schools in transporting students to and from the event Due to travel restrictions and health concerns of the school district at the time of the event, the Artesia Schools did not send students to participate in the event after all.

Educating youth about various safety issues is the goal of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day program. In 2008, the Home Economist served as lead coordinator for this program and played host to nearly 910 third grade students and their teachers from all elementary schools in Eddy County. The two day event was held at the Eddy County Fairgrounds. Nine different agencies and companies came to serve as presenters for the safety topics for this year’s event including ATV safety, construction site safety, making an emergency phone call, boating and water safety, chemical safety, pipeline safety, stranger danger, and more. During the event youth participated in stations and learned proper safety procedures as the presenters. As coordinator for this event, it was the Home Economists responsibility to contact and confirm presenters for each station, organize the schools participation in the event, arrange for volunteers, and also plan lunch to feed all students, teachers, presenters, and volunteers. This event always receives positive feedback from participants and this year was no exception. Participants and volunteers completed evaluation forms following the event. From the evaluations the following information was obtained: thirty-three percent of the participants lived on a farm or ranch, forty-two percent of the participants have visited a farm or ranch on a regular basis, ninety-two percent of the participants indicated that they learned new information pertaining to safety and eighty percent indicated that the safety information learned during this event is important for their entire family.

Over fifty youth participated in the Eddy County Fair showcasing their development of life skills through indoor projects. One hundred and forty seven projects were exhibited in the 4-H Indoor Division. Projects were judged and youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Youth exhibited knowledge and skills in various project areas such as engineering, baking, clothing construction, personal development, and arts and crafts. 82% of Eddy County 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills pertaining to various indoor project curriculums as evidenced by the number and quality of exhibits entered and ribbons awarded in the 4-H Indoor Division. Forty one youth advanced and participated in the New Mexico and Eastern New Mexico State Fairs showcasing their development of life skills through their indoor project exhibits. Youth received recognition and some feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills from judges at the state fairs.

Efforts to establish an active County 4-H Council program have proven successful as the Eddy County 4-H Council members and officers worked the year through to promote county fair, advertise during National 4-H Week, organize the annual awards program, and challenge their fellow 4-Hers to a county wide community service project for the troops. Youth participating in 4-H Council recorded radio spots and met with city council men to declare National 4-H Week in Eddy County. The 4-H Council donated several large boxes of items and supplies to the American Legion to be sent to soldiers overseas. Youth who participate in County Council also attended an officer training in Portales, put on by the State 4-H Leadership Team. Throughout the year, the Home Economist assisted the 4-H agent in advising the council during bi-monthly meetings and assisted the Council members in meeting business. An average of 11 youth participated in regularly scheduled council meetings and activities. Ten 4-H Council officers and members served as speakers, pledge leaders and presenters at the annual Eddy County 4-H Achievement Awards, increasing their public speaking skills and giving leadership to the overall program. Members received pins and various awards in recognition of their achievements and increase in life skills throughout the 2007-2008 program year. One hundred and fifty members, leaders and guests attended the event