Youth Development (Lea County)

5 4-H youth served as presenters at the annual County 4-H Banquet, increasing their public speaking skills and giving leadership to the overall program. Members received pins and Outstanding 4-H Awards in recognition of their achievements and increase in live skills throughout the 2007-2008 4-H year. 75 members, leaders and guests attended the event.

46 youth participated in the Lea County Fair and Rodeo 4-H Indoor Exhibits showcasing their development of life skills through indoor exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Over 240 items were exhibited Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $1,000.00 was paid to county 4-H members through inside exhibit premiums. 92% of county 4-H youth who exhibited at the fair showed an increase in knowledge and skills relating to Master, Independence, Belonging and Generosity as evidenced by keeping records, cooperation, self-motivation, self- responsibility, personal safety, decision making, and critical thinking observed by agents, judges and fair board members.

State wide events and contest trainings were conducted to expand life skills and knowledge. Three teams of senior age 4-H youth advanced to the Family Consumer Science Bowl competition at the FCS Classic during the National Western 4-H Round Up in Denver, CO. Contest information included Food Guide Pyramid, Nutrition for Athletes, Plating it Safe, Consumer Wise, Renting, Toys and Laundry Detergent. 85% of youth participating in competitive events increased Mastery, Belonging and Generosity through cooperation, criticial thinking, decision making, self-esteem and teamwork.

County competitive events and contest trainings were conducted to expand life skills and knowledge. 83% of novice and junior youth participated at the district level. Contest areas included Home Economics Bowl, Favorite Foods, Livestock, Meats, Entomology, Public Speaking, General Presentations and Crops. 100% of youth participating in competitive events increased mastery, independence and belonging related to teamwork, self esteem, self-motivation, learning to learn, critical thinking and decision making as evidenced by time devoted to practicing, increased confidence in speaking skills and observing other contest areas of interest.

10 Senior age youth advanced to State level completion. Contest areas included Horse, Livestock, Dairy Bowl, Dairy, Home Economics Bowl, Consumer Decision Making, Entomology, Public Speaking and Meats. 100% of youth participating in competitive events increased mastery, independence and belonging related to teamwork, self esteem, self-motivation, learning to learn, critical thinking and decision making as evidenced by time devoted to practicing, increased confidence in speaking skills and observing other contest areas of interest.

15 State 4-H Leadership team members attended a social etiquette and team building workshop. Youth received information on how to socially work a room of adults, impact of body language, proper hand shaking skills, conversation topics and how to properly introduce others.100% of youth in attendance reported an increase in self esteem, character, communication, social skills, cooperation and concern for others. Through the activities provided, the team showed an increase in problem solving skills and sharing while building nurturing relationships.