Youth Development

Three clubs in Guadalupe county continue to work on interpersonal skills as well as achivement ideas. The Anton Chico Painted Horses, The Vaughn soaring Eagles and the SantaRosa Los Amigos 4h club have been working on interpersonal skill training . With Los Amogos club being the oldest club they contuinue to have successes . The Painted horses club also has successes in interpersonal skills this new club that had a change in leadership and many leaders and parents are trying to understand their role . The Guadalupe Extension continues to direct the clubs in the right direction, but has had little impact in moblizing the parents to act in the right direction. The Soaring Eagles club has taken the training skills and has implimented many ideas for their club and helped them to create a great model for learning. Annual activites for all clubs include demonstrations at meetings, interpersonal trainings, fun activities, livestock training,leadership trainings, end of year reports . annual banquets, leader trainings, fairs and club citizenship activites.

Marcella Talamante has signed on to support Youth Development within Rio Arriba County.

Navajo 4-H Rocketry Project Workshop
26 Native Americans youth attended the second 4-H workshop that was held on July 23, 2009. Lori and Benson hosted the workshop for community youth ages 5-17. The youth and leaders were introduced to a brief history of rocketry, they learned the basic part of a model rocket and followed the manufactured instructions to construct a unit I rocket. The McKinley CES Agents provided the materials for the enrichment project. The 3 hour session was successful in providing ample time for the completion of 29 rockets. Older youth helped the younger children with following directions, measuring and marking for the engine mount tube, adapter ring, and body tube. Attending were 26 youth 14 male, 15 female, 6 adults 2 male and 4 female
The finished rockets will be launched at a later date.

2008 activities included: National 4-H Week Proclamation – Five 4-H members and leaders [5(W), 2(M) 3(F)] attended the October 2nd Los Alamos County Council meeting where the Council proclaimed the week of October 7-13 as National 4-H Week.

The Annual 4-H family pot-luck picnic was held on October 7 (National 4-H Club Week Sunday). Twenty-seven 4-H members, leaders and family members, representing four 4-H clubs, attended [18(W) 6(H) 3(A); 12 (M), 15 (F)].

One club set up a window display on the 4-H program, at the public library. The display was up during the month of October and was created in honor of National 4-H Club Week (October 1-7).

Fifteen 4-H members [13(W), 2(A); 75(M), 8(F)] and five Cloverbud members (4(W) 1(A); 2(M) 3(F)] representing four 4-H clubs submitted end of year record books. Participation increased by 36% from 2006.

The county council officers [4(W); 2(M) 2(F)] created “Bag Man” for the Los Alamos Scarecrow contest. The scarecrow received the environmental award presented by the Los Alamos Arts Council.

Pumpkin Carving – Twenty six [23(W) 2(A) 1(H); 12(M) 14(F)] members carved Halloween pumpkins for the Los Alamos Pumpkin Glow. Members learned the history of jack-o-lanterns, techniques for pumpkin carving and developed their creativity through their pumpkin carving design.

An Annual 4-H Awards Program was held November 15, 2007 at Fuller Lodge. The purpose of the program was to recognize 4-H members who completed 4-H record books, and to recognize 4-H members and leaders for the number of years they’ve been involved in the program.

Four 4-H members [4(W); 2(M) 2(F)] representing two 4-H clubs participated in the Senior Leadership Retreat held January 18-20 in Albuquerque. 4-H’ers participated in leadership workshops and activities planned and conducted by the State 4-H Ambassadors and Diplomats. The horticulture agent served as advisor to the county delegation as well as the State 4-H Diplomat team.

The horticulture agent accompanied 3 State 4-H Diplomats to the National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. The National 4-H Conference is the Secretary of Agriculture's premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program. The National 4-H Conference is a working conference in which youth and adults--at the invitation of the Secretary of Agriculture--assist in the development of recommendations to help guide 4-H Youth Development Programs nationally and in their communities. This event brings together youth, volunteer leaders, and state and county Extension staff members from across the United States, the U.S. Territories, and the Canadian Provinces.

Los Alamos County 4-H Contests – Seven 4-H members [4(W) 3(A); 5(M) 2(F)] participated in county contests competition. Members competed in Presentations and Favorite Food Show.

Seed Art – during the annual “Children’s Arts and Crafts Festival,” forty two children [30(W) 1(H) 11(A); 20(M) 22(F)] participated in preparing mother’s day pictures utilizing a variety of seeds and beans. The activity was coordinated by 4-H members and leaders from two 4-H clubs. Four youth and adult volunteers [3(W) 1(A); 3(M) 1(F)] assisted. Upon completion of the artwork, children were provided with a 4-H pencil and a brochure on the 4-H program.

State 4-H Dog School, April 25-27 in Albuquerque, nine participated [9(W); 1(M) 8(F)]

Teen Get-Away, April 20-22 Camp Inlow, two senior members served as counselors [2(W); 2(M)]

Rio Arriba County 4-H Camp, June 6-8 in Ghost Ranch, one senior member [1(W), 1(M)] served as a camp counselor.

The Horticulture Agent conducted the Horticulture Contest at the Northeast District 4-H Contest in Taos [14(W) 13(H); 20(F) 7(M)]. In addition the agent trained a new agent from Rio Arriba on the contest.

The Horticulture Agent together with the seven members of the New Mexico State Officer Team traveled to Hawaii to present a workshop and participate at the Hawaii Leadership Training Conference at the University of Hawaii. The workshop covered methods of leadership training through games and activities and was presented to youth from Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Hawaii and members from American Samoa [63 (A); 38(F), 25(M)].

The Horticulture Agent, together with the New Mexico 4-H Ambassador Team traveled to Heber, Arizona to present a workshop at and participate in JOLT [70(W, 4(H)); 14(M), 60(F)] , JOLT is an teen leadership camp designed for teens by a teen-adult partnership. The camp is a positive environment that promotes personal development, team building and self-confidence. JOLT participants enjoy activities that build trust, leadership, and communication skills. The dynamic staff and inspirational workshop speakers that JOLTers experience help make the week memorable. Conflict resolution skills and relationship building skills create the existence of the "JOLT Team" which instigates life-long friendships that are uncommon at other camps. Participants will work in groups to develop teamwork and communication skills, while performing pre-designated challenges. These challenges are facilitated by members of the staff and are both fun and entertaining and test problem solving skills and the ability to think on your feet.

State 4-H Conference, July 10-18 in Las Cruces, one senior member [1(W); 1(M)] participated. As 4-H Ambassador advisor, the agent was instrumental in the organization of all evening sessions at the conference and also provided leadership to the Ambassador Team in conducting a leadership workshop to 36 conference participants. The horticulture agent also served as contest chair for the conference.

Los Alamos County Fair and Rodeo Parade. The 4-H parade entry highlighted the four 4-H clubs in Los Alamos County. Members in the dog project walked with their dogs, and members in the horse project, rode their horses. As a give-a-way item, 4-H pencils and cups were distributed to children along the parade route. Leadership for the effort was provided by two 4-H leaders. Approximately 20 4-H’ers participated in the float activity.

Los Alamos County Fair. Fifteen [13(W) 2(A); 5(M) 10(F)] 4-H members representing three 4-H clubs exhibited 31 indoor exhibits.

New Mexico State Fair -- Eleven 4-H members [9(W) 2(A); 5(M) 6(F)] representing three 4-H clubs exhibited 22 exhibits. Nineteen or 86% of the twenty two exhibits received first, second or third place awards. One senior 4-H member [1(W); 1(M)] served as a youth official and was responsible for receiving and setting up 4-H exhibits.
The horticulture agent also helped the State 4-H Leadership Team in planning and preparing a float to represent New Mexico 4-H in the State Fair Parade.

The home economist dedicated time to maintaining and supporting 4-H club leaders and members. During the 2007-2008 year there were 74 members [56(W) 10(H) 8(A); 21(M) 53(F)] and 18 leaders [17(W) 1(H); 2(M) 16(F)] enrolled.

4-H members and leaders had an opportunity to participate in a variety of county-wide 4-H activities. Advertisement for both activities was done via the 4-H newsletter and e-mail reminders to leaders. These activities included:
• The purpose of the Los Alamos County 4-H Council is to coordinate and plan collaborative projects, determine County 4-H policies, provide means of leadership training and to aid in the educational development of 4-H club members. Forty three (43) members and leaders [36(W) 4(H) 3(A); 19(M) 24(F)] attended the four Council meeting held during the year. Prior to each Council meeting, Council officers meet to plan the agenda and prepare reports.
• National 4-H Week Proclamation – Five 4-H members and leaders [5(W), 2(M) 3(F)] attended the October 2nd Los Alamos County Council meeting where the Council proclaimed the week of October 7-13, 2007 as National 4-H Week.
• The Annual 4-H family Picnic was held on October 7 (National 4-H Club Week Sunday). Twenty-seven 4-H members, leaders and family members, representing four 4-H clubs, attended [18(W) 6(H) 3(A); 12 (M), 15 (F)].
• One club set up a window display on the 4-H program, at the public library. The display was up during the month of October and was created in honor of National 4-H Club Week (October 1-7).
• Fifteen 4-H members [13(W), 2(A); 75(M), 8(F)] and five Cloverbud members (4(W) 1(A); 2(M) 3(F)] representing four 4-H clubs submitted end of year record books. Participation increased by 36% from 2006.
• The county council officers [4(W); 2(M) 2(F)] created “Bag Man” for the Los Alamos Scarecrow contest. The scarecrow received the environmental award presented by the Los Alamos Arts Council.
• Pumpkin Carving – Twenty six [23(W) 2(A) 1(H); 12(M) 14(F)] members carved Halloween pumpkins for the Los Alamos Pumpkin Glow. Members learned the history of jack-o-lanterns, techniques for pumpkin carving and developed their creativity through their pumpkin carving design.
• An Annual 4-H Awards Program was held November 15, 2007 at Fuller Lodge. The purpose of the program was to recognize 4-H members who completed 4-H record books, and to recognize 4-H members and leaders for the number of years they’ve been involved in the program. Outstanding 4-H youth and volunteers were also recognized. Ten 4-H members [9(W) 1(A); 2(M) 8(F)], representing four clubs were involved in the actual awards presentation. Fifty two 4-H’ers [46(W) 1(H) 5(A); 13(M) 39(F)] and nine 4-H leaders [9(W); 1(M) 8(F)] representing five clubs received awards. Refreshments and fellowship followed the program.
• Four 4-H members [4(W); 2(M) 2(F)] representing two 4-H clubs participated in the Senior Leadership Retreat held January 18-20 in Albuquerque. 4-H’ers participated in leadership workshops and activities planned and conducted by the State 4-H Ambassadors and Diplomats.
• State 4-H Dog School, April 25-27 in Albuquerque, nine participated [9(W); 1(M) 8(F)]
• Teen Get-Away, April 20-22 Camp Inlow, two senior members served as counselors [2(W); 2(M)]
• Los Alamos County 4-H Contests – Seven 4-H members [4(W) 3(A); 5(M) 2(F)] participated in county contests competition. Members competed in Presentations and Favorite Food Show.
• State 4-H Conference, July 10-18 in Las Cruces, one senior member [1(W); 1(M)] participated.
• County 4-H Camp, June 6-8 in Ghost Ranch, one senior member [1(W), 1(M)] served as a camp counselor
• Los Alamos County Fair and Rodeo Parade. The 4-H parade entry highlighted the four 4-H clubs in Los Alamos County. Members in the dog project walked with their dogs, and members in the horse project, rode their horses. As a give-a-way item, 4-H pencils and cups were distributed to children along the parade route. Leadership for the effort was provided by two 4-H leaders. Approximately 20 4-H’ers participated in the float activity.
• Los Alamos County Fair. Fifteen [13(W) 2(A); 5(M) 10(F)] 4-H members representing three 4-H clubs exhibited 31 indoor exhibits.
• National 4-H Week Proclamation – Five 4-H council officers [4(W) 1(A); 3(M) 2(F)] attended the September 30th Los Alamos County Council meeting where the week of October 5-111 2008 was proclaimed as National 4-H Week.
• New Mexico State Fair -- Eleven 4-H members [9(W) 2(A); 5(M) 6(F)] representing three 4-H clubs exhibited 22 exhibits. Nineteen or 86% of the twenty two exhibits received first, second or third place awards. One senior 4-H member [1(W); 1(M)] served as a youth official and was responsible for receiving and setting up 4-H exhibits.

4-H Enrichment efforts continue throughout the year. The following are program efforts which the home economist provided leadership.

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit --is a nutrition and fitness field trip experience for fifth grade students. Aimed at combating childhood obesity and teaching children about healthy lifestyles, the project is a collaboration of Extension Agents from Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe Counties. Two hundred forty four (244) Los Alamos County students representing six elementary schools participated. [173(W) 1(NA) 51(H) 17(A) 2(B); 103(M) 141(F)]. At this site, 2 tracts of workshops were held thus allowing all fifth grade students to participate. Fifth grade students rotate between four, 45 minutes workshops – MyPyramid, Vary Your Veggie and Focus on Fruits, Power Up with Exercise and Fun with Food Facts. Workshops are aligned to the NM Health Education Standards and Benchmarks. In addition to the workshops, students are provided with a student-parent handout, developed by extension agents, which contained information and activities that reinforced the workshop topics. Teachers were provided with a resource kit containing a nutrition curriculum as well as additional health and nutrition resources. Upon completion of the evaluation process each classroom is provide with an exercise kit containing a variety of exercise equipment. Pre and post tests were administered. For detailed information and results on the program see Children, Youth and Families at Risk-Sustainable Community Grant Project: Just Be It! Healthy and Fit (Los Alamos County)

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit – an in-depth nutrition and fitness education program was conducted in Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe in two classrooms in one school in each county. Thirty eight (38) [28(W) 9(H) 1(A); 18(M) 20(F)] fifth grade students from Chamisa Elementary participated in the monthly educational endeavor. The Just Be It – Healthy and Fit project coordinator provided the nutrition related lesson. As the parent component to this program, a series of eight newsletters, reinforcing the lessons taught to the students, was sent home each month with the students. For detailed information and results on the program see Children, Youth and Families at Risk-Sustainable Community Grant Project: Just Be It! Healthy and Fit (Los Alamos County)

MyPyramid – upon request of the Life Skills teachers [2(W); 2(F)] at Los Alamos High School a program on MyPyramid was provided to their special needs classroom. The program covered the components of the food guide along with information on nutrients, menu planning and label reading. A total of 4 students [2(W) 1(H) 1(A); 2(M) 2(F)] were in attendance during the fall semester. During the spring semester, the home economist presented a similar program to six students [3(W) 3(H); 4(M) 2(F)] Upon request of the Culinary Arts instructor [1(H); 1(F)] the same program was presented to her classes as an introduction to nutrition basics. A total of 45 students [40(W) 5(H); 23(M) 22(F)] were in attendance.

Family Festival – Ice Cream in a Bag – Twenty 4-H youth and five adult volunteers [25(W); 8(M) 17(F)] provided leadership to this annual event geared to families. One hundred sixty six (166) youngsters [131(W) 20(H) 15(A); 61 (M) 105(F)] participated in the “Ice Cream in a Bag” activity. Children learned the science behind making ice cream and had a delicious treat in the process. The activity was coordinated by the home economist.

Seed Art – during the annual “Children’s Arts and Crafts Festival,” forty two children [30(W) 1(H) 11(A); 20(M) 22(F)] participated in preparing mother’s day pictures utilizing a variety of seeds and beans. The activity was coordinated by 4-H members and leaders from two 4-H clubs. Four youth and adult volunteers [3(W) 1(A); 3(M) 1(F)] assisted. Upon completion of the artwork, children were provided with a 4-H pencil and a brochure on the 4-H program.

The home economist was asked by the Pablo Roybal Elementary School in Pojoaque to participate in their annual Career Fair. She utilized “MyPyramid” display she developed to illustrate the types of education home economists provide in the community. 280 third and fourth grade students, [14(W) 210(H) 56 (I), 145(M) 135(F)], participated in the morning long program. Students had an opportunity to play the “MyPyramid” individual/group game created by the home economist. The “MyPyramid for Kids” handout in both English and Spanish was distributed to students.