Youth Development (McKinley County)

Youth Development - 4-H Project Coordination Situation
McKinley has 104 traditional 4-H members and 82 Cloverbud members for a total of 186 enrolled in community clubs. Of the 186 traditional members, 63 were 1st year members, 55 were 2-3 year members, and 68 were members for over 4 years. These number represents a 10% overall increase over last year. The county has 10 community clubs for members to join and be a part of - 88% of the members developed skills relating to the projects they were enrolled in as is evident through their project completion, which includes, but not limited to, livestock shows, shooting contest, horse shows, indoor project competition and record book completion. 75% of the members displayed leadership traits through local club work by serving as officers, committee members, pledge leaders, etc.

The Agent spent a substantial amount of time in assisting members, parents and volunteer leaders with the various livestock projects. These projects are designed to directly impact youth and increase their life skills. Members complete their projects at the Crownpoint – Eastern Agency Fair, Bi-County Fair, Ramah – Navajo Fair, Navajo Nation Fair, New Mexico State Fair, and the Northern Agency – Shiprock Fair. In 2011 the Bi-County Fair Junior Livestock Auction raised over $86,000 in sale receipts and “add-on’s” to 4-H members that made the sale. This past year in the county we had 8 market steers, 40 market sheep, 32 market swine, 5 market goats, 34 breeding animals (including sheep, and goats), 85 poultry entries, and 12 rabbit entries.

Activities include:
• Feeds & Feeding Workshop- The agent coordinated a program in March for members, leaders and parents about feeding and care of a market animals – this was presented by Purina Mills sales representatives. Through this education, members developed skills in all aspects of raising and showing animals as well as life skills, which include responsibility and dedication - 12 members and parents attended the workshop.

• Home Visits - The agent set aside time to visit each member and check their projects as they progressed, this included weighing their animals and discussing the feeding and exercising practices. The agent evaluated the animals and suggestions were given to help make the project a success. Home visits are a great way for the agent to interact with members and parents on a one on one basis in a setting they felt comfortable in and able to ask many questions relating to their livestock projects.

• Bi-County Fair - this is a joint fair conducted for youth in both Cibola and McKinley Counties. The Fair runs five days and members exhibit their animals as well as indoor entries for the entire length of the fair. The fair celebrated is 42nd year this past September. Over 78 members (from both counties) exhibited 4-H animal projects (200 large animals entries) - 58 entries qualify for the Junior Livestock sale that brought in over $86,000 dollars. The agent assisted many members while at the fair and assisted with shows and performed many odd jobs during the week. Members at the county fair exhibited 347 indoor 4-H projects – this is an increase of over 100 projects this year.

• 4-H Shooting Sports
McKinley County has a growing shooting sports program. Disciplines include shotgun, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, and air rifle, compound archery and recurve archery. Our shooting sports program begins in late November with an organizational meeting presented by the agent and volunteer leaders. The agent is responsible for finding leaders in each discipline and working with the Gallup Shooters and the Archery Club to schedule practices at the only range in the county. Every member is required to receive safety training and the agent always recruits leaders that emphasize safety above everything else. Bi-weekly practices are held as the weather allows – the archery youth are allowed to practice at the indoor archery range. 22 members participated in practices throughout the year and members participated in county contests as well as district for the novice and junior members and state for the senior members.

4-H Rocketry Project
This year a 4-H group did nothing but rockets. 29 youth built and decorated their rockets. The agents and leaders educated them on various safety guidelines for the rockets and they also learned to work together and help the younger members. We are waiting to set a launch date for these rockets.

State Events
This year four members and one agent participated in Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque. Members learned many valuable leadership skills that they brought back to the county program. The also got a chance to meet and socialize with other 4-H members throughout the state. Seven members and two leaders participated in Youth Get-Away at Camp In low this year. All the members had a great time and learned communication and team building skills. The also got a chance to get to know other members throughout the state. 15 members and four parents attended and participated in the Northwest/Northeast District 4-H Contest. These youth were able to compete in various contests over the two-day period. One member and one agent got a chance to participate in State 4-H Conference. These members judged at the state level and got to be a part of the State 4-H Council and electing a new leadership team. One member and a parent were also able to attend Home Ec School. This was a great training for this youth, usually very shy and sort of a loner, she came home full of ideas for not only her home economic projects, but also how to make her club better and to get more youth involved. The parent learned so much from other parents and leaders that he wants to go back next year with more kids. Home Ec School gives youth a chance to learn about basic sewing, scrapbooking, quilting, and canning just to name a few things – this school is great because sometimes in a county setting if they are the only ones interested they don’t get the full picture of the project. 5 youth and their parents attended the state shooting sports – it was a good experience for all. Two leaders went to the leaders certification workshop for shooting sports in Farmington; they each came home certified in 2 different areas. This training has benefitted them as leaders, as well as, they youth participant in shooting sports – even cloverbud members are being taught the safety rules for handling bb gun and small archery equipment (bows with suction cup arrows). Thanks to the training and work with the youth we had a very successful year at district contest winning most of the team awards and high point individual awards.

Expanded 4-H
The agent is responsible for delivering the YCC Master Gardener Program to the member of the youth conservation core run by the city of Gallup. This is a program that teaches the basics of plant growth including soil, seeds, plant nutrient needs, and insects, as well as, water resources and conservation and riparian management. A different approach was taken this year with the students instead of classroom teaching; we did hands on teaching with local gardeners. This was great for the students to actually work in backyard garden along side the gardener themselves. They learned about growing the product and then selling it at the farms market. These youth were also involved with the local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group – they assisted in growing the crops and maintaining the gardens.

Other Phone Calls
Agent has answered over 33 calls throughout the year with individuals asking about lawns, rose bushes, trees and insect. This is a normal call load for this past year – could be more calls related to the amount of rain we got compared to other years. Agent has been able to utilize NMSU specialist, other extension agents and publications to assist in answering many questions.

District Horse Show 2010
The agent hosted and organized the annual horse show. This event is rotated between the 7 counties in the Northwest 4-H District and is open to those 4-H members. Due to low attendance for the 2009 district horse shows state-wide last year, the agent opened up this years show to any 4-H member in the state and agreed to host in a central location instead of in their home county. Youth from every district participated in this horse show in June – Northwest District had 28 participants, Southwest District had 13 participants, Southeast District had 2 participants and the Northeast had 1 participant.

It was a challenge for the 4-H agent and leaders to organize this event happening 200 miles from home, but other county agents helped with getting the needed equipment and the day of the event parents helped when they weren’t busy with their own kids. Parents and kids expressed thanks that the event was moved to a more central location and that they didn’t have to travel so far to participate. Over 44 youth participated in 32 events, the event started at 8 am and ended by 4 pm – it was an extremely successful show – the youth said they had fun and made new friends.

Objective #15: 98% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #1.

Objective #16: 98% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.
• Competitive Events
o County – 33 Counties conduct competitive events and/or contest trainings to expand life skills and knowledge. Senior Age Youth (with 4 or more years 4-H experience) advance to State level competition. Contest Areas include:
Consumer Decision
Crops
Dairy
Fashion Magic
Fashion Revue
Favorite Foods
Home Ec Skill-a-thon
Horse Shows
Horse Judging
Horticulture
Land
Livestock Judging
Meats
Parliamentary Procedure
Presentations
Public Speaking
Quiz Bowls
Rodeos
Shooting Sports
Talent Contest
Wildlife Habitat
Wool Judging

o State – State 4-H Conference is conducted in July on campus at New Mexico State University for Senior age 4-H members qualifying at the County Level. Staff from the College of Ag & Home Economics serve as superintendents to conduct quality educational experiences for youth related to several subjects. Youth also participate in hands-on workshops and tours.
o National – Senior age 4-H members winning selected contests at the State Level are eligible to participate in National and Regional Contests.
339 senior age youth representing 30 counties participated in subject matter related contests (Ag & Natural Resources, Home Economics, and General) and hands-on workshops, increasing knowledge and life skills through education.

Objective #17: 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #3.

Objective #18: 75% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #4.
• In 2010, 339 youth with 4 years or more 4-H experience contributed to a statewide community service project during State 4-H Conference, donating funds to the Sunrise Lions Club to assist with the Lions Camp for the Deaf. New Mexico 4-H collected $3,000 to provide improvements to facilities and send children to camp.

Objective #19: 65% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.
Accomplishments:
• See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #5.
• State Leadership – Senior age 4-H youth with 4 or more years experience
o Youth serve in leadership roles at the state level by performing the following duties:
o Elected Officer
o Appointed Diplomat/Ambassador
o Event Coordinator
o Youth received training in the following areas:
o Parliamentary Procedure
o Public Speaking
o Recreation
o Conflict Resolution
o Leadership Skills
o Goal Setting
o Recruitment & Diversity
o Event Planning

Objective #20: 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in the 4-H club program will have established partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #6.

Objective #21: 85% of Agents and staff with at least 4 years of experience will increase professional and personal skills related to life skills and youth development by receiving quality training through theory, contest training, subject matter training, policy training and evaluation training.
Accomplishments:
See accomplishments for all agent experience levels under Objective #7.

Overall Accomplishment for youth with at least 4 years experience:
4,659 youth ages 14-19 gained life skills through participation in the New Mexico 4-H
Program.
 

Overall Accomplishment for the NM 4-H Youth Development Program 2009-2010:
o 22,729 youth gained knowledge and skills related to Agriculture, including animal science and horticulture.
o 55,969 youth gained knowledge and skills related to Healthy Lifestyle Choices including fitness, nutrition, safety and substance abuse prevention.
o 15,520 youth gained knowledge and skills related to Science and Technology including biology, computers and electronics.
o 5,800 youth are contributing members of society through their service learning and citizenship projects. Members average three hours of service per year for a total of over 17,400 hours of community service.
o 68,929 youth are engaged in education programs provided by the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Youth Development Program.

Objective #8: 98% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #1.
Objective #9: 98% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.
Accomplishments:
• Competitive Events
o County – 33 Counties conduct competitive events and/or contest trainings to expand life skills and knowledge. Junior Youth (with 2-3 Years 4-H experience) advance to District Level Competition. Contest Areas include:

 
Consumer Decision
Crops
Dairy
Fashion Magic
Fashion Revue
Favorite Foods
Home Ec Skill-a-thon
Horse Shows
Horse Judging
Horticulture
Land
Livestock Judging
Meats
Parliamentary Procedure
Presentations
Public Speaking
Quiz Bowls
Rodeos
Shooting Sports
Talent Contest
Wildlife Habitat
Wool Judging


o District – 4 Extension 4-H Districts conduct District level competitive events annually. District competition is for Novice or Junior youth who qualify at the County level. Contests are hosted by Counties on a rotation and supported by State 4-H Staff. 2010 events were: Southeast District Contest in De Baca County – 500 youth; Combined Northern District Contest in Bernalillo County – 185 youth; and Southwest District Contest in Hidalgo County – 180 youth.

288 Junior age youth, with 2-3 years experience in 4-H participated in District level competition increasing knowledge and life skills through education.

Objective #10: 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #3.

Objective #11: 75% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.
Accomplishments:
See accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #4.
• In 2010, youth with 2-3 years or more 4-H experience contributed to a statewide community service project during Youth Get Away writing letters of support to children with deployed military parents in partnership with the Operation Military Kids Program.

Objective #12: 65% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.
Accomplishments:
See accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #5.
• County Council Leadership – Generally youth with at least 3 years 4-H experience
o Youth serve in leadership roles at the county level by performing the following duties:
 

o Elected Officer
o Appointed Leadership
o Event Coordinator
o Committee Chair/Member

o Youth received training in the following areas:
o Parliamentary Procedure
o Public Speaking
o Recreation
o Conflict Resolution
o Leadership Skills
o Goal Setting
o District/Multi-County Leadership Trainings

Objective #13: 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in the 4-H club program will establish partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.
Accomplishments:
See accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #6.

Objective #14: 85% of Agents and staff with 2-3 years of experience will increase professional and personal skills related to life skills and youth development by receiving quality training through theory, contest training, subject matter training, policy training and evaluation training.
Accomplishments:
See accomplishments for all agent experience levels under Objective #7.

Overall Accomplishment for youth with 2-3 years experience:
7,852 youth ages 12-13 gained life skills through participation in the New Mexico 4-H Program.

Short Term Objectives
Objective #1: During the 4-H program year, 98% of youth involved in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.

Accomplishments:
• Extension Personnel organize and implement County and Multi-County Camps for 4-H Youth around the State. Camp sites include the Datil Well; County Fairgrounds; White Sands Missile Range and Ghost Ranch. Youth gained life skills related to: citizenship; social skills; healthy life style choices; teamwork; communication; leadership; and recreation. Senior 4-H members served as counselors. 11,693 youth participated in overnight and day camps, increasing knowledge and skills related to subject matter, leadership, and basic life skills.

• Extension personnel provide quality educational experiences through hands-on workshops and trainings. Many included construction of actual projects or exhibit items to take home. 2009-10 Training topics included:

1. Alternative Energies
2. Animal Care
3. Bee Keeping
4. Career Education
5. Character Education
6. Citizenship
7. Clowning
8. Cloverbuds
9. Conservation
10. Electricity
11. Emergency Preparedness
12. Entomology
13. Fibercrafts
14. Food Preservation
15. Foods & Nutrition
16. Home Economics
17. Horse Science
18. Horticulture
19. Leadership
20. Leathercraft
21. Livestock
22. Parliamentary Procedure
23. Public Speaking
24. Record Keeping
25. Recreation
26. Safety
27. Scrapbooking
28. Sewing, Clothing & Textiles
29. Shooting Sports
30. Skiing
31. Wildlife Management


Over 3500 youth participated in educational workshops conducted in 25 counties. Youth increased life skills related to home economics, agriculture & natural resources and general 4-H projects, while gaining knowledge and skills in their chosen subject matter.

Objective #2: During the 4-H program year, 98% of youth involved in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.
Accomplishments:
• Competitive Events
o County – 33 Counties conduct competitive events and/or contest trainings to expand life skills and knowledge. Novice Youth advance to District level competition. Contest Areas include:

Consumer Decision
Crops
Dairy
Fashion Magic
Fashion Revue
Favorite Foods
Home Ec Skill-a-thon
Horse Shows
Horse Judging
Horticulture
Land
Livestock Judging
Meats
Parliamentary Procedure
Presentations
Public Speaking
Quiz Bowls
Rodeos
Shooting Sports
Talent Contest
Wildlife Habitat
Wool Judging

o District – 4 Extension 4-H Districts conduct District level competitive events annually. District competition is for Novice or Junior youth who qualify at the County level. Contests are hosted by Counties on a rotation and supported by State 4-H Staff. 2010 events were: Southeast District Contest in De Baca County – 500 youth; Combined Northern District Contest in Bernalillo County – 185 youth; and Southwest District Contest in Hidalgo County – 180 youth.

577 Novice age youth, with 1-2 years experience in 4-H participated in District level competition increasing knowledge and life skills through education.

• Fairs and Achievement Days
o Achievement Days – Counties with Fairs falling after the State Fair may hold Achievement Days to qualify exhibits for state level competition. 5 counties hold Achievement Days annually to showcase life skills gained by 4-Hers throughout the year.
o County Fairs – 33 counties participate in County or Bi-County Fairs with an indoor exhibit component and livestock shows. Indoor exhibits, livestock shows, horse shows and dog shows allow youth to showcase life skills gained throughout the year. Youth receive recognition through ribbons, plaques, premium awards and belt buckles.
o Regional Fairs – Counties may participate in three different Regional Fairs: Southern New Mexico State Fair; Eastern New Mexico State Fair; and the Navajo Nation Fair. Indoor exhibits, livestock shows, horse shows and dog shows allow youth to showcase life skills gained throughout the year. Youth receive recognition through ribbons, plaques, and special awards.
o State Fair – 30 counties exhibited items at the 2010 New Mexico State Fair. Extension Agents and Specialists work to provide a quality showcase of members’ completed exhibits. Indoor exhibits, livestock shows, horse shows and dog shows allow youth to showcase life skills gained throughout the year. Youth receive recognition through ribbons, premium money, trophies and livestock auction slots.

Over 5000 items were exhibited at County Fairs and Achievement Days throughout New Mexico in 2010. Over 2100 items submitted by over 780 youth from around the state were exhibited at the 2010 New Mexico State Fair. 525 youth received premium checks ranging from $2 to $192. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills related to over 200 project areas. Over $1,000,000 was paid to New Mexico Youth through premiums, junior livestock auctions and fair related scholarships.

Project Work Quotes:
o “Working as a 4-H member really means a lot to me. I try to work hard in all that I do. Sometimes it’s hard pushing myself to go the extra distance, but when I finally get through it, it is such an awarding feeling.” Socorro County 4-H’er.
o “My first year in 4-H taught me that it takes hard work and responsibility to complete a project. I have also learned valuable skills that I will always have.” Lincoln County 4-H’er.
o “The 4-H Program has helped me learn about horses, swine, citizenship, wildlife, baking and public speaking so far.” Roosevelt County 4-H’er.
o “Everything I have done in 4-H goes to my other activities. Being in 4-H has made me take a lot of responsibility for my animals, projects and actions. This has helped me since I started middle school this year.” Dona Ana County 4-H’er.

Objective #3: During the 4-H program year, 50% of youth enrolled in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.

Accomplishments:
• Awards and Recognition Events
o County Faculty and Staff work with County Councils and Leaders’ Associations to provide recognition events to the over 5,800 youth involved in the New Mexico 4-H Club Program. More than 20 counties conduct recognition events annually with members serving as keynote speakers, emcees, pledge leaders and presenters. Members receive certificates, metals, plaques, belt buckles, jackets, and other appropriate awards. 4-H members from around New Mexico were recognized for their achievements and increase in life skills throughout the 2009-2010 program year. Members in leadership roles increased public speaking skills.
• Speaking Opportunities
o Local Club Meetings & Programs – 75% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through demonstrations and leadership roles in their local club.
o Afterschool Programs – 50% of all youth involved in 4-H Afterschool programs increase public speaking and communication skills trough active involvement in leadership and speaking curricula
o Radio Programs & Other Media – 25% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through providing ads for local radio and other media outlets related to County Fairs, National 4-H Week and other 4-H promotions
o County 4-H Council Meetings & Programs – 10% all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through leadership roles at the County level.
• In 2010, 5,895 youth participated in age appropriate activities gaining knowledge and skills related to personal development and leadership.
Personal Development and Leadership Quotes:
o “My position on the council is Reporter. I’ve really learned a lot from this position. I’ve learned responsibility to my community and my club to keep them informed as much as I can on results of various events that happen on a monthly basis.” Socorro County 4-H’er.
o “I like being in 4-H because it has taught me responsibility and leadership and I have made many friends.” Lincoln County 4-H’er.
o “My 4-H experience has helped me to work better with others by putting me in groups and making me cooperate more and be more patient.” Dona Ana County 4-H’er.

Objective #4: During the 4-H program year, 75% of youth in club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.

Accomplishments:
• Local clubs conduct community service projects and participate in projects at the county level. Examples of County Community Service Projects include: Assistance at Civic Events, Christmas Cookies and other gifts for elderly members of the community, Visits and donations to Assisted Living Facilities, Meals on Wheels, Toys for Tots, Highway Clean-up, Relay for Life, Beautification projects, Holiday food baskets, Food Drives, and many other creative community contributions. Over 4,910 youth from 33 counties increased knowledge and skills by participating in community service projects at the local, county, and state level.
o “4-H has taught me a lot and made me a better person. Our club does a lot of community service projects and that makes me feel good to know that I am helping other people in my community.” Hidalgo County 4-H’er.
• In 2010, youth with 1-2 years or more 4-H experience contributed to a statewide community service project during Youth Get Away writing letters of support to children with deployed military parents in partnership with the Operation Military Kids Program.
• Youth at all levels were given the opportunity to apply for Community Service Scholarships thanks to an anonymous donor. Youth must plan and conduct a service project, personally giving primary leadership to the project. Scholarship funds may be used to attend a statewide 4-H event, run for a leadership team position or for an International Exchange. 75 scholarships were awarded in the amount of $12,300.
o “One of my favorite camps was Livestock School. Thanks to the New Mexico Community Service Scholarship, I was awarded the registration fee to go to Livestock School.” Socorro County 4-H’er
• School Enrichment Programs - One of the three primary delivery modes in the 4-H Youth Development Program is school enrichment. Youth, ages 5- 19, can belong to a 4-H school enrichment group. Extension personnel provide quality educational experiences through cooperation with classroom teachers. 2009-2010 Training Topics included:

 
Ag Awareness
Animal Science
ATV Safety
Career Opportunities
Character Education
Chemical Safety
Cultural Education
Drug Awareness
Egg to Chick
Entomology
Farm Animals
Farm Safety Day
Food Safety
Gardening
Germ Detective
Health
Just Be It Healthy & Fit
Kids, Kows & More
Life Skills Training
Nutrition & Fitness
Sewing
Welcome to 4-H
Water Conservation


Over 31,991 youth ages 5-19 participated in school enrichment programs gaining knowledge and skills related to subject matter, cognitive skills and teamwork.

• Special Interest Programs - One of the three primary delivery modes in the 4-H Youth Development Program is the special interest group. Youth, ages 5- 19, can belong to a 4-H special interest group. The group focuses on a project (subject matter topic) for a minimum of six hours outside of school hours. Extension personnel and volunteers provide quality educational experiences through after school programs, day camps and other appropriate programs. 2009-2010 Training Topics included:

Animal Science
Character Education
Cloverbuds
Communication
Conflict Resolution
Conservation
Decision Making
Gardening
Goal Setting
GPS/GIS
Home Economics
Job Skills
Nutrition & Fitness
Plant & Soil Sciences
Recycling
Robotics
Stress Management
Teamwork
Welcome to 4-H
Water Conservation


Over 19,861 youth ages 5-19 participated in special interest programs gaining knowledge and skills related to subject matter, cognitive skills and teamwork skills.

• Special Needs – Programming is being developed to provide specialized programming for youth with special needs by adapting projects for the appropriate skill level. Three counties are currently providing programs pairing diverse special needs youth with caring adults to help them reach their potential as capable, competent, caring and contributing citizens.

• 4-H Military Clubs - Special clubs have established to serve military youth throughout the state. The goals of these clubs are to provide quality 4-H leader education, sustain/increase project and leadership opportunities at the club level, to promote county, district and state level 4-H opportunities to members and to continue community service projects. 2009-2010 membership included 50 4-H members at White Sands Missile Range, 96 4-H members at Holloman Air Force Base, and 50 4-H members at Cannon Air Force Base, for a total of 196 military club members.

• OMK Programming: Operation Military Kids is the U.S. Army's collaborative effort with America's communities to support children and youth impacted by deployment. Regardless of whether Families are experiencing deployment for the first time, the second time or another in a series of multiple deployments, OMK’s goal is to connect military children and youth with local resources in order to achieve a sense of community support and enhance their well-being.
o Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK): The SOMK “speak out” program is a youth-led, adult supported activity that seeks to give voice to, and educate others about what it is like to be a military kid.
o Mobile Technology Lab (MTL): The MTL contains video/digital cameras, laptops, scanners, printers, etc., and can be signed out by organizations for use with projects, trainings and other events. It is also a way for military kids to send pictures and DVD’s to family members who are deployed. 4-Hers help make photo transfer pillowcase projects and Hug Dolls using these systems. 4-Hers sew pillowcases and donate them to OMK to support this portion of the project.
o Youth Focused Programs: Youth focused programs encompass a variety of different types of OMK events for military kids and their families across New Mexico. These programs provide opportunities for military families to get together, have fun, and offer support to one another in an informal environment.
4-H members assist at these programs across the state, providing support and connecting military youth back to their communities.

o 4-H members have been instrumental in raising money for OMK. Over $1000 dollars has been raised to assist military youth through 4-H service projects: Pillowcase money donations, Forum for Adults Silent Auction, and joint 4-H leadership team fundraisers.
o Hero Packs: Hero Packs are backpacks filled with different items to thank children for the sacrifices their families have made and to help them keep in touch with their deployed love ones. 4-Hers collect items to fill the Hero Packs with. They also assist with writing letters for the packs (over 500 letters written by 4-Hers last year alone) 4-Hers even help distribute the backpacks. 4-Hers have distributed over 500 packs to military youth across our state.

New Mexico 4-H members have been present at five deployment events this year, reaching approximately 500 OMK youth. Indirectly, 4-H members have impacted an infinite number of youth through their donations, time and efforts.
 
Objective #5: During the 4-H program year, 65% of youth in the 4-H club program will gain
leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.

Accomplishments:
• Club Leadership – all age groups
o Youth serve in leadership roles at the local level by performing the following duties:
o Elected Officer
o Committee Chair/Member
o Pledge Leader
o Recruiter
o Youth received training in the following areas:
o Parliamentary Procedure
o Public Speaking
o Recreation
o Conflict Resolution
o Leadership Skills
o Goal Setting
Over 5,895 youth were involved in leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels demonstrating effective leadership and teamwork skills.

Objective #6: During the 4-H program year, 50% of youth in the 4-H club program will begin establishing partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.

Accomplishments:
• Advisory Committees
o Youth serve on Extension Advisory Committees to assist agents in setting annual program calendars, choosing subject matter topics for workshops and clinics and planning events
o Youth work with adult partners to solicit donations and sponsorships for 4-H programming, scholarships and county fair needs as well conducting fundraisers. Counties 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, gift wrapping, turkey shoots, candle sales, auctions, catering, bake sales, car washes, and many others. Counties raised over $19,000 toward providing quality programs. Youth gained knowledge and skills in organizing fundraisers and managing money as well as constructive youth/adult partnerships.

Overall Accomplishment for youth with 1-2 years experience:
• 54,016 youth ages 5-11 gained life skills through participation in the New Mexico 4-H Program.

Objective #7: During the 4-H program year, 85% of Agents and staff will increase professional and personal skills related to life skills and youth development by receiving quality training through theory, contest training, subject matter training, policy training and evaluation training.

Accomplishments:
• New Agent Orientations:
*Includes travel to county offices and review of 4-H Policies, Programming Efforts, Civil Rights, and other pertinent information related to 4-H
o Bernalillo County New Agent Orientation (2010): Cassidy Byerly; John Garlisch
o Cibola County New Agent Orientation (2010): Chase Elkins
o Grant County New Agent Orientation (2010): Amy Star
o Sierra County New Agent Orientation (2010): William “Dee” Wear
• Centra Sessions:
*Online training sessions provided to agents, program assistants and support staff
o NM 4-H Curriculum Update (2009)
o Scholarship & Professional Development Opportunities (2009)
o 4-H Event Chaperone Orientation (2009)
o New Parent Orientation (2010)
o Operation Military Kids (2010)
o Risk & Liability Management (2010)
o State Conference Program Discussion (2010)
o 4-H Reporting (2010)
o Volunteer Leader Screening (2010)
o Statewide Event Participation (2010)
• New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service All Extension Conference
*Workshop designed and implemented by the State 4-H Staff
o Complaint Free World (2010)
o Professional Ethics (2010)
• New Mexico 4-H Conversation:
*Includes workshops provided and/or recruited by State 4-H Staff and program discussion led by trained facilitators
o Facilitator Training (2010)
o Personality IQ (2010)
o Vibrant 4-H Groups (2010)
o Marketing Discussion (2010)
o Professionalism Discussion (2010)
o Collegiality Discussion (2010)
o Adult Volunteer Leadership Development Discussion (2010)
o Youth Development Discussion (2010)
65 agents gained knowledge and skills related to administration of the 4-H program and professional development.
 
• AXED Course Assistance:
o Hodnett, Frank (2010). 4-H Portion. College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, AXED 100.
• Resource Development:
o Hodnett, Frank, Richardson, Rick, Schultz, Linda, Turner, Mindy & Zemler, Amy (R-2010). New Mexico 4-H New Agent Orientation Handbook. New Mexico State 4-H. (Training notebook for new employees including sections on civil rights, policies & procedures, 4-H programming and more).
o Turner, Mindy (2010). Introduction to 4-H. College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, AXED 488 (10 lesson online course to be offered in 2011).
• Civil Rights Reviews
*Includes travel to County Office, review of files and training for appropriate staff on maintaining 4-H Civil Rights files
• Hidalgo County Civil Rights Review (2010)
• Quay County Civil Rights Review (2010)
• Roosevelt County Civil Rights Review (2010)
• San Miguel County Civil Rights Review (2010)
• Torrance County Civil Rights Review (2010)

Agents received quality training in a variety of subjects, and provided positive feedback regarding overall trainings. 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.
o In 2010, 11 agents were awarded the Green Level, 14 agents achieved the Bronze Level, 3 gained the Silver Level and 1 was recognized at the Gold Level.

Situation
McKinley has 115 traditional 4-H members and 10 Cloverbud members for a total of 125 enrolled in community clubs. Of the 125 traditional members, 13 were 1st year members, 34 were 2-3 year members, and 68 were members for over 4 years. These number represents a 5% overall increase over last year. The county has 12 community clubs for members to join and be a part of. 88% of the members developed skills relating to the projects they were enrolled in as is evident through their project completion, which includes, but not limited to, livestock shows, shooting contest, horse shows, indoor project competition and record book completion. 75% of the members displayed leadership traits through local club work by serving as officers, committee members, pledge leaders, etc.

The Agent spent a substantial amount of time in assisting members, parents and volunteer leaders with the various livestock projects. These projects are designed to directly impact youth and increase their life skills. Members complete their projects at the Crownpoint – Eastern Agency Fair, Bi-County Fair, Ramah – Navajo Fair, Navajo Nation Fair, New Mexico State Fair, and the Northern Agency – Shiprock Fair. In 2010 the Bi-County Fair Junior Livestock Auction raised over $84,000 in sale receipts and “add-on’s” to 4-H members that made the sale. This past year in the county we had 11 market steers, 41 market sheep, 28 market swine, 5 market goats, 34 breeding animals (including sheep, and goats), 60 poultry entries, and 20 rabbit entries.

Activities include:
• Feeds & Feeding Workshop- The agent coordinated a program in March for members, leaders and parents about feeding and care of a market animals – this was presented by Purina Mills sales representatives. Through this education, members developed skills in all aspects of raising and showing animals as well as life skills, which include responsibility and dedication - 20 members and parents attended the workshop.

• Home Visits - The agent set aside time to visit each member and check their projects as they progressed, this included weighing their animals and discussing the feeding and exercising practices. The agent evaluated the animals and suggestions were given to help make the project a success. Home visits are a great way for the agent to interact with members and parents on a one on one basis in a setting they felt comfortable in and able to ask many questions relating to their livestock projects.

• Bi-County Fair - this is a joint fair conducted for youth in both Cibola and McKinley Counties. The Fair runs five days and members exhibit their animals as well as indoor entries for the entire length of the fair. The fair celebrated is 41st year this past September. Over 85 members (from both counties) exhibited 4-H animal projects (200 large animals entries) - 58 entries qualify for the Junior Livestock sale that brought in over $84,000 dollars. The agent assisted many members while at the fair and assisted with shows and performed many odd jobs during the week. 252 indoor 4-H projects were exhibited by members at the county fair. This is consistent with last year and indicates members are completing their projects and learning life skills.

• 4-H Shooting Sports
McKinley County has a growing shooting sports program. Disciplines include shotgun, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, and air rifle, compound archery and recurve archery. Our shooting sports program begins in late November with an organizational meeting presented by the agent and volunteer leaders. The agent is responsible for finding leaders in each discipline and working with the Gallup Shooters and the Archery Club to schedule practices at the only range in the county. Every member is required to receive safety training and the agent always recruits leaders that emphasize safety above everything else. Bi-weekly practices are held as the weather allows – the archery youth are allowed to practice at the indoor archery range. 15 members participated in practices throughout the year and members participated in county contests as well as district for the novice and junior members and state for the senior members. This was our first year as a combined group – members from all clubs participated as one shooting sports group instead of in their individual clubs.

4-H Rocketry Project
This year a 4-H group did nothing but rockets. 45 youth built and decorated their rockets. The agents and leaders educated them on various safety guidelines for the rockets and they also learned to work together and help the younger members. We are waiting to set a launch date for these rockets.

State Events
This year four members and one agent participated in Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque. Members learned many valuable leadership skills that they brought back to the county program. The also got a chance to meet and socialize with other 4-H members throughout the state. Three members and a leader participated in Youth Get-Away at Camp Inlow this year. All the members had a great time and learned communication and team building skills. The also got a chance to get to know other members throughout the state. Nine members and four parents attended and participated in the Northwest/Northeast District 4-H Contest. These youth were able to compete in various contests over the two-day period. Three members and one leader got a chance to participate in State 4-H Conference. These members judged at the state level and got to be a part of the State 4-H Council and electing a new leadership team.

Expanded 4-H
The agent is responsible for delivering the YCC Master Gardener Program to the member of the youth conservation core run by the city of Gallup. This is a program that teaches the basics of plant growth including soil, seeds, plant pathology, plant nutrient needs, and insects, as well as, water resources and conservation and riparian management. This year every student had the opportunity to make a rain barrel for rainwater catchment. Over 25 youth were directly taught by specialists and agents from the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service.

A Germ Detective workshop was conducted for all 4th and 5th graders in the McKinley County School district at the annual Water Festival. 350 youth learned the proper way to wash their hands. This workshop showed them how some germs remain when you wash your hands to quick or without soap.


Leader Trainings
The agent is responsible for training leaders and parents so that they can assist the members with their projects. At the advisory committee meeting it was recommended that workshops related the leather craft project and braiding project be conducted for leaders and parents. Unfortunately, no one attended the leather craft workshop – flyers were mailed to all parents and leaders. The braiding workshop was successful with about 10 parents and leaders attending. An advanced braiding workshop will be conducted later in the fall.