Youth Development (Otero County)

On December 30, 2008 ten 4-H members attended a Ceramics Project Day to create various pieces of pottery. These 4-H members learned valuable skills in working with clay, the basics about clay and firing temperatures and how to mold clay into various types of pottery. 100% of the 4-H members reported an increase in knowledge related to working with clay and molding clay. 79% of youth reported an increase in managing with keeping records and goal setting as well as mastering with learning a new set of skills in a project area and trying a new project.

On February 2nd, 2009 County Extension Personell and three 4-H volunteer leaders presented a Cloverbud Fun Day for the cloverbud members of Otero County. Activities ranged from valentine day's crafts to making a nutritous snack. County Extension Personell gave an educational presentation on Entomology entitled, "The Bugs Around Us." 100% of the cloverbud 4-H members attended said that they learned new skills about eating healthy snacks. 80% of the cloverbud 4-H members attested that they acquired new knowledge about insects and spiders and thought the presentation was a fun way to learn about the outdoors.

County Extension Personnel provided quality educational experiences to Holloman Air Force Base School Age Program. 75 youth from 5 years of age to 11 years of age gained knowledge related embryology through the Egg to Chick curriculum. Youth gained life skills related to managing and thinking by keeping records, goal setting and nurturing relationships as evidenced by youths’ concern for the chicks and increased ability in keeping records and follow logical steps in completing tasks.

10 4-H youth served as emcee's, pledge leaders, presenters at the annual Otero County 4-H Awards Ceremony. These 4-H members increased their public speaking skills and leadership to the overall program of 4-H. Members received plaques and medals in recognition of their achievements and increased their life skills in relation to mastery, belonging, generosity and independence through the 2007-2008 program year. Over 80 4-H members were recognized for their oustanding excellence in 4-H this year and over 85 members, leaders and guests attended this event.

20 4-H members attended a Leadership Workshop on November 7, 2008. Many of the clubs in Otero County were represented with their officer teams. Youth received hands on training related to leadership opportunities in 4-H, 4-H Record Book keeping, Leadership, Teamwork and Parliamentary Procedure. 85% of youth reported an increase in knowledge of leadership opportunities in 4-H. 85% of youth reported an increase in knowledge of the areas of contest in 4-H. 80% of youth saw an increase of knowledge and understanding in the area of Parliamentary Procedure. 90% of youth saw an increase of knowledge of available projects in 4-H. 80% of youth saw an increase of knowledge of what officer duties are. 100% of the youth reported that this leadership workshop was valuable to them. One 4-H member stated, “I learned a lot about the opportunities available in 4-H and learned more about teamwork. I would enjoy having more of these events for our county and my club.”