Youth Development (Bernalillo County)

Updated information on exhibit requirements has been provided to the New Mexico State Fair and Extension Staff working with 4-H. New exhibit requirements are readily available through the 4-H website. Promotional items are developed for the recruitment of Youth Officials and also posted online. Results: Youth Official participation increased to 9 in 2007. Overall entries held steady at 1900. The Best of Show Pie and Cake were auctioned with proceeds going to the individual 4-H member.

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.

County Fair-County 4-H Home Economist recruited and worked with 4-H members and volunteers to judge and display exhibits for the county fair. During the two day event members cleaned the display hall, sorted entries, recorded entries, and displayed items. Members learned communication skills with adult volunteers, teamwork, record keeping, and gathered ideas about the many projects 4-H has to offer. Almost 50% of all projects entered at the county level went on to State Fair.


In addition the Agent worked with the Bernalillo County Leadership team to plan and present a recreation workshop. Approximately 15 youth were in attendance at the workshop. Participating youth learned about teamwork and communication.

State Conference-County 4-H Home Economist worked with 4-H members across the state on modeling techniques for State Fashion Revue. Members practiced through out the morning in groups in which they were assigned. Members learned how to walk on stage, pose, pivot, turn and how to show their garment to the best of their ability.

In addition Bernalillo County increased their participation in State Conference number by ten and increased their home economics numbers by 6 participants.