Youth Development (Crownpoint Tribal Extension)

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.

Blue Mush- Food and Nutrition Education
In the past the Navajo’s grew their own foods as in many cultures; blue mush is a scared Navajo dish that is made with juniper leaf ashes. When a family is struggling mentally or physically mothers’ would prepare this dish with weaving tools and good thoughts to help overcome sickness. The youth will be taught the meaning and cultural significance of growing blue corn, preparing both the ground corn and juniper ashes. Then learn how to cook Blue Mush along with elders as a Navajo traditional teaching aide. The Agent provided quality educational experiences to the Hanaadli 4-H Club. Fifteen youth and adults gained knowledge related to Blue Mush Cooking. Students learned tree identification by identifying Juniper trees to use and burn the leaves to add to the Navajo traditional blue mush dish and nutritional value. Students also learned the Navajo history of blue mush and Juniper Trees and prepared the dish for themselves and community elders. Students’ identified juniper trees to be used, students were taught to make an offering with corn pollen to use Juniper leaves in Blue Mush dish (Navajo Tradition). After leaves were picked students built a fire in a grill, on top of the grill the leaves were burned, after the ashes cooled students’ then sifted the ashes to a finer ash. While a group of students prepared the ashes, the other group prepared hot water and roasted blue corn. Students’ first put the ashes into the hot water, then added blue corn once the dish was finished.
Play Hard, Eat Smart
Diabetes prevention and wellness education are equally a strong community effort. Increasingly adults and children are either diagnosed with diabetes or are at risk of diabetes. Students’ and community members’ need to be educated at an early age or before diabetes becomes a concern. The youth will be taught the nutrition value of each food group, the importance of healthy snacking and healthy decisions. The Agent and Nutrition Educator’s provided quality education and experiences to Crownpoint Office of Youth Development. 30 student’s and adult’s gained knowledge related to the five basic food groups, proper amount of servings to be eaten each day and preparing healthy snacks. The youth gained a wealth of knowledge from the Play Hard, Eat Smart activities. One OYD Staff member explained, “We took the kids on a field trip, they told us what food fell into what food groups and how much we should have of it, Play Hard, Eat Smart is a good program.”
Cooking with Kids
Parents’ and children are less involved in family activities due to economic times and changes. The times the families do spend together are a success. The youth and parents will be taught nutritional value of each food group, the importance of food tasting, cooking techniques, healthy cooking, healthy choices and most importantly family time. The Agent, Home Economist and Nutrition Educator have provided quality education to Crownpoint Office of Youth Development. 30 student’s and adults gained knowledge related to food tasting, cooking techniques and healthy cooking.
Navajo Traditional Horse Education
Agriculture is a major component in the Navajo culture. Cattle, Sheep and Horses are all considered sacred to the Navajo, each having a cultural significance. Rodeo is becoming a major sport across the Navajo Nation, although it is easy to purchase a horse. Proper care is overlooked by many as well as cultural significance. The youth will be taught the cultural significance of the horse as well as basic proper care. The Agent and Agriculture Agent provided quality education to Crownpoint Office of Youth Development. 35 students’ and adults’ gained knowledge related to the cultural significance of a horse and proper care for horses. One student explained the four sacred horses in each cardinal direction as well as the proper vaccination a horse needs.
NEFE Money Management
Crownpoint High School students drop out rates are slowly increasing annually. Students have no interest in school; others are forced to drop because of current economic situation to assist with family income. Students that are still in school do not have the basic knowledge of managing money correctly as well as adults involved in American Reinvestment Recovery Act (A.R.R.A) program. The youth will be taught how to manage money correctly, learn how to fill out a basic credit card and bank application and estimate monthly expenses. 30 youth and adults gained knowledge related to the NEFE workbook; distinguished between actual, fixed and variable expenses. Students also compiled a list of their monthly expenses and decided which expenses were necessary and unnecessary.
Grant Writing
The Navajo Nation has experienced budget cuts in vital programs particularly the Department of Emergency Management (DEM). DEM assist tribal members during natural disasters, manmade disasters and provide shelter or materials needed to survive current economic situations. Students will be taught how to write a grant, where to look for a grant and proper way to complete a grant. Nine adults gained knowledge related to grant writing. Students learned key components of writing a grant and the difference between goals and objectives. Emergency Services Coordinator explained, “This workshop was much needed, we didn’t know the steps in writing a grant now we all have a better idea. We know have a great source, NMSU is doing a great job.”

2009 Eastern Navajo Junior Livestock Show
27 youth 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 evidenced by animals shown and ribbons awarded. One Fair Board Member stated: “You can see how much work and dedication goes into these animals, 4-H is a good program.”

Water Education
The 4-H Agent provided quality educational experiences through cooperation with classroom teachers. 55 youth gained knowledge related to ground water filtration, uranium contamination and hydrologic cycle through Project WET and Geez Whiz in Agriculture’s Water Heroes. Tse Yi Gai High School and Crownpoint’s Office of Youth Development students participated.
 The Incredible Journey- Students gained knowledge and described the movement of water within the water cycle. Identified the states of water as it moves through the water cycle. The students drew a picture of the ocean, rivers, soil, plants, groundwater, glaciers, lakes, clouds and animals. Placing the pictures around the classroom the students then made a dice with all categories on each side of the dice. The students then paired up and rolled the dice then described how the state and motion of the water cycle to that point.
 Sum of the Parts- Students gained knowledge of point and nonpoint pollution, recognized that everyone contributes to and is responsible for a river or lakes’ quality then identified Best Management Practices to reduce pollution. Students were give a sheet a paper with a river drawn at the bottom of the sheet then told they inherited a million dollars and a piece of river front property, then listed ways of using the money and the land. After students had developed their property they all lined their papers up with the river connecting. Student then described how they developed their property and the pollutants which were represented by books, paper clips then passed the items down to the last students. Students then discussed how they felt when the pollutants were passed down.
 A House of Seasons- Students gained knowledge of the presence of water within each season. On one piece of paper students made 4 windows in each quarter, on another sheet students drew pictures of each season, students were encouraged to draw water in each season. The students then placed the “window” sheet on the “picture” sheet, and then asked to describe water in each season. Spring, melting snow, spring showers; summer thunderstorms, fall frost and winter snow.
 Uranium Contamination- Students gained knowledge of surface to ground water contamination. Students crumbled a sheet of paper then pulled apart to illustrate a rocky surface the creases represented rivers (colored blue). Students used different colored washable markers and drew urban, residential, agriculture areas and uranium mines. Students then sprayed the paper a couple of times representing rain, students watched the different colors runoff to different areas and could see how a uranium mine from far way could contaminate agricultural fields, urban areas, etc.
 Gee Whiz in Agriculture- Water Heroes- After the above activities students gained thorough knowledge of the water cycle watching the video, “water heroes.” After the video students discussed the water cycle, the current global warming crisis, ways to slow global warming and ways to management water better in the future.
Sheep Shearing
The 4-H Agent and Home Economist provided quality educational experiences to the Pueblo Pintado Community School Navajo Culture Day and Ramah Navajo Sheep/Wool/Weaving Camp. 106 youth gained knowledge related to sheep shearing and the Sheep is Life concept. Youth learned how to shear sheep with hand blades and clippers. 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, clippers, how to handle sheep properly, sheep management. Students were grouped they sheared half the sheep with hand blades and the other half with clippers. After shearing was complete students’ were shown how to roll fleeces and bag. Students’ discussed which shearing method was better and outlined the steps of shearing.

Wool Felting
The 4-H Agent and Home Economist provided quality educational experiences to the Bread Springs Youth Camp and Ramah Navajo Sheep/Wool/Weaving Camp. 67 youth gained knowledge related to Wool Felting. Youth learned the history of wool felting, wool carting and using everyday materials to make a pot holder. To keep the wool together students used nylon window screens, earth friendly dish soap to wash and crush the wool together, toothpicks to thread the screen together to hold wool in, hot water and a Tupperware lid to crush and wash wool. After wool was washed and meshed together, students had a chance to felt designs majority of the students put their initials on the felt. Students who excelled assisted other students with their wool felts and made seat pillows.

Cinch Loom Construction
The 4-H Agent and Home Economist provided quality educational experiences to the Ramah Navajo Sheep/Wool/Weaving Camp. 23 youth gained knowledge related to Cinch Loom Construction. Youth learned how to work safely with power tools, basic construction and the history of loom and cinch weaving. Students worked as a team to construct a cinch loom and learned how to warp their loom with the help of the home economist. The students’ reviewed the handout of the cinch loom; students then measured and cut the studs to the appropriate length. After all pieces were cut students’ then assembled the loom, once the loom was assembled the rods were fastened with wire for D rings to be warped together. After warping was done students took the wire off the top D ring to tighten cinch with a turnbuckle. Once cinch loom and warping was complete the Home Economist taught students how to weave.

Blue Mush- Food and Nutrition Education
The 4-H Agent and Home Economist provided quality educational experiences to the Ramah Navajo Sheep/Wool/Weaving Camp. 31 youth and adults gained knowledge related to Blue Mush Cooking. Students learned tree identification by identifying Juniper trees to use and burn the leaves to add to the Navajo traditional blue mush dish and nutritional value. Students also learned the Navajo history of blue mush and prepared the dish for themselves and community elders. Students’ identified juniper trees to be used, students were taught to make an offering with corn pollen to use Juniper leaves in Blue Mush dish (Navajo Tradition). After leaves were picked students built a fire in a grill, on top of the grill the leaves were burned, after the ashes cooled students’ then sifted the ashes to a finer ash. While a group of students prepared the ashes, the other group prepared hot water and roasted blue corn. Students’ first put the ashes into the hot water, then added blue corn once the dish was finished. Depending on location students either served senior centers’ or themselves.

Youth Health Career Summit
On May 11, 2009, The Youth Health Career Summit was a first time event targeted to promote health careers to Eastern Navajo Agency youth. 85 eighth grade students had a chance to meet and ask questions with health specialists to gain knowledge in the fields of; dental, radiology, pharmacy, nursing, medicine, lab technician, and mental/behavioral health. Also, included in the summit was the Native traditional ways while pursuing health careers. Students also met with other Native American students who are in the field of health, and obtain educational health information and materials from secondary schools and universities. At the beginning of the summit a Navajo Medicine Man spoke with the students’ about the Navajo Traditional ways when obtaining a career in health; the balances and sacrifices one has to make. Native American students’ obtaining a health career spoke about the challenges they are making and have made. Students’ had on hands experience in each 20 minutes session of dental, radiology, pharmacy, nursing, medicine, lab technician and mental/behavioral health fields.

Coordinated NM State 4-H Shooting Sports Contest in Raton, NM at the NRA Whittington Center. Senior age 4-H members participated in the event to demonstrate proficiencies in various shooting disciplines. Top placed teams qualified for the national event in June. There were 210 youth competing. (Increase of 35 4-Her’s from 2006.)

Presented 4-H Shooting Sports clinic at Lincoln County Ag. Days in Capitan, NM. Ag. Day is a multi-agency school field day focusing on introduction fifth graders to agriculture and its contribution to our live. Approximately 250students from Capitan Schools attended.
Coordinated the planning of NM State 4-H Horse School. 221 4-H members and leaders from New Mexico participated. The objective of the school is to assist 4-H members with their horsemanship skills as well as give the opportunities to learn more about the horse by attending equine related workshops. Leaders participate in sessions as well to take the program to their home counties and develop similar type educational events. Further introduced animal ID act through workshop by New Mexico Livestock Board and career development workshops. Evaluations indicated that audience was very favorable to the new focus. Received sponsorship of school from Horseman’s Supply and New Mexico Livestock Board.

Coordinated the planning of NM State 4-H Livestock Schools. 300 Four H members from Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico participated. The objective of the school is to assist 4-H members in learning about their livestock projects thru a variety of teaching methods. The methods range from hands on sessions to classroom type workshops. 4-H members and leaders learn showmanship, ethics, feeding and overall management of their projects. The educational curriculum is offered to 4-H participants in the following species of beef, dairy cattle, sheep, swine and meat goat. Received sponsorships from Southwest Dairy Producers, Ranch-Way and ADM Feeds.

Coordinated 16 agriculture and natural resources related contests for NM State 4-H Conference. 4-H members from across New Mexico participate in contest events geared to test senior aged 4-H member’s subject member’s knowledge. Over 300 4-H members participated in these related contests.

New Mexico State 4-H program serves as a co-sponsor to the Youth Hunter Education Challenge. Here youth from across the state experience challenge through a series of events to show their combined knowledge and skills in archery, muzzleloader, hunting, and orienteering. This specialist assisted with conducting the contest. Approximately 120 youth participated.

Conducted a safety shooting clinic at the Double H Ranch Conservation Day near Datil, NM. Conservation Day is a multi-agency school field day focusing on introduction fifth graders to wildlife management, waterfowl, water use, fishing, archery and shooting sports. Over 167 students from 7 schools in Catron, Socorro and Valencia Counties attended. Other participating agencies were: NM Game and Fish, US Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Coordinated NM State 4-H Shooting Sports Contest in Raton, NM at the NRA Whittington Center. Senior age 4-H members participated in the event to demonstrate proficiencies in various shooting disciplines. Top placed teams qualified for the national event in June. There were 210 youth competing. (Increase of 35 4-Her’s from 2006.)

Presented 4-H Shooting Sports clinic at Lincoln County Ag. Days in Capitan, NM. Ag. Day is a multi-agency school field day focusing on introduction fifth graders to agriculture and its contribution to our live. Approximately 250students from Capitan Schools attended.
Coordinated the planning of NM State 4-H Horse School. 221 4-H members and leaders from New Mexico participated. The objective of the school is to assist 4-H members with their horsemanship skills as well as give the opportunities to learn more about the horse by attending equine related workshops. Leaders participate in sessions as well to take the program to their home counties and develop similar type educational events. Further introduced animal ID act through workshop by New Mexico Livestock Board and career development workshops. Evaluations indicated that audience was very favorable to the new focus. Received sponsorship of school from Horseman’s Supply and New Mexico Livestock Board.

Coordinated the planning of NM State 4-H Livestock Schools. 300 Four H members from Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico participated. The objective of the school is to assist 4-H members in learning about their livestock projects thru a variety of teaching methods. The methods range from hands on sessions to classroom type workshops. 4-H members and leaders learn showmanship, ethics, feeding and overall management of their projects. The educational curriculum is offered to 4-H participants in the following species of beef, dairy cattle, sheep, swine and meat goat. Received sponsorships from Southwest Dairy Producers, Ranch-Way and ADM Feeds.

Coordinated 16 agriculture and natural resources related contests for NM State 4-H Conference. 4-H members from across New Mexico participate in contest events geared to test senior aged 4-H member’s subject member’s knowledge. Over 300 4-H members participated in these related contests.

New Mexico State 4-H program serves as a co-sponsor to the Youth Hunter Education Challenge. Here youth from across the state experience challenge through a series of events to show their combined knowledge and skills in archery, muzzleloader, hunting, and orienteering. This specialist assisted with conducting the contest. Approximately 120 youth participated.

Conducted a safety shooting clinic at the Double H Ranch Conservation Day near Datil, NM. Conservation Day is a multi-agency school field day focusing on introduction fifth graders to wildlife management, waterfowl, water use, fishing, archery and shooting sports. Over 167 students from 7 schools in Catron, Socorro and Valencia Counties attended. Other participating agencies were: NM Game and Fish, US Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.