Youth Development (McKinley County)

27 students at Chi chil tah completed the High School Financial Planning Program. The student learned to set goals, analyze information, personal financial responsibilities, career opportunities, and work and money. Other topics covered included education, entrepreneurship,cost of living, and budget. Mock situations were used a learning tools in budgeting, cost of living and entrepreneurship in jewlery making. Evaluation showed that the lessons used pertained to their daily lives and they showed growth in keeping records during mock situations. 27 students recieved their certificates and a celebration was held following the year long curriculum. Alvina James parent educator for BIA Headstart indicated that the students gained useful information and it was taught to them in a way that they could use it every day. Modifying the lessons to pertain to them was very useful for their understanding.
The program was started in October and continued through May.

Senior Leader Retreat was attended by three of our seniors this year. They participated in the games and other workshops designed to teach ladership skills. These skills are brought back to the clubs and shared with the members. Skills in all areas of 4-H were covered. The 4-H members always enjoy attending SLR and the activities.

District Contest was held in San Juan County on June 19-20. Favorite foods is always at hit and this year was no exception. This contest gives the 4-H members a chance to be creative with their choice of recipe and table setting. A taste of Italy, Southwest, Country, etc., were just some of the themes present. Home Ech. Skill-a-thon was also a hit several 4-H mamber tried their hand at identifing several home ech. items used for cooking, sewing and interior design. These contests were the two most popular this year. Favorite Foods had 22 contestents and Home Ech. Skill-a-thon more than 45 contestents. For some of these member this year's contest was nothing new they have become old pros at competing.

2007 Bi-County fair Prewitt,NM was once again a big success. The Bi-County fair was held August 28th ending with the Fidlers Contest on Labor Day. The Bi-County Fair is composed of two counties McKinley and Cibola. McKinley county has 14 traditional clubs with about 200 active members. The fair began with the lamb show on Friday, hog show on Saturday and steer show Saturday afternoon and ended with the livestock auction on Sunday afternoon. The traditional Public Speaking Contest was held on Saturday afternoon with a mixture of talent. Ages for 4-H members competing in the public speaking contest ranged from 6-14. Trophies were awarded to one Cloverbud, one Novice, one Junior, and one Senior after scores were compiled. 4-H indoor projects this year totaled 214 and ranged from baking to woodwork. 31 projects will be going to Sate Fair. This year for the first time we paid premiums to 4-H members for projects with 1st through 3rd place. A nice surprise that was well recieved. Prior to the fair much preparation takes place by board members and 4-H families, both counties join in for clean-up-days and the pay off is a great fair.

4-H members work hard during the year on projects and the end result is a successful Bi-County Fair. This year the Banquet was held at the Lions Club on January 13, 2007. Several 4-H members received awards for their Record Books that were submitted at the end of November. Forty-two 4-H members and their families attended the Pot Luck/Awards Dinner. Several parents/leaders also received plaques for their services during the year to specific 4-H Clubs. Volunteers are special people and need to be acknowledged for the many hours they spend teaching our youth to become responsible adults. 4-H reaches urban, and rural communities throughout McKinley County.