Youth Development (Otero County)

The Home Economist serves as advisor to the Otero County 4-H Council. The council officers conducted leadership workshops for 4-H members in Otero County, facilitated the 4-H Awards Ceremony, carried out several community service projects, and provided a 4-H presentation to youth at Holloman Air Force Base. In addition, the council officers attended an Otero County Commission meeting to learn more about county government and thank the commissioners for their support of the 4-H program. 4-H Council is a leadership opportunity offered to youth that allows 4-H members to develop skills for life, such as planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making and interpersonal communication. The leadership development opportunities young adults experience in 4-H are preparing them to become productive and responsible leaders.

The Home Economist collaborated with the Ag Agent to organize and conduct the “Kids, Kows and More” school enrichment program in Otero County. This field trip allowed the Cooperative Extension Service to reach 645 fourth grade students in Otero County with educational and informational facts about agriculture and natural resources. Six learning stations were organized and included: NM Beef Council, NM Game and Fish, Local Pistachios Grower, Local Produce Producers- Otero County Master Gardener Program, Southwest Dairy Farmers Mobile Dairy Classroom, and Natural Resource Conservation Service-Water Table. Teachers commented about the Otero County Kids, Kows and More Program, “Very well planned! Students were never bored and they learned so much! Kids (4-H’ers) helping were great as well. And, hands on! Loved it!” “The kids really enjoyed each presentation. They told us that it was a very fun and relaxing field trip.” “All of the presenters were great. The day was very well organized.” “It was a wonderful experience for the kids. Well organized. The 4-H young people were courteous and very helpful. Thank you for having us.” Some of the students commented, “Thank you for teaching me new information about ranching and farming. It was very interesting and I learned a lot.” “Thank you for providing us with the education about agriculture.” “Thanks for letting the 4th grade go to Kids, Kows, and More. My Favorite part was learning because there was learning in every activity.” Over 60% of the teachers in attendance agreed that, “this field trip increased the student’s knowledge about Otero County Agriculture” and saw an increase in their student’s knowledge of, “Otero County’s Natural Resources”. The great aspect of this field trip is that it is designed to be educational while allowing the students to have fun in an interactive atmosphere.

Eight 4-H sewing workshops were held for 4-H members with an interest in learning sewing skills. Three 4-H members participated in the workshops. 4-H youth participants developed sewing skills including how to operate a sewing machine, how to sew safely, how to use sewing tools for completing sewing projects, and how to sew straight and curved lines. Three 4-H members completed totebags and two 4-H members completed skirts from the Sewing I project. Two of the 4-H members exhibited completed sewing projects at the County Fair.

Together with the Agriculture Agent, the Home Economist organized and conducted County 4-H Contests. The Home Economist facilitated Clothing Revue, Home Ec Skill-a-thon, Poetry, and Presentations for the county level contests. Twenty-three 4-H members participated in County 4-H Contests. Nineteen 4-H members from Otero County advanced to District and State level competitions. Contests allow 4-H members to expand life skills and knowledge. The Home Economist served as coach for the Home Ec Skill-a-thon participants, which placed at the Southeast District 4-H Contests. Through the Home Ec Skill-a-thon contest 4-H youth participants gained knowledge of items for foods, sewing, and housing and interior design; and basic money management. 4-H youth also learned about nutrition through judging classes of food items.

Thirty-six 4-H members participated in the Otero County Fair showcasing their development of life skills through indoor exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Over 340 items were exhibited. A total of 166 indoor 4-H exhibits were entered in the New Mexico State Fair 4-H Indoor Exhibit Department. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Recognition for indoor exhibits included ribbons, rosettes, plaques, belt buckles and duffle bag. Photographs of 4-H members winning plaques were published in the Alamogordo Daily Newspaper. 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to home economics, creative arts, animal science, engineering science, and personal development as evidenced by quality baking products, woodworking items, Cloverbud displays, and other exhibits.