Youth Development (Socorro County)

Alamo Century 21st After School Program: During the school year, the Socorro County Extension Agent makes bi-monthly visits to the Alamo Century 21st after school program at the Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation. Programs generally last between 90 and 120 minutes and focuses on hands-on activities with strong educational components. Information and project ideas are taken from the 4-H project list and adapted to fit a variety of themes ranging from seasonal lessons to cultural exploration. Programs performed during this reporting period included:
• During the month of September we focused on the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. We learned about “How an Hot Air Balloon works” using information found of the Internet. We also used information from the Model Rocket 4-H project as supplemental information. As a hands-on activity we built paper mache hot air balloons.
• In October, we learned all about Pumpkins. The Agent used curriculum from the Illinois Ag in the Classroom to teach youth about pumpkin growth. We also learned about the variety of uses for pumpkins and how they are used by the youth in the program. We were able to get pumpkins donated to us by a local farmer and the youth made jack-o-lanterns out of them.
• The City of Socorro hosted a Halloween Carnival for youth in the community with the Socorro County 4-H members participating in the event. The 4-H Agent, with the help of 4-H members, had a table set up where youth could make arts and craft projects.
• During National 4-H Week, the Agents presented a workshop to the youth educating them on projects they can participate in, life skills you learn in 4-H and way to become a leader in 4-H. Flyers were sent home with all the parents explaining to them what 4-H is and how they can join a club in their community.
• November was the month of discussing what we are thankful for. We talked about what it takes to get all of the food to their table at Thanksgiving time. We talked about the farmers that grow that food, the soil it is grown in and all the benefits that meal has not only to ourselves. As a hand-on activity we made a Turkey out of construction paper and on each of the feathers on our turkey we put something that we are thankful for.
• During December we made homemade Christmas decorations to put on their Christmas Trees. One of the recipes we used was the applesauce and cinnamon recipe. The kids loved it because the ornaments smelt so good, they wanted to eat them!! The Agents objective was to teach them that Christmas is not all about buying things; there are a lot of things that they can be made from the ornaments on their tree to the gifts they give their family and friends.
Through these activities youth have learned several life skills. Some of these have included:
HANDS: Giving
• Contributing to Group Efforts: Youth are expected to participate in group discussion during the lector portion of the session. We often times do a question and answer session and all youth are expected to participate.
Working
• Teamwork: Some of the tasks that must be completed are done in groups of two or three. The youth must work together to complete the task, without fighting over how to get it done.
HEAD: Managing
• Wise Use of Resources: The Agent brings the supplies for the activities and the youth need to be creative in designing their end product. They are also expected to not waste materials.
HEART: Caring
• Sharing: Youth are expected to share supplies with each other. They are also expected to share stories and experiences while learning new information.
Relating
• Cooperation: Youth cooperate with each other as well as with the Agent to complete task. Youth must be patient by waiting for their turn to speak as well as waiting in line to gather their supplies.

150 youth participated in the Socorro County Fair showcasing their development of life skills through indoor and livestock exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Over 450 items were exhibited. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $86,000 was paid to County 4-H Members through premiums, junior livestock auctions and fair related scholarships. 55% of Socorro County 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to home economics, creative arts, livestock and personal development as evidenced by quality baking products, garments made, products exhibited, animals shown and ribbons awarded. One of the Livestock Judges that judged the show last year commented about how much the kids progressed this year. “The quality of animals has greatly increased from last year. Someone is doing something right, by teaching these kids what a quality animal should look like.”

20 4-H youth served as keynote speakers, emcees, pledge leaders and presenters at the annual County 4-H Banquet, increasing their public speaking skills and giving leadership to the overall program. Members received plaques and medals in recognition of their achievements and increase in life skills related to mastery, belonging, generosity and independence throughout the 2007-2008program year. 125 members, leaders and guests attended the event.

Local Club Meetings & Programs – 75% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through demonstrations and leadership roles in their local club and programs such as the Buyers Appreciation Dinner, Queen/Princess/Sweetheart contests, Kids, Kows and More, and Family Fun Fest.
Afterschool Programs – 50% of all youth involved in 4-H Afterschool programs increase public speaking and communication skills trough active involvement in leadership and speaking curricula.
Radio Programs & Other Media – 25% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills by providing ads for the local radio station related to County Fair and National 4-H Week.
County 4-H Council Meetings & Programs – 10% all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through leadership roles at the County level.

100% of local clubs conduct community service projects and 50% of 4-H youth participate in service projects at the county level. Examples of Community Service Projects include: Highway Cleanup, helping at the local animal shelter, visits to the Good Sams at Christmas and Valentines, Food Drive, Holiday Food Basket, Keep Socorro Beautiful, and volunteering with local community youth programs. Youth increased knowledge and skills relate to generosity and service learning, contributions to group efforts and responsible citizenship as evidenced by willingness to serve, appreciation of service opportunities and youth assuming leadership roles related to service. Results were reported by club leaders and in member record books.