Youth Development (Lincoln County)

In 2007, 8 teams participated in Consumer Decision Making at Western 4-H Round-Up. A presentations contest has been added to Roundup along with a home economics related tour. Home Ec Bowl was added as a competitive event at Western 4-H Roundup in 2007. As a result of training and promotion, new states are implementing Home Economics Contests and participating at 4-H Roundup. New states include Tennessee, California, Kentucky and Oregon. Participation in Home Economics related projects has increased by 50% from 2004 to 2007.

Updated information on exhibit requirements has been provided to the New Mexico State Fair and Extension Staff working with 4-H. New exhibit requirements are readily available through the 4-H website. Promotional items are developed for the recruitment of Youth Officials and also posted online. Results: Youth Official participation increased to 9 in 2007. Overall entries held steady at 1900. The Best of Show Pie and Cake were auctioned with proceeds going to the individual 4-H member.

Photography Contest guidelines and requirements have been updated and reflect more timely and diverse skills. In 2007, 88 photos were received from 31 youth representing eight counties. A Promotional 4-H Calendar is created annually using the top 12 photos from the photography contest, increasing recognition of youth participating in the photography contest. Calendars include 4-H and other organizations dates. Printing costs are sponsored by El Paso Electric Company. Over 300 calendars are distributed annually with proceeds going to support 4-H programming.

Youth and adult Record Book trainings were conducted across the state, increasing knowledge and skills in record keeping and written communication. Ten youth submitted State Records in 2007.

Lincoln County has seven organized 4-H clubs consisting of 205 members. During the 2006-2007 year all 4-H members were provided the opportunity to expand their leadership skills by attending quarterly council meetings which were held in October, January, April, and July. The officers conduct the meetings and learn to work as a team. The officer team participates and encourages 4-H members to participate in community service projects and fund raisers. The Agent serves as co-advisor to the Lincoln County 4-H Council, provides general support to 4-H members and leaders, organizes and oversees county council fundraisers.
The Agent is involved in training 4-H'ers for the County, District and State Contests. A variety of workshops discussing record books, county contest, consumer decision making, and public speaking were presented this year by the Agent. Coordinating a yearly contest; preparing a monthly newsletter; and planning and organizing the annual awards banquet where members are recognized for the outstanding work done on projects and record books are also part of the Agents program.