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 (Shiprock Tribal Extension)

Plan Goal

Develop life skills in youth and 4-H members in Northern Agency on the Navajo Nation reservation through special interest: School enrichment, Competition, Workshops, Outreach, Record Books, County Council, and anything related to youth programming.

Situation Statement

Youth development should meet 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. Therefore, the Shiprock tribal extension will make every effort to ensure that every youth involved, either in a 4-H activity - or other youth activity - will have the opportunity to participate in an activity 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 Shiprock tribal extension 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

Youth ages 5-19 are targeted to learn life and citizenship skills through: Project Work, Special Interest Groups, Workshops, School Enrichment, Competitive Events, Community Service, Public Speaking, County and State Fairs, and Club Elected/Appointed offices.

Short-Term Objectives

During the 4-H program year, youth involved in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.

During the 4-H program year, of youth involved in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

During the 4-H program year, 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, 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, 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, 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.

Medium-Term Objectives

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.

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.

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.

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.

Long-Term Objectives

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.

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.

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.

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.

Evaluation Plan

Event/Workshop Evaluations: Evaluations will be conducted through surveys conducted after workshops and major events. Surveys are designed to measure effectiveness of program, life & leadership skills learned and self-concept of youth participants. These could be like a pre and post test.

County Record Books submitted by 4-H youth will provide tools for evaluating the long term effects of programming on life skills, public speaking, leadership and citizenship, as well as future and career plans of 4-H members.

Annual 4-H Enrollment Report: The annual enrollment report will include statistics on project enrollment by clubs within the county.