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 (San Juan County)

Plan Goal

To develop life skills in youth and 4-H members in San Juan County through participation in a multitude of hand’s on events and activities.

Situation Statement

Youth development research emphasizes the importance of meeting the four basic human needs of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery. Studies indicate that youth whose needs are met in positive ways are likely to develop into active citizens and contributing members of their families and communities. The San Juan County 4-H Youth Development Program strives to ensure that every youth involved, either in a 4-H activity - or other youth activity - will have the opportunity to participate in an experience that will strengthen a young person’s sense of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery.

According to the 2004 U.S. Census QuickFacts, approximately 37.5% of the San Juan County population is between the ages of 5 and 18 years. The San Juan County
4-H Youth Development Program is committed to delivering research based educational curriculum and related learning experiences for youth in club, school enrichment, and special interest. Work in this area includes 4-H and other youth programs and activities that promote positive youth development. These educational activities facilitate the development of life skills, citizenship and leadership, fostering a sense of belonging and independence, providing opportunities for mastery, and creating a spirit of generosity. Through projects and activities in 4-H, youth have many opportunities to develop life and leadership skills that include responsibility, self-confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, teamwork and decision making. These skills are introduced, developed and expanded throughout a lifetime.

Target Audience and Actions

San Juan County youth ages 5 to 19 will learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through their participation in various programs, activities and events.

Programs will be provided through Special Interest Groups in San Juan county schools; Home Economics Project Work and Workshops; School Enrichment in San Juan County Schools; County, District and State Competitive 4-H Events; Cloverbud Activities; County and State Fairs, 4-H Connections, 4-H County Carnival; Record Books; Community Service; Public Speaking; Leadership; 4-H County Council etc.

Short-Term Objectives

During the 4-H program year, San Juan County youth involved in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as home economics related workshops (Baking, Clothing Construction, etc), camps, etc.

During the 4-H program year, San Juan County youth involved in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work; county, district and state competitive events; real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

During the 4-H program year, San Juan County 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.

During the 4-H program year, San Juan County youth in club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.

During the 4-H program year, San Juan County 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.

During the 4-H program year, San Juan 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.

Medium-Term Objectives

San Juan County 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.

San Juan 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.

San Juan County 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.

San Juan County 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.

San Juan County 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.

San Juan County 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.

Long-Term Objectives

San Juan County 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.

San Juan County 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.

San Juan County 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.

San Juan County 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.

San Juan County 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.

San Juan County 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.

Evaluation Plan

Evaluations will be conducted through the implementation of pre and post tests or surveys for at least 50% of the workshops conducted in San Juan County. The survey, pre and post tests will measure the effectiveness of the programs/workshops.

Increased number of youth participating in home economics projects and activities in San Juan County.

Number of youth participating in home economics special interest and school enrichment programs in San Juan County.

Number of youth attending 4-H County Council meetings and willing to serve as County Council Officers.

Life Skills Evaluation System: designed to measure life skills related to decision making, wise use of resources, communication, accepting differences, leadership, useful/marketable skills, healthy life style choices and self-responsibility, this tool allows staff to tailor surveys to the appropriate topic and receive feedback on life skills learned through in-depth programming. The San Juan County Home Economist will utilize this instrument in conducting at least one ongoing evaluation related to youth programming for members in 6th grade and above with at least 6 hours of contact time.