Youth Development (Chaves County)

The home economist is involved in training 4-H’ers for the county, district and state contests. Consumer Decision Making Classes, Home Ec. Skill-a-thon Classes, Home Ec. Bowl Practices, and Parliamentary Procedure Practices were conducted by the home economist in order for 4-H’ers to compete on the county, district and state levels. Participants learned about each contest and participated in hands-on activities. Skills obtained through these contest areas exemplify life skills that will be used in real-life situations. Knowledge gained will also help 4-H’ers in their career choices in the future. 100% of novice and junior youth advanced to District level competition. 96 % of youth participating in competitive events increased mastery and independence related to teamwork, character, and critical thinking as evidenced by team camaraderie, positive sportsmanship and completion of project related activities.

Fifteen Chaves County 4-H youth served as keynot speakers, emcees, pledge leaders and presenters at the annual Chaves County 4-H Banquet, increasing their public speaking skills and giving leadership to the overall program. Over 150 parents, leaders, guest and members were in attendance. 68 members received plaques and medals in recognition of their achievements and increase in life skills related to mastery, belonging generosity and independence throughout the 2007-2008 program year. The growth and development of the participating 4-H members is evident and is seen in their record books. Chaves County had one member complete a State Record Book, which was chosen as a trip recipient to attend the National 4-H Congress.

The home economist continues to work closely with the Chaves County Rodeo Association who hosts one of the largest 4-H Rodeos in the state. The home economist helps with entry forms, programs, opening gates, and assisting county council officers who are helping at the rodeo. Rodeo is one of the 4-H projects which enables the 4-H'er to learn life skills of responsibility and leadership. Chaves County is very fortunate to have over seventy volunteers help with this event each year. Many of these volunteers are past 4-H members who have competed in 4-H rodeo and know the value of "giving back" and supporting youth activities. The Chaves County Rodeo Association obtained funding from the New Mexico Rodeo Council and were able to return entry fees to those who entered the Chaves County 4-H Rodeo. Many parents and 4-Her's comments include: "Chaves County knows how to put on a rodeo, everything runs so smoothly."

Pecos Elementary School in Roswell was the site for the Afterschool Leather craft classes. These classes were held every Monday in April from 2:45pm to 5:00pm. The Leather craft classes were limited to the first 12 participants. During the sessions the students learned about the Cooperative Extension Service in Chaves County and the 4- H program. Students gained knowledge in basic leather craft definitions and the history of leather crafting. Each participant learned how to use stamping tools, prepare the leather for tooling, cut out projects, lacing techniques, and leather finishes. A key chain, bookmarker, coaster, cell phone holder and belt were made by each participant. Attendance: At least 80% attendance in all four classes. There were 12 youth, 1 volunteer leader, 1 Agent; 11 Hispanic, 3 White 7 females, 7 males .

After school sewing classes were held at the Chaves County Extension Office and were conducted by the home economist. These classes were offered to the first fifteen 4th & 5th graders at Pecos Elementary. Sewing Class Flyers/Permission forms were distributed to approximately 125 students and seven forms were returned. The students attended four classes every Thursday in the month of April from 3:00 to 5:00pm at the Extension Office. This was a new experience for many of the participants and their families to attend an after school class at a location other than their school.

The first session began with an introduction about the Chaves County Extension Service and the 4-H programs. Also during the session, students gained knowledge about sewing equipment, parts of the machine, sewing safety rules, and how to sew straight lines. Each student left excited about learning this new life skill and were anxious about the next sessions.

The second session began with a review from the first class. During this session, the students applied the knowledge gained from the first session and made a scrunchie from the 4-H Sewing I Project Curriculum. In the third session, the students made totebags from the 4-H Sewing I Project Curriculum. During the 4th session, students made pillowcases from the 4-H Quilting Project. For a community service project, the students made a quilt that was donated to their school. It was going to be raffled off and the money was to be used for the Accelerated Reading Program. There was 100 % Attendance in all four classes with 7 Hispanic youth attending.

Comments: During the last class, one student told me that she was so sad today. I asked her why and she said “because it’s out last class”.