Youth Development (Otero County)

The Home Economist organized and conducted the 4-H Home Economics Skill-A-Thon contest for the County 4-H Contests held for both Otero and Lincoln Counties. Traveled with the 4-H Agent and Agricultural Agent to Carrizozo with 17 4-H members from Otero County for County 4-H Contests. Other contests provided to allow 4-H members to expand life skills and knowledge included Consumer Decision Making, Public Speaking, Favorite Foods Show, Horticulture, Wildlife, and Entomology. Thirty-two 4-H members advanced to District and State level competition.

The Home Economist accompanied and chaperoned 5 Senior 4-H members to Senior Leadership Retreat with the 4-H Agent. Senior Leadership Retreat strengthens the leadership capacity of 4-H members. Through participation in leadership workshops during this event 4-H members gained knowledge relating to problem solving, teamwork, cooperation, and many other leadership skills. Another outcome is after gaining leadership experiences from State leadership events 4-H members went on to use their skills learned in their 4-H Clubs including serving in 4-H Club officer positions. 4-H members also returned to their counties and taught other 4-H members the leadership activities they acquired from this State leadership event.

Twenty-four 4-H members participated in the Otero County Fair showcasing their development of life skills through indoor exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Over 140 items were exhibited. 72 of the county exhibits qualified to be entered in the New Mexico State Fair 4-H Indoor Exhibit Department. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Recognition for indoor exhibits included ribbons, rosettes, plaques, belt buckles and duffle bag. Photographs of 4-H members winning plaques were published in the Alamogordo Daily Newspaper. 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to home economics, creative arts, animal science, engineering science, and personal development as evidenced by quality baking products, woodworking items, Cloverbud displays, and other exhibits. One 4-H member participating in the indoor exhibits at the Otero County Fair stated: “It (4-H) has helped me learn independence. I’ve learned that I can’t rely on my parents to do everything for me anymore. I have to step up to the plate and take on my responsibilities if I want to exhibit anything for fair.”

Otero County hosted the annual County 4-H Contests for 4-H youth from Otero and Lincoln Counties to expand life skills and knowledge. 20 youth from Otero County participated in the contests, a significant increase from the previous year (5 youth participated in 2007). 30% of youth advanced to District and State level competition. Contest areas included Consumer Decision Making, Home Ec Skill-A-Thon, Public Speaking, Clothing Revue, Favorite Foods Show, Horticulture, Wildlife, and Wool. One 4-H member participating in County 4-H Contests stated: “At county contest, I won first place in the Favorite Foods Show. I loved it because it used more than just my cooking talent. I had to show what I learned through my other foods projects I enrolled in this year.”

Nine youth participated in a series of 4-H quilting workshops held at the Otero County Extension Office. Youth participated in hands-on activities designed to increase life skills related to planning, organizing, goal setting, and critical thinking. The Home Economist and two adult volunteer 4-H leaders taught the workshop from the Stitchin and Quiltin! 4-H project book. 4-H members had the opportunity to complete several goals of the 4-H project including the Quick & Easy Pillowcase and the Quick & Easy Throw. 89% of youth reported their participation in the workshops as being a valuable experience. Of the nine youth participating in the workshops 89% reported they learned how to use special tools to quilt with, 78% learned how to use a sewing machine, 89% learned how to sew safely, 78% learned how to sew straight lines, and 78% learned how to pin items together for accurate stitching. When asked what participants liked best about the 4-H quilting workshops one 4-H member stated: “That Kelly (Home Economist) took the process step-by-step so we would understand it easier.” After the workshop 89% of the youth indicated that they would like to create additional quilting projects including nine patch quilt, rag quilt, rag throw and other quilts.