Youth Development (Bernalillo County)

County 4-H Home Economist worked with IFYE committee to plan and organize 4-H International Night. Various 4-H clubs and the county council worked for several months to plan and decorate their booths based on chosen countries. 4-H members researched countries and planned and prepared menus based on their given country. 6 Booths were put in place. During the three hour long event members educated the public on their respective countries and severed food. During this process members learned safe food handling practices, public speaking, teamwork, and also learned about the IFYE program and various countries. Community members learned about the 4-H program, the IFYE program and facts on many different countries. There were approximately 180 4-H members and community members present for the event.

County 4-H Home Economist work with other county agents and the Middle Rio Grande Children’s Water Festival committee to put on and organize a water festival open to Albuquerque and Rio Rancho’s 4th grade students. During the planning process, the agent served as a committee member to give assistance and suggestions with youth activities. During the two day event the county agents presented a workshop titled Farming to Feed You. As a result 4th grade students learned about water, farming, and how farmers save water. They also learned how to conserve water and why water is important.

County 4-H Home Economist worked with Urban 4-H Agent and Youth Forum to plan and organize Lights on Afterschool Forum. Various youth organizations from across the county came together to showcase what is available to parents and youth after/outside of school. Agents spent three hours talking with youth organizations, parents, and youth about the benefits and activities in the 4-H program and conducted fitness relays for youth. Approximately 160 community members were present. Community persons learned all they needed to know about the 4-H program.

County 4-H Home Economist worked with members of the 2007 State winning Home Economics Bowl team in preparation for the National Contest in January. Members of the team attended weekly practices during the months of October, November, and December. During the hour long practices members of the team played games, worked on word searches, word finds, and general home ec worksheets covering the seven topics. The team members also participated in writing races and challenges against the home economist. As a result members of the team place 2nd at the National Western Roundup in January.

County 4-H Home Economist worked with council officers to plan and put on Bernalillo County’s 4-H Open House during National 4-H Week. Council Officers spent two months in preparation for this event. The county council officers opened the Open House with a skit about what 4-H was, who could join, and what they would gain from joining. During the hour long event members of the community visited with representatives from different clubs and participated in activities hosted by individual clubs. Clubs were able to seek new enrollment while people from the community were able to learn all they wanted to know about the 4-H program in Bernalillo County. As a result members were able to work on their public speaking and communication skills and introduced the 4-H program to 116 people from the community. Several members of the community commented on the manners and speaking skills of the 4-H youth working the different tables.