Youth Development (Chaves County)

Kids, Kows and More is an excellent learning opportunity for the 4th grade students in Chaves and Eddy County. Over 1600 were in attendance to this daycamp. This program takes place each spring with the help of organizations like Southwest Dairy Farmers, Farm Bureau and other area agriculture organizations and businesses. This hands on learning opportunity provides the student with knowledge about basic agriculture crops and resources produced in their county. This opportunity will help students have a better appreciation of how agriculture impacts their lives. The home economist attends monthly meetings to help plan this event and is responsible for meal at this event.

The home economist works closely with the Chaves County Rodeo Association who hosts one of the largest 4-H Rodeos in the state. Various prizes are awarded and the highlight award being given away is a horse trailer. The home economist helps with entry forms, programs, opening gates, and assisting county council officers who are helping at the rodeo. Rodeo is one of the 4-H projects which enables the 4-H'er to learn life skills of responsibility and leadership. Chaves County is very fortunate to have over fifty volunteers help with this event each year. Many of these volunteers are past 4-H members who have competed in 4-H rodeo and know the value of "giving back" and supporting youth activities.

The Chaves County 4-H Banquet was held in January to honor those members who completed their projects by completing their record books. 4-H leaders and community leaders were also recognized. Over 150 parents, leaders and 4-Hers were in attendance. County council officers gained skills in public speaking, leadership and teamworking skills through their year as an officer and in planning and conducting the banquet. The growth and development of the participating 4-H members is evident and is seen in their record books. Chaves County had one member complete a State Record Book, which was chosen as a trip recipient to attend the National 4-H Congress.

The home economist is involved in training 4-H’ers for the county, district and state contests. Consumer Decision Making Classes, Home Ec. Skill-a-thon Classes, Home Ec. Bowl Practices, and Parliamentary Procedure Practices were conducted by the home economist in order for 4-H’ers to compete on the county, district and state levels. Participants learned about each contest and participated in hands-on activities. Skills obtained through these contest areas exemplify life skills that will be used in real-life situations. Knowledge gained will also help 4-H’ers in their career choices in the future.

A Favorite Foods workshop was held in order for members to plan for this contest. Participants learned details about this contest, along with menu planning, basic nutrition, and proper table setting. Those attending the workshop left with a detail plan of their favorite food, table décor, and menu for the day. Competition was held on the county and district level.