Youth Development (Lea County)

Lea County’s Kids, Kows and More Program was held where 4th grade youth learned about the cotton, dairy, beef and bee industry. Fourth graders from Jal, Eunice, Hobbs and Tatum attended this educational workshop where they were able to see how milk made it from the cow to their table, how beef is eaten and used in many every day products and how cotton is quite a commodity in that its edible and wearable.

The first annual Lea County Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day was held. With coordinating help from Ag Agent, the 4-H Home Economist worked to plan an educational day for area 3rd graders and their teachers. Over 850 students from all 5 county school districts attended as well as county home school children. Safety topics covered included water, animal, bicycle, roadway, ATV, chemical, First Aid, lawn mower and wildlife. Some of the youth that attended had these remarks to say about the event:
“I liked the animal safety because it taught me not to walk up and scare a horse.”
“I’m not supposed to stick my hand near the lawnmower and I need to have an adult show me how to cut grass.”
“You can get cold in water really fast- not swim in cold water.”
Teachers praised the program with thanks and inquiries about next year’s dates. Teachers were most impressed with chemical safety and how certain liquids are hard to tell apart like rubbing alcohol and water and grape kool aid and cough syrup.

As a fundraiser and community wide event, the Lea County 4-H Council and 4-H Clubs held a Fall Carnival and Haunted House. This event was used as a fundraiser to raise money for national trips. Youth used their organization, time management, and team work skills to build and coordinate the haunted house. Over 200 people from the community attended this family friendly event with a profit of $600.00 being made for council. 4-H Clubs worked booths that provided candy and games to those in attendance.

Seven youth and four parent volunteers helped to assemble 30 cookie baskets as a thank you to local businesses supporting the Lea County 4-H program during National 4-H Week. Over 100 dozen cookies were sorted into gift baskets for youth to take to businesses. Through this service to community activity youth gained skills in mastery and generosity as evidenced by the organization, cooperation, and wise use of resources that were applied as youth coordinated delivery routes and times.

Agents received quality training in a variety of subjects, and provided positive feedback regarding overall trainings. The 2007 Spring Tri State Conference took the place of the regular Fall 2006 In-Service Training. Accessibility and timeliness of training has increased through Centra Trainings and New Agent Orientations. Achievement Levels serve to recognize professionals that excel at professional improvement and have been a positive incentive for agents related to attending professional development trainings and serving as resources in teaching