Youth Development

Summer Sewing Programs
Two classes, one being one-half day long and the other a day-long class, were taught by the program assistant at Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell’s summer youth program, “Kids Kollege”. A total of 28 kids attended to learn basic sewing skills and safety. Students put their knowledge to use by completing either pillow cases or tote bags during the class to take home.

Area youth received instruction on basic sewing skills and safety at 11 sewing classes given at the Yucca Recreational Center/Roswell Parks and Recreation Department during June and July. A total of 127 students learned about sewing terms, notions, and parts of the sewing machine and serger, learned how to thread the sewing machines, thread the bobbins, and safely completed a handmade project of either a pillowcase, tote bag, or a scrunchie for their use.

All sewing programs teach the youth important life skills and assist them in becoming more productive and contributing members of society.

University High School Sewing Classes
A total of 55 sewing classes were conducted at Roswell’s alternative high school throughout the 2010-2011 school year during this reporting period to teach high risk/low income students sewing basics. Through open labs and individual attention, the program assistant attended classes twice a week and worked with students to construct various handmade items including tote bags, quilts, pillowcases, and scrunchies. Another 13 classes were held during the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, reaching 32 student contacts. Skills taught included the parts of the sewing machine, use of sewing notions, sewing safety, and the use of basic arithmetic. Students are also learning problem solving and critical thinking while constructing items they enjoyed.

4-H Novice Camp
The Chaves County Extension Office organized a 4-H Novice Day Camp for youth in the Chaves County 4-H Program. A total of 46 youth and adults attended the day-long program to gain information about 4-H projects and activities. The agriculture agent gave a presentation on the 4-H Horticulture Contest and assisted with set-up and clean-up for the camp.

Kids & Kows & More
The Chaves County Extension Office cooperated with Southwest Dairy Farmers and local businesses and individuals to co-sponsor the Kids & Kows & More Program for area fourth grade students and their teachers. The Kids & Kows & More program provides both urban and rural children with a taste of the farm. This program educates youth on area natural resources and local agriculture production, while also impressing upon the youth the importance of New Mexico agriculture and our natural resources. The three day program, held at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Roswell, consisted of eight educational stations including the “Mobile Dairy Classroom,” “Chile,” “Pecans,” “Food Safety,” “Cotton,” “Bees and Pollination,” and “Sheep and Wool.” A total of 1190 students gained knowledge of the area’s agriculture products while 188 teachers and adult and youth volunteers assisted to make the program possible. Participants learned that milk, other food products, and many of our clothing items do not just “come from the store,” but are produced by farmers and ranchers who strive to produce safe and wholesome products. Students gained positive attitudes about agriculture products due to the knowledge gained. These positive attitudes result in an educated public that supports and protects agriculture.

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day
The agriculture agent worked with the 4-H agent and home economist to coordinate the annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day that was held at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Roswell. Students from public and private schools in the Roswell, Dexter, and Hagerman communities attended the camp over a two-day period. Youth received instruction on ten topics including Meth Awareness, Electrical Safety, Lawnmower Safety, Firearm Safety, Animal Safety, ATV Safety, Underground Utilities Awareness and Safety, 9-1-1, Fire Safety, and Food Safety. A total of 971 elementary school students and their teachers and chaperones attended the day camp and gained information that can prevent serious accidents or health problems from occurring. Volunteers that made the program possible, including teachers, aids, presenters, and other adult and youth volunteers totaled 217. Evaluations completed by the school teachers showed the topics were relevant to the students’ safety and students gained information that could save their lives or will assist to keep them healthy. Life skills gained included learning to make healthy lifestyle choices, disease prevention, and personal safety. The agent attended a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day Coordinator Training in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, in order to be approved to conduct a Safety Day in the Chaves County area.