Youth Development (Valencia County)

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.

Throughout the year 4-H members, leaders, and agents are busy preparing projects and learning new skills that they will use to compete at the Valencia County Fair. Members have the opportunity to show the rest of the county what they have been working on for the past year. This opportunity gives youth a sense of self-confidence and pride when they see their accomplishments on display. Members, leaders, and the Home Economist spent many hours at the fair grounds cleaning and decorating for the event. Superintendents and judges were asked to help with the seven day event. This was a great opportunity to find judges outside of the 4-H program to help give more exposure to the Valencia County 4-H program.

District Contest was held in San Juan County in June of 2007. Valencia County took approximately fourteen youth to Farmington. We came home with several ribbons and many smiles. The Valencia County 4-H Home Economist helped with Home Ec. Skill-A-Thon and Favorite Foods. Agent worked with members to prepare them for their individual contests. Members learned food safety, kitchen safety, correct table settings, and sewing and nutrition ID’s.

Valencia County Home-Economist worked to recruit members, superintendents, and judges to help support 4-H County Contests. County Contest was held in May of 2007 at the Calvary Chapel in Belen, NM. During the one day event members and superintendents were asked to help set-up contests and to work with judges. Members were able to compete for awards and were able to show other 4-Hers the life skills they have been taught through their participation in the 4-H program.