Youth Development

Community Service

34 4-H youth participated in two community service projects at the county level. Examples of County Community Service Projects include: Trash pickup at Dallas Park, clean-up of the cemetery mile, and fairgrounds workday. Youth increased knowledge and skills related 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 observed by the agent as well as reported by club leaders and in member record books.

The De Baca County 4-H is always looking for a way to give back to the community. As with many counties this year, De Baca was struck hard with fires. The local volunteer firefighters and EMTs put in a lot of time this year fighting disasters. As a community appreciation/thank you project, the 4-H council came up with the idea to host a community dinner for our volunteers. Volunteers were invited to eat for free and others could buy a plate. The money raised was donated to the volunteer firefighter support group. There were 475 plates served and $1,000 was raised to donate to the support group. The National Honors Society, FFA, and a high school community service class worked with the 4-H to host the dinner.


Horse Safety Meeting

9 4-H members attended a Horse Safety Workshop. Youth received training related to the safety and care of themselves, their equipment, and their horses when at home and while traveling to events. 50% of youth reported an increase in knowledge related to horse care.


Project Workshops

33 4-H members attended 4-H project Workshops. Leaders held workshops in shooting sports, baking, sewing, and braiding. Youth received training related to: Shooting Sports- safety and shooting technique; baking- reading recipes, measuring, and evaluation; sewing- pattern and material selection, seam stitching, and modeling; and braiding-tension, and the different types of braids. 98% of youth showed an increase in knowledge related to their project area as observed by the leader or agent and demonstrated through exhibiting an item in the competition.


Judging Practices

12 4-H members attended judging practices to prepare themselves for county and district contests. Youth received hands on training related to livestock judging, consumer decision making, wildlife, horse bowl, and wool. 100% of these members went on to compete at district contest.


County Competitive Events

County Competitive events and contest trainings were conducted to expand life skills and knowledge. 50% of novice youth advanced to District level competition. Contest Areas included Consumer Decision, Wildlife, Horse Judging, Livestock Judging, Poetry, Livestock Skill-a-Thon, Horse Bowl, Fashion Review, Rifle, and Archery. 95% of youth participating in competitive events increased mastery and independence related to teamwork, character and critical thinking as evidenced by team camaraderie, positive sportsmanship and completion of project related activities.


Project Visits

33% of youth enrolled in 4-H in De Baca County are enrolled in animal projects. The agent made 15 visits to tag animals, check on animals, assist with clipping and shearing, and answer questions. Some visits were made with the local FFA advisor. Projects seen were market lambs, market swine, market steers, breeding heifers, and dairy heifers.


Horse School

3 4-H members attended the statewide 4-H Horse School. Youth received hands on training related to horses and horsemanship. 100% of youth reported an increase in knowledge related to horse care and riding. 100% of youth also reported that they met other 4-H members, and became more self-motivated to work with their horse.


Farm Safety Day

28 third grade students from Fort Sumner Elementary attended a tri-county Ag Safety Day in Santa Rosa. Safety issues covered included water, fire, 911, electrical, gun, animal, atv, and health safety. 100% of youth could identify at least one or more specific concepts learned.


Youth Programming

County Extension personnel provide quality educational experiences through cooperation with classroom teachers. The agent made 3 visits to third grade classrooms to speak about 4-H and the hands on activities that can be experienced through the many 4-H projects. 28 youth gained knowledge related to what 4-H is and what they can do in 4-H as a member. Each third grader also braided either a key chain or zipper pull using a braid from the Braiding I project.


County Extension personnel provide quality educational experiences through cooperation with classroom teachers. 25 youth gained knowledge related to 4-H and the Cooperative Extension Service. During a community Walk-About planned by the 5th grade teacher, the class stopped by the Extension Office, as well as several other places of work, to visit with staff about opportunities offered by that organization/business.


Scholarships and Fundraising

Youth work with adult partners to solicit donations and sponsorships for 4-H programming, scholarships and county fair needs as well conducting fundraisers. The County’s main fundraising activity is the Fort Sumner Ranch Rodeo. This is a WRCA sanctioned event, and 4-H works with the Ranch Rodeo Committee to host the event by selling advertisements for the program, running the concession, and providing volunteer staff to assist with gate, arena work, and timing. The county raised over $4,000 toward providing quality programs. Youth gained knowledge and skills in marketing, communication, and contributing to a group effort.


County Fair

35 youth participated in the De Baca County Fair showcasing their development of life skills through indoor and livestock exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Over 151 items were exhibited. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $52,000 was paid to County 4-H Members through premiums, junior livestock auctions and fair related scholarships. 63% of County 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to agriculture, livestock, home economics, responsibility, and character as evidenced by the quality of projects presented and achievements won.


Local Club Meetings & Programs

40% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through demonstrations and leadership roles in their local club.


County 4-H Council Meetings & Programs

14% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through leadership roles at the County level.

2011 Eastern Navajo Junior Livestock Show

The Eastern Navajo Livestock Show is organized by local 4-H parents and volunteers with minimal assistance from the Navajo Nation and local Eastern Navajo Agency Fair Board. Enrolled New Mexico and Arizona 4-H members are allowed to show at the Eastern Navajo Livestock Show. 27 enrolled 4-H members from McKinley county, Cibola county, San Juan County and Arizona’s Apache county participated in the Eastern Navajo Junior Livestock Show showcasing their development of life skills through livestock exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Over 80 livestock projects were exhibited. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $300 was paid to County 4-H Members through premiums. 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to livestock and personal development as evident by animals shown and ribbons awarded.

Rocket Building

There are two organizations that are in need of educational programs for area youth, the Office of Youth Development and Thoreau Community Center are both located on the Eastern Navajo Agency are central locations for area youth to seek educational programs. Thoreau Community Center recognized a need to provide a safe and positive place for youth and community members after a cluster of suicides in 2010. Thoreau Community Center’s approach to suicide prevention is focused on inspiring hope through a variety of venues including sports, music, education, health initiatives, and others. The Office of Youth Development provides afterschool and summer programs for area youth to encourage continued educational learning. Rocket Building is one of many programs provided to Thoreau Community Center to assist in providing youth with educational programs. The youth will be involved in a series of workshops beginning with the history of rocketry, learning the safety and equipment of rockets, building rockets and launching rockets safely. The Agent provided quality education programs with Thoreau Community and Office of Youth Development. Over 25 youth and adults gained knowledge of Rocketry. Youth gained knowledge of the history of Rocketry, Rocket safety and equipment, building Rockets and launching Rockets. After rockets were launched more students were enthused to build another rocket. Students who did not attend the programs were willing to sign up to participate in next rocket building program.

Sheep Shearing

Sheep are a valuable and sacred component of the Navajo culture. Today majority of Navajo elders have flocks of sheep yet the youth are not involved in managing sheep. With no youth involvement and lack of proper sheep management flocks are left unshorn throughout the summer months and unvaccinated. The youth will be involved in workshops to understand and appreciate the value of sheep to the Navajo people and proper management education. The Agent provided an educational program to Tse Yi Gai High School students and staff. 18 youth and adults gained knowledge related to sheep shearing; Sheep is Life concept and Sheep management. Youth learned how to shear sheep with hand shearers. Youth were taught the Navajo cultural meaning of sheep and using wool to be self-sufficient. Students were taught how to use hand blade shearers, how to handle sheep properly, and sheep management. Students sheared an elder community member’s sheep. After shearing was complete students’ were shown how to roll fleeces and bag. Students’ discussed the steps of shearing and when vaccinations are done. One student stated that he helps his grandmother shear and maintain their sheep after participating in sheep shearing provided by agent two years prior during Pueblo Pintado’s Cultural week. “After I tried shearing I felt bad that my grandma did all of that by herself so my mom and I help her shear, my grandma says I’m getting good.”


Gardens for Health

Gardens or small farms that involved growing your own produce were once part of a healthy lifestyle for Navajo people. Qualitative research suggests that people are more interested and are more confident about produce that they have grown themselves. Growing fruits and vegetables in arid areas is difficult and a need for technical assistance has been expressed. Recent studies demonstrate very high levels of obesity and severe obesity among the Navajo, and rates of diabetes are above the national average. Both obesity and diabetes are known risk factors for cancer. For the past five years the Office of Youth Development has had an unsuccessful garden and hoop house due to an unreliable watering system schedule and lack of proper gardening techniques. The youth and community will be involved in a series of workshops to demonstrate alternative irrigation methods, gardening techniques and proper maintenance. The Agent and Farmington Agriculture Science Center Horticulture Special provide a series of workshops demonstrating drip irrigation installation, proper planting of vegetables and transplanting, as well as proper gardening. Over 35 youth and adults gained knowledge of drip irrigation installation, planting, transplanting and proper gardening. Students were taught how to install drip irrigation system, how to plant, traditional teachings of planting, how to maintain garden throughout the growing season and harvesting. The Agent received a Chapter Resolution supporting both Farmington Agriculture Science Center and Tribal Extension programs future efforts in community. The Horticulturist and Agent received supplement funding to improve the Office of Youth Development garden. The Gardens for Health project was featured in New Mexico State University Hotline’s June 28, 2011 Issue, “NMSU Garden for Health project strives to return gardening into Navajo lifestyle.” The Agent was sought out by Breadsprings Chapter program coordinator to develop a new youth garden in the Breadsprings community. The Breadsprings Chapter Program Coordinator received the Gardens for Health information from the Office of Youth Development staff presentation during their monthly agency meeting.

Finger Weaving
Today weaving is becoming a lost art therefore becoming less significant to the younger generations. The Agent provided a series of workshops demonstrating the cultural significance of weaving and teaching students how to weave a 4”x4” coaster. Over 35 youth from the Office of Youth Development and Thoreau Community Center were taught the cultural significance, basic multi-colored weaving, alternating color weaving and step design weaving. One grandfather added, “When I was younger my grandmother taught me how to weave and the two things I learned was, how to be patient and how to focus. Those are two things kids today are lacking and just getting back to the basics of life. It’s a good thing weaving is being taught to the younger generation.”

Kids Kitchen
Diabetes prevention and wellness education, healthy eating and physical activity are programs that are all equally a strong community effort. Surprisingly, children are either being diagnosed with diabetes or are at risk of diabetes due to unhealthy choices or lack of nutrition education. Students and community members need to be educated at an early age before diabetes becomes a concern. The youth will be taught with a variety of programs such as Eat Smart, Play Hard; Team Nutrition; Cooking with Kids and Traditional Cooking. Student will be taught the nutrition value of each food group, the importance of healthy snacking and healthy decisions, how to read Nutrition Facts and how to cook traditional foods healthy. The Agent and Nutrition Educators provided quality education and experiences to the Office of Youth Development. Over 40 students and adults gained knowledge related to the five basic food groups, proper amount of servings to be eaten each day, preparing healthy snacks, reading nutrition facts, substituting low fat products in recipes, preparing Tamales healthy and cultural significance of Blue Mush. The students learned how to prepare healthy snacks such as pizza, smoothies and homemade ice cream from the Play Hard, Eat Smart curriculum. Students planted squash and corn to further understand where vegetables and fruits come from in the Team Nutrition curriculum. The cooking with kids curriculum taught students how to prepare healthy meals. One OYD student stated ”I still remember the food groups and serving amounts from the last time NMSU was here, I just look at the numbers on back of the chips and remember I need less chips and more healthy veggies.”

Braiding
There are two organizations that are in need of educational programs for area youth, the Office of Youth Development (OYD) and Thoreau Community Center (TCC) are both located on the Eastern Navajo Agency are central locations for area youth to seek educational programs. Thoreau Community Center recognized a need to provide a safe and positive place for youth and community members after a cluster of suicides in 2010. Thoreau Community Center’s approach to suicide prevention is focused on inspiring hope through a variety of venues including sports, music, education, health initiatives, and others. The Office of Youth Development provides afterschool and summer programs for area youth to encourage continued educational learning. Both OYD and TCC programs primary goal is to encourage Navajo traditional teachings within respective programs. The youth will be taught the cultural significance of braiding and how to braid four round strand and six round strand key chains in a series of workshops. Over 30 youth and adults were taught the cultural significance of braiding and learned how to braid a four strand and six strand key chain.

Leather Crafting
The Office of Youth Development requires all students to meet a certain number of Arts and Crafts hours within a year. The OYD program coordinator contacted the Agent and requested Leather Crafting as an activity for students. The Agent coordinated with the Agriculture Agent to provide quality Leather Crafting workshops. 12 students and staff participated in Leather Crafting workshops. One OYD staff member gained adequate knowledge from the Leather Crafting workshops to continue Leather Crafting as an Arts and Crafts activity at the Office of Youth Development.

Senior Leadership Retreat
Seven 4-H youth attended Senior Leadership Retreat held in Albuquerque. Youth participated in hands on workshops and activities designed to increase life skills related to social skills, cooperation, teamwork, communication and service learning. 89% of youth participants reported an increase in the ability to be more out spoken and also helped them to meet new people. One youth stated: “I love SLR! I had so much fun! I just wish it lasted longer.”

County Competitive Events
County competitive events and contest trainings were conducted to expand life skills and knowledge. 100% of senior youth advanced to state level competition. Contest areas included land judging and range management. 91% of youth participating increased mastery and independence related to teamwork, character, and critical thinking as evidenced by positive sportsmanship, team camaraderie, and completion of project related activities.

County Competitive Events
County competitive events and contest trainings were conducted to expand life skills and knowledge. 100% of junior youth advanced to district level competition. Contest areas included livestock, livestock skill-a-thon, rifle, air rifle, wildlife, demonstrations, archery, and dairy judging. 92% of youth participating in competitive events increased mastery and independence related to teamwork, character, and critical thinking as evidenced by team camaraderie, positive sportsmanship and completion of project related activities.

County 4-H Council Meetings and Programs
4% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through leadership roles at the county level.

Community Service
65% of local clubs conduct community service projects and 70% of 4-H youth participate in service projects at the county level. Examples of County Community Service Projects include: trash pickup, fairgrounds clean-up, and many other creative community contributions. 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 observed by the agent as well as reported by club leaders and in member record books.

County Council
Youth serve in leadership roles at the county level by performing the following duties: Elected Officer, Appointed Leadership, and/or Committee Chair/Member. Youth received training in the following areas through County and Multi-County trainings: Parliamentary Procedure, Public Speaking, Recreation and Goal Setting. 90% of youth actively involved in the County Council gained mastery of skills related to leadership as evidenced in an increased willingness to serve as leaders in their local clubs and their community as eight of the council officers also serve as officers in the local FFA chapters and student councils.

Club Leadership
Youth serve in leadership roles at the club level by performing the following duties: Elected Officer, Pledge Leader and/or Committee Chair/Member. Youth received training in the following areas through Club, County and Multi-County trainings: Public Speaking, Leadership and Team Work. 90% of youth actively involved in Club Leadership gained mastery of skills related to planning and organization as well as generosity skills by contributing to the group effort, as evidenced by youth involvement in planning and conducting meetings, youth led committees and club contributions to County Council efforts.

Awards and Recognition
Twelve 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 2010-2011 program years. 123 members, leaders and guests attended the event.

5. Sponsorships and Fundraising
Youth work with adult partners to solicit donations and sponsorships for 4-H programming, scholarships, and county fair needs as well as conducting fundraisers. Chaves County conducted a variety of fundraisers to send youth on trips; provide for countywide trainings and socials; and maintain funds for general operations. Fundraisers included raffles, dances, and a dessert auction. The county rose over $3,000.00 toward providing quality programs. Youth gained knowledge in organizing and managing money as well as constructive youth/adult partnerships.

6. Project Visits
Youth involved in animal projects in Chaves County make up a large part of the Chaves County 4-H program. The 4-H agent made visits to approximately 70 residences throughout Chaves County visiting projects this summer. Some of these visits were made with local FFA advisors and representatives of the New Mexico Livestock Board. Projects seen while making these visits were: market swine, market lamb, beef heifer, market steer, meat goat, dairy goat, horse, poultry, rabbit and dairy heifer projects. Animal projects’ progress was documented throughout the summer and advice was given to 4-H youth, parents, and leaders on feeding, exercise, and showmanship with these projects.

Kids & Kows & More
The Chaves County and Eddy County Extension Offices cooperated with Southwest Dairy Farmers and local businesses and individuals to co-sponsor the Kids & Kows & More Program for Chaves and Eddy County fourth grade students and their teachers. The Kids & Kows & More program provides both urban and rural children with a taste of the farm. This program educates youth on area natural resources and local agriculture production, while also impressing upon the youth the importance of New Mexico agriculture and our natural resources. The three day program, held at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Roswell, consisted of seven educational stations including the “Mobile Dairy Classroom,” “Insects,” “Pecans,” “Chile,” “Cotton: History and Impact,” “Bees and Pollination,” and “Sheep and Wool.” The agent assisted with sponsorship of the program, coordinated group leaders and volunteers, and provided interviews for the local television stations. A total of 1275 students, teachers and parents gained knowledge of the area’s agriculture products. Youth learned that milk, other food products, and many of our clothing items do not just “come from the store,” but are produced by farmers and ranchers who strive to produce safe and wholesome products. Students gained positive attitudes about agriculture products due to the knowledge gained. These positive attitudes result in an educated public that supports and protects agriculture. One teacher wrote “I liked that the exhibits were related to our area so the students could gain knowledge about the materials grown and produced right here in Chaves County.” Another teacher commented “Very educational. I really enjoyed how each presenter incorporated math into each presentation.”

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day
The annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day that was held at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Roswell. Students from public and private schools and those home-schooled in the Roswell community attended the camp over a two-day period. Youth received instruction on ten topics ranging from traditional Agricultural Safety Day topics of “Electrical Safety” to more “non-traditional” but pertinent topics of “ATV Safety” and “Meth Awareness.” Approximately 1000 elementary school students along with their teachers and chaperones attended the day camp and gained information that can prevent serious accidents or health problems from occurring. The 4-H agent was responsible for coordinating media coverage as well as group leaders and volunteers. Evaluations completed by the group leaders and volunteers showed the topics were relevant to not only farm safety but safety in all aspects of life and they gained information that could save their lives or will assist them in keeping healthy.

State Livestock School
The 4-H agent served as an instructor for the State 4-H Lamb School. There were approximately 75 youth participating in lamb school with 40 being considered beginners with less than two years of lamb showing experience. The agent was responsible for teaching 13 beginner youth. This group was made up entirely of youth who had never shown a lamb previously. During the showmanship contest, three youth out of the agent’s beginner group placed in the top ten in the beginner showmanship class. Through this program the agent has learned several teachings techniques to help local 4-H members and parents with their lamb projects. The agent also made contacts with other instructors and group leaders which have proved to be beneficial in professional development.

State 4-H Conference
The 4-H agent served as superintendent/co-superintendent for the dairy judging, dairy bowl, and livestock judging contests. The agent was responsible for putting classes together for the dairy contest and coordinating reasons order. The agent also worked closely with specialists in the state office to ensure all contests ran smoothly and efficiently.

Egg to Chick School Enrichment
County Extension personnel provide quality educational experiences through cooperation with classroom teachers in area elementary schools. 225 kindergarten through fifth grade youth gained knowledge related to embryology through the Egg to Chick curriculum as well as the Cloverbud chicken curriculum. Youth gained life skills related to generosity and mastery by learning to learn and nurturing relationships as evidenced by youths’ concern for the chicks and increased ability to reason and follow logical steps in completing tasks. One second grade student wrote “Thank you Mrs. Duffey for letting us see the chicks grow and pet them. You are a good friend. Thank you for everything you did for us.”

Take A Stand School Enrichment Program
County Extension personnel at times are asked to provide quality educational events through cooperation with classroom teachers in area schools. 65 sixth graders at Dexter Elementary School participated in the pilot program “Take A Stand” which was developed by the Texas Agrilife Extension Program. Youth gained life skills related to generosity, belonging, independence and mastery by learning stress management, teamwork, empathy, conflict resolution, and self-esteem. Throughout the series, youth were introduced to role-playing and group projects which helped develop leadership skills as well as communication skills. Through self evaluations, 85% of students can identify some characteristics of a bully; 90% can often avoid becoming a bully; 100% can often identify a cyberbully; 98% often try to get to know someone before judging them. Also, when asked about the activities they participated in, 100% of students reported enjoying most of the activities. When asked what the most important thing you learned in the Take A Stand Program was, one student evaluation stated “I learned to communicate with others.” Another stated “People can look different and they may be nice and not to bully new people. Get to know them first.”