Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
Youth Development (Valencia County)
Plan Goals
Valencia County youth will enhance their personal growth through the development of leadership, citizenship and life skills, and experience the satisfaction of making a difference in their own lives, their families, their schools, and their communities.
- Owner
- Laura Bittner
- Related Plans
-
Youth Development
Impact Reports
4-H BAKING WORKSHOPS
Twenty three Valencia County 4-H youth participated in baking workshops where they had an opportunity to make cookies, brownies, muffins and biscuits. Each workshop held provided participants with training and experience in measuring, mixing ingredients, food safety, kitchen tools, reading recipes, ingredient substitution and tips in how to judge a quality baked item. Furthermore, youth gained skills in following directions, teamwork, communication and organization. After each workshop participants were asked to identify something they had learned in the baking workshop. Responses included: “light colored cookie sheets are better to bake on then dark colored ones”, “reading the recipe is VERY important! Our first batch of cookies didn’t turn out at all but our second batch was delicious”, “I never knew how to use measuring cups. Now I know the difference between liquid and dry cups”, “This was fun! I can teach my little sister how to do this”, “Cookies made with butter taste better than cookies made with shortening”. All youth participating stated that they would like to attend more baking/cooking workshops in the future.
YOUTH AT-RISK AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The home economist has continued to partner with a local agency providing 9 workshops to 53 at-risk middle school age children participating in two after-school programs geared to encouraging youth to stay in school and graduate. Workshop topics included goal-setting, self-awareness/character building, food safety, nutrition and creative cooking. The interactive workshops provided the youth with opportunity to further develop skills in communication, leadership, responsibility, team-work, budgeting, following directions, listening, cooking, creativity and independence.
HOME EC SCHOOL
The home economist created and provided a workshop which involved 40 youth attending Home Ec School held at Valencia High. The service project involved creating napkin rings using recycled items (bathroom tissue & paper towel rolls, wrapping paper, beads, broken jewelry pieces, etc.). Over 300 napkin rings were created by the youth to be donated to Valencia County area senior and community centers.
YOUNG PARENT PROGRAM
During the past reporting year the home economist has worked with a young parenting program at an area high school. A total of 23 youth have participated. Subject areas provided have included job seeking skills (resume writing, application completion) and financial management (identifying wants vs. needs, budgeting, saving, credit card use, setting SMART financial goals, living on your own, comparing prices, and shopping on a budget). At the end of the job seeking skills program, youth had an opportunity to participate in a mock interview. At the end of the financial management class series, youth participated in a comparison shopping activity at local grocery stores followed by purchasing ingredients and preparing a meal at the extension office. Program evaluations indicate that 90% of youth had learned things they felt would make job seeking much easier, 85% reported they felt more knowledgeable about interviewing. In addition, 87% reported they would make more of an effort to compare prices when shopping now and/or in the future.
CITIZENSHIP WASHINGTON FOCUS
This summer the home economist had an opportunity to serve as a chaperone for Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington, DC. The HE accompanied the New Mexico delegate (from Valencia County) during the seven day citizenship/leadership program where delegates had an opportunity to explore, develop, and refine their community and civic engagement skills to be outstanding leaders in their communities. In addition there were hands-on educational workshops, sightseeing tours and opportunities to learn of the history of our nation, leaders who have shaped it and how to apply the skills developed during CWF in their own communities. The New Mexico delegate reported that she enjoyed learning how to write a bill, developed a greater understanding of our former leaders, enjoyed meeting and making friends with youth from all over the United States, and had gained leadership skills which she planned on using in her 4-H club.
GARDEN CLUB PROJECT
Sixty-four 3rd grade students have participated in activities geared to teaching youth about how plants grow, the importance of eating vegetables and the overall importance of agriculture in their everyday lives. The home ecnomist along with volunteers from a local garden club have presented the program to the youth. Fifty percent of students participating have been exposed to a vegetable of which they had not previously tasted.
Twenty three Valencia County 4-H youth participated in baking workshops where they had an opportunity to make cookies, brownies, muffins and biscuits. Each workshop held provided participants with training and experience in measuring, mixing ingredients, food safety, kitchen tools, reading recipes, ingredient substitution and tips in how to judge a quality baked item. Furthermore, youth gained skills in following directions, teamwork, communication and organization. After each workshop participants were asked to identify something they had learned in the baking workshop. Responses included: “light colored cookie sheets are better to bake on then dark colored ones”, “reading the recipe is VERY important! Our first batch of cookies didn’t turn out at all but our second batch was delicious”, “I never knew how to use measuring cups. Now I know the difference between liquid and dry cups”, “This was fun! I can teach my little sister how to do this”, “Cookies made with butter taste better than cookies made with shortening”. All youth participating stated that they would like to attend more baking/cooking workshops in the future.
YOUTH AT-RISK AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The home economist has continued to partner with a local agency providing 9 workshops to 53 at-risk middle school age children participating in two after-school programs geared to encouraging youth to stay in school and graduate. Workshop topics included goal-setting, self-awareness/character building, food safety, nutrition and creative cooking. The interactive workshops provided the youth with opportunity to further develop skills in communication, leadership, responsibility, team-work, budgeting, following directions, listening, cooking, creativity and independence.
HOME EC SCHOOL
The home economist created and provided a workshop which involved 40 youth attending Home Ec School held at Valencia High. The service project involved creating napkin rings using recycled items (bathroom tissue & paper towel rolls, wrapping paper, beads, broken jewelry pieces, etc.). Over 300 napkin rings were created by the youth to be donated to Valencia County area senior and community centers.
YOUNG PARENT PROGRAM
During the past reporting year the home economist has worked with a young parenting program at an area high school. A total of 23 youth have participated. Subject areas provided have included job seeking skills (resume writing, application completion) and financial management (identifying wants vs. needs, budgeting, saving, credit card use, setting SMART financial goals, living on your own, comparing prices, and shopping on a budget). At the end of the job seeking skills program, youth had an opportunity to participate in a mock interview. At the end of the financial management class series, youth participated in a comparison shopping activity at local grocery stores followed by purchasing ingredients and preparing a meal at the extension office. Program evaluations indicate that 90% of youth had learned things they felt would make job seeking much easier, 85% reported they felt more knowledgeable about interviewing. In addition, 87% reported they would make more of an effort to compare prices when shopping now and/or in the future.
CITIZENSHIP WASHINGTON FOCUS
This summer the home economist had an opportunity to serve as a chaperone for Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington, DC. The HE accompanied the New Mexico delegate (from Valencia County) during the seven day citizenship/leadership program where delegates had an opportunity to explore, develop, and refine their community and civic engagement skills to be outstanding leaders in their communities. In addition there were hands-on educational workshops, sightseeing tours and opportunities to learn of the history of our nation, leaders who have shaped it and how to apply the skills developed during CWF in their own communities. The New Mexico delegate reported that she enjoyed learning how to write a bill, developed a greater understanding of our former leaders, enjoyed meeting and making friends with youth from all over the United States, and had gained leadership skills which she planned on using in her 4-H club.
GARDEN CLUB PROJECT
Sixty-four 3rd grade students have participated in activities geared to teaching youth about how plants grow, the importance of eating vegetables and the overall importance of agriculture in their everyday lives. The home ecnomist along with volunteers from a local garden club have presented the program to the youth. Fifty percent of students participating have been exposed to a vegetable of which they had not previously tasted.
Long Term Objectives:
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.
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.
Medium Term Objectives:
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.
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.
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.
Valencia County is within the top ten fastest growing counties in New Mexico. With this growth often come risk factors within the lives of youth, as they are exposed to greater frequency in violence, crime, poverty, gangs, drugs and other negative risk factors. Youth development programs are in great need and high demand. The youth development programming efforts of the Valencia County Home Economist strive to meet the needs of youth that are critical to survival and healthy development including a sense of safety, belonging, membership, self-worth, independence, positive relations and competence. All youth programming efforts provided are focused on helping youth to become productive and responsible adults.
4-H BAKING WORKSHOPS
Nine baking workshops were held for 4-H youth in Valencia County. A total of 31 youth attended the workshops. Sixty-five percent attended more than one of the workshops offered. Three older 4-H participants gained leadership skills by being teamed up with younger 4-H members to work on their baking projects. Two adult volunteers (one club leader and one EANM member) assisted with three of the workshops provided. Each workshop provided participants with an opportunity to make one batch of cookies, brownies, muffins and/or biscuits using the recipes in the baking project and a batch of the same using a non-4-H recipe. Youth gained skills in recipe reading, measuring, following directions, teamwork, communication, organization, food safety and understanding the purpose of each ingredient in a recipe. Participants also practiced and gained an understanding of how the quality of a baked item is judged.
One of the older 4-H participants wrote in her 4-H Record Book, “Laura (our HE agent) called me and asked if I would help with a 4-H baking class she work working on. Of course, I was excited to. When I got there, Laura started tossing around this teddy bear covered in flour. The flour was “germs” so we looked at ourselves with a black light to see how many germs we had on our hands then washed them and washed again. It was surprising how many “germs” we still had on our hands! At the next workshop a few weeks later, we made muffins!!! In both workshops I learned new ways to measure and that you have to pay attention to instructions! I also learned that you always need to be sure and wash your hands really well!”
A 9 year old participant wrote in her 4-H Record Book, “I leaned (learned) not to pute (put) egg shells and yucky stuff in my food. For the EXPO I made chocolate chip cookies and muffins. My muffins placed 2nd!”
CONSUMER DECISION MAKING WORKSHOPS
Three Consumer Decision Making workshops were held for youth preparing for County Contest. Five 4-H youth participated in the workshops which provided an opportunity to learn how to compare products, prices, features, labels and brands. Additionally, the youth gained skills in justifying and articulating the reasons they would choose one product over another. One parent that attended with her daughter commented, “I never knew there were so many types and purposes of light bulbs. My daughter now knows more than I do about light bulbs and is demanding we change out some of the light bulbs we are currently using in order to save money!”
FASHION REVUE WORKSHOP
Two Fashion Revue workshops were held for 4-H youth. There were a total of 7 participating in these workshops. Participants had an opportunity to practice modeling techniques, discuss their sewing projects and gained knowledge on the clothing guidelines for this contest. One senior 4-H member attended a workshop “by mistake” but decided she wanted to learn how to sew after having participated in the workshop. She, with the assistance of the Home Economist, traveled to the store, selected a pattern, fabric and notions and spent one afternoon sewing the blouse. Although she had never sewn before and had no intention of participating in the Fashion Revue at County Contest, she ended up modeling her new blouse for the judges. This hands on experience provided this youth with an opportunity to learn a new skill, practice consumer decision making as she selected supplies for her project, a feeling of accomplishment and an increase in self-confidence.
YDI AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Home Economist had an opportunity to partner with YDI (Youth Development, INC.) in providing ten workshops to 33 at-risk middle school age children participating in an after-school program geared to encouraging youth to stay in school and graduate. Workshop topics included goal-setting, self-awareness, job seeking skills, crafts, nutrition and creative cooking. The interactive workshops provided the youth with opportunity to further develop skills in communication, leadership, responsibility, team-work, money management and budgeting, following directions, listening, cooking, creativity and independence.
HOME EC SCHOOL
Working in coordination with the Torrance County Home Economist, the Valencia County Home Economist assisted in the organization of a service project workshop which involved 46 youth attending Home Ec School held at Valencia High. The service project involved painting and stenciling thirty 8” pots using concepts from the Housing and Interior Design 4-H projects. An organization (the Ronald McDonald House) was selected to be the recipient of the pots, materials were gathered and organized for the youth attending Home Ec School and a presentation on citizenship was developed and presented to the youth. The stenciled pots were then taken back to the Valencia County Extension Office where they were planted with plants provided by the Valencia County Master Gardeners. The potted plants were delivered to the Ronald McDonald House on behalf of 4-H where they were to be given to the families as they completed their stay.
OTHER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
Ninety-three youth from three different agencies (El Cerro Mission Summer Youth Program, Boys & Girls Ranch, and Hogares) participated in at least one of 15 workshops presented during the summer by the Home Economist. The workshops focused on encouraging youth to learn practical home economic and related concepts through hands-on experiences. Participants had an opportunity to develop life skills through workshop which focused on menu -planning, budgeting, cooking, nutrition, cost-effective crafting, container gardening, teamwork, career exploration and leadership. Comments from participants included:
• “I learned I’m a good cook! I like cooking and may decide to go to culinary
arts school when I’m older”
• “I liked baking and making different kinds of food. I also liked getting to
eat the different foods I made”
• “Everything we made was so easy and turned out so good. I could do this at
home and save my mom a lot of time and money”
VALENCIA COUNTY COMMUNITY EXPO
The Home Economist has worked consistently with the EXPO Board and volunteers this past year in planning and preparing for this 4-H sanctioned event. The purpose of the EXPO is to provide the youth with a positive environment for showcasing their 4-H projects. The Home Economist volunteered with four concession stands, two fundraisers (pancake breakfast and road side clean up) and assisted in the coordination of the buyer’s lunch all geared to raising money to offset the expenses of a fair. The Home Economist attended monthly board meetings and monthly committee meetings in order to have involvement in the planning of this event for the county’s youth. The Home Economist secured seven volunteer judges (three from EANM, two from the Master Gardener’s Programs and two community members) for the indoor exhibits. In addition, the Home Economist, along with the part-time Home Economist and 4-H Agent, encouraged and motivated youth to enter their home economics related projects in the EXPO. This year there were 314 indoor exhibits as compared to 232 indoor exhibits last year.
4-H BAKING WORKSHOPS
Nine baking workshops were held for 4-H youth in Valencia County. A total of 31 youth attended the workshops. Sixty-five percent attended more than one of the workshops offered. Three older 4-H participants gained leadership skills by being teamed up with younger 4-H members to work on their baking projects. Two adult volunteers (one club leader and one EANM member) assisted with three of the workshops provided. Each workshop provided participants with an opportunity to make one batch of cookies, brownies, muffins and/or biscuits using the recipes in the baking project and a batch of the same using a non-4-H recipe. Youth gained skills in recipe reading, measuring, following directions, teamwork, communication, organization, food safety and understanding the purpose of each ingredient in a recipe. Participants also practiced and gained an understanding of how the quality of a baked item is judged.
One of the older 4-H participants wrote in her 4-H Record Book, “Laura (our HE agent) called me and asked if I would help with a 4-H baking class she work working on. Of course, I was excited to. When I got there, Laura started tossing around this teddy bear covered in flour. The flour was “germs” so we looked at ourselves with a black light to see how many germs we had on our hands then washed them and washed again. It was surprising how many “germs” we still had on our hands! At the next workshop a few weeks later, we made muffins!!! In both workshops I learned new ways to measure and that you have to pay attention to instructions! I also learned that you always need to be sure and wash your hands really well!”
A 9 year old participant wrote in her 4-H Record Book, “I leaned (learned) not to pute (put) egg shells and yucky stuff in my food. For the EXPO I made chocolate chip cookies and muffins. My muffins placed 2nd!”
CONSUMER DECISION MAKING WORKSHOPS
Three Consumer Decision Making workshops were held for youth preparing for County Contest. Five 4-H youth participated in the workshops which provided an opportunity to learn how to compare products, prices, features, labels and brands. Additionally, the youth gained skills in justifying and articulating the reasons they would choose one product over another. One parent that attended with her daughter commented, “I never knew there were so many types and purposes of light bulbs. My daughter now knows more than I do about light bulbs and is demanding we change out some of the light bulbs we are currently using in order to save money!”
FASHION REVUE WORKSHOP
Two Fashion Revue workshops were held for 4-H youth. There were a total of 7 participating in these workshops. Participants had an opportunity to practice modeling techniques, discuss their sewing projects and gained knowledge on the clothing guidelines for this contest. One senior 4-H member attended a workshop “by mistake” but decided she wanted to learn how to sew after having participated in the workshop. She, with the assistance of the Home Economist, traveled to the store, selected a pattern, fabric and notions and spent one afternoon sewing the blouse. Although she had never sewn before and had no intention of participating in the Fashion Revue at County Contest, she ended up modeling her new blouse for the judges. This hands on experience provided this youth with an opportunity to learn a new skill, practice consumer decision making as she selected supplies for her project, a feeling of accomplishment and an increase in self-confidence.
YDI AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Home Economist had an opportunity to partner with YDI (Youth Development, INC.) in providing ten workshops to 33 at-risk middle school age children participating in an after-school program geared to encouraging youth to stay in school and graduate. Workshop topics included goal-setting, self-awareness, job seeking skills, crafts, nutrition and creative cooking. The interactive workshops provided the youth with opportunity to further develop skills in communication, leadership, responsibility, team-work, money management and budgeting, following directions, listening, cooking, creativity and independence.
HOME EC SCHOOL
Working in coordination with the Torrance County Home Economist, the Valencia County Home Economist assisted in the organization of a service project workshop which involved 46 youth attending Home Ec School held at Valencia High. The service project involved painting and stenciling thirty 8” pots using concepts from the Housing and Interior Design 4-H projects. An organization (the Ronald McDonald House) was selected to be the recipient of the pots, materials were gathered and organized for the youth attending Home Ec School and a presentation on citizenship was developed and presented to the youth. The stenciled pots were then taken back to the Valencia County Extension Office where they were planted with plants provided by the Valencia County Master Gardeners. The potted plants were delivered to the Ronald McDonald House on behalf of 4-H where they were to be given to the families as they completed their stay.
OTHER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
Ninety-three youth from three different agencies (El Cerro Mission Summer Youth Program, Boys & Girls Ranch, and Hogares) participated in at least one of 15 workshops presented during the summer by the Home Economist. The workshops focused on encouraging youth to learn practical home economic and related concepts through hands-on experiences. Participants had an opportunity to develop life skills through workshop which focused on menu -planning, budgeting, cooking, nutrition, cost-effective crafting, container gardening, teamwork, career exploration and leadership. Comments from participants included:
• “I learned I’m a good cook! I like cooking and may decide to go to culinary
arts school when I’m older”
• “I liked baking and making different kinds of food. I also liked getting to
eat the different foods I made”
• “Everything we made was so easy and turned out so good. I could do this at
home and save my mom a lot of time and money”
VALENCIA COUNTY COMMUNITY EXPO
The Home Economist has worked consistently with the EXPO Board and volunteers this past year in planning and preparing for this 4-H sanctioned event. The purpose of the EXPO is to provide the youth with a positive environment for showcasing their 4-H projects. The Home Economist volunteered with four concession stands, two fundraisers (pancake breakfast and road side clean up) and assisted in the coordination of the buyer’s lunch all geared to raising money to offset the expenses of a fair. The Home Economist attended monthly board meetings and monthly committee meetings in order to have involvement in the planning of this event for the county’s youth. The Home Economist secured seven volunteer judges (three from EANM, two from the Master Gardener’s Programs and two community members) for the indoor exhibits. In addition, the Home Economist, along with the part-time Home Economist and 4-H Agent, encouraged and motivated youth to enter their home economics related projects in the EXPO. This year there were 314 indoor exhibits as compared to 232 indoor exhibits last year.