Youth Development

TRIBAL 4-H PLANNING COMMITTEE: Northern District CES Agents, State Specialists and District Director have met numerous times this 4-H year to discuss the needs of an underserved population in New Mexico Native Americans. Planning included discussions of culture awareness, protocol among the various Nations, and involvement of youth and adults in the 4-H program. Currently Sandoval County has an active 4-H club on the Navajo Nation and a newly formed 4-H club on the Santo Domingo Pueblo. Home Ecnomist and 4-H Agent have had an audience with tribal leaders including Governors, in Santa Ana, Zia and Jemez Pueblos. Key individuals and facilities are being identified for the success of these 4-H programs.

LEADERSHIP, CITIZENSHIP AND LIFE SKILLS:
During the 4-H year, Sandoval County youth are offered many opportunities to learn leadership, citizenship and develop life skills through workshops, school and competitive events. Club leaders, Home Economist,and 4-H Agent encourage participation in the following educational activities:

SENIOR LEADERSHIP RETREAT: Eight 4-H senior age members participated in the State event. A 4-H member was selected to serve as a State 4-H Ambassador. This is Sandoval County's first 4-H youth to serve on a state leadership team.

DISTRICT CONTEST: Nine 4-H novice and junior age members participated in the District event. The junior team, which were all youth from the Navajo Nation won first place in consumer decision making. The judges of the contest complimented the youth on their ability to give extrodinary sets of reasons.

STATE CONFERENCE: Nine 4-H senior age members participated in the state event. Seven of the youth were from the Navajo Nation, two were returning participants and the other five were first time attendees. This experience was one of the highlights for youth in attendance and are looking forward to next years competition.

ANNUAL 4-H BANQUET: Home Economist/4-H Agent, 4-H Agent and Club leaders worked with the 4-H Council to organize the banquet, which took place in Cuba, NM this year. The event is facilitated by the 4-H council. Over 200 people attended the 4-H Awards Banquet.

TREK FOR TRASH: Four clubs participated in the Couty sponsored Trek for Trash campaign. The youth who participated in this event learned the value of community service, while making thier county beautiful.

CANNING: Home Economist offered two canning classes to Sandoval County 4-H youth. There were eight in attendance for each of the classes. The particpants were all male youth.
The classes were held at the county's canning center. The first class the particpants learned how to make and preserve pickles. The second class paticipants learned how to make and preserve salsa. Three of the participants entered their canned items at the county fair in the open division, with two receiving blue ribbons!

NEW CLUBS: Three new clubs were formed this past year in Sandoval County, one of which was at the Santa Domingo Pueblo. Youth and leaders were given information on all of the projects available as well as comptetions and trainings that are available at the county and state level.

EXPANDED PROGRAMMING:
Sandoval County youth gain public speaking skills and develop organizational abilities through speaking at thier club meetings. Each member is encouraged to give a presentation or demonstration. Additionally the Home Economist, and the 4-H Agent assist teachers at Santo Domingo Pueblo and San Felipe Pueblo with their annual Speech Contest and Science Fair. This is a valuable opportunity to promote the 4-H progam to the Native American population.

SANDOVAL COUNTY 4-H CAMP: The Sandoval County 4-H Council hosted an annual three day 4-H Camp at the Sandoval County Fairgrounds. Youth from throuhout the county participated in educational games and presentations by teen leaders, project leaders, Home Economist, and 4-H Agent. Thirty-eight youth including Cloverbuds along with eighteen adults participated in the camp.
The workshops were designed to teach the youth and improve their skills with horse judging, livestock judging, consumer decision, shooting sports, note taking and reasons, impromptu speech, wildlife identification and horitculture. In addition, the youth learned the importance of community service, healthy nutrition, and food safety. Youth gained knowledge in leadership by presenting workshops, by leading games and activities and setting up the workshops. Many of these participants attended NW District Contest or State Conference.

SANDOVAL COUNTY 4-H PROGRAMS:
The Sandoval County 4-H program is committed to providing an educational curriculum and related learning experiences for youth in 4-H Clubs, school enrichment and special interest groups. 4-H was promoted and educational opportunities through the following programs and workshops that will continue in the future.

CAREER FAIR: Held at Mountain View Middle School, in Rio Rancho. Home Econmist and 4-H Agent prersented career opportunities within Agriculture, Home Economics, and Extension which are a rewarding career choice. The Counselor of the Middle School stated that "because of your participation, it was a very successful community collaboration effort. Thank you for impacting our students in such a positive way. Together WE can make a DIFFERENCE!"

KEWA HEATH EXPO: Held at the Santo Domingo Pueblo, Home Economist presented a workshop on nutritous snacks with the youth participating in a hands on activity. With a large number of particpants, the Office of the Governor and Tribal Council stated the valuable information was provided to the community through the workshop and they hope to have similar type events in the the future.

ICAN NUTRITION IN SCHOOLS: Home Economist oversees two ICAN Nutrition Educators who teach a series of six to eight classes in nutrition to various schools in the County. Educators reach children from pre-school to High School. Educators also promote the County 4-H program in thier classes. This nutrition program is very well recieved throughout the county and the educators have teachers on waiting list for this extrodianary program, that is valued by all who attend.

District Contest was held in San Juan County on June 19-20. Favorite foods is always at hit and this year was no exception. This contest gives the 4-H members a chance to be creative with their choice of recipe and table setting. A taste of Italy, Southwest, Country, etc., were just some of the themes present. Home Ech. Skill-a-thon was also a hit several 4-H mamber tried their hand at identifing several home ech. items used for cooking, sewing and interior design. These contests were the two most popular this year. Favorite Foods had 22 contestents and Home Ech. Skill-a-thon more than 45 contestents. For some of these member this year's contest was nothing new they have become old pros at competing.

2007 Bi-County fair Prewitt,NM was once again a big success. The Bi-County fair was held August 28th ending with the Fidlers Contest on Labor Day. The Bi-County Fair is composed of two counties McKinley and Cibola. McKinley county has 14 traditional clubs with about 200 active members. The fair began with the lamb show on Friday, hog show on Saturday and steer show Saturday afternoon and ended with the livestock auction on Sunday afternoon. The traditional Public Speaking Contest was held on Saturday afternoon with a mixture of talent. Ages for 4-H members competing in the public speaking contest ranged from 6-14. Trophies were awarded to one Cloverbud, one Novice, one Junior, and one Senior after scores were compiled. 4-H indoor projects this year totaled 214 and ranged from baking to woodwork. 31 projects will be going to Sate Fair. This year for the first time we paid premiums to 4-H members for projects with 1st through 3rd place. A nice surprise that was well recieved. Prior to the fair much preparation takes place by board members and 4-H families, both counties join in for clean-up-days and the pay off is a great fair.

4-H members work hard during the year on projects and the end result is a successful Bi-County Fair. This year the Banquet was held at the Lions Club on January 13, 2007. Several 4-H members received awards for their Record Books that were submitted at the end of November. Forty-two 4-H members and their families attended the Pot Luck/Awards Dinner. Several parents/leaders also received plaques for their services during the year to specific 4-H Clubs. Volunteers are special people and need to be acknowledged for the many hours they spend teaching our youth to become responsible adults. 4-H reaches urban, and rural communities throughout McKinley County.