The 2019-2020 4-H state leadership team, shown here at last year’s state conference, will be saying farewell to the senior 4-H members during the virtual state conference. They are, from left to right, Evan Webster, president; Kaitlyn Kircher, parliamentarian; McKenzie Luna, reporter; Taylor Moore, secretary; Helena Ramirez, vice president; Alyssa McAlister, treasurer; and Randy Halvorsen; song and recreation leader. (NMSU photo)Thinking out of the box is the new norm since the arrival of COVID-19.
New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service professionals, both county agents and state specialists, have been finding ways to provide programs and services to their clientele, since they are restricted from having large group events.
“It is exciting to see the Extension professionals planning events,” said Laura Bittner, interim department head of 4-H Youth Development. “They have come up with creative solutions to provide opportunities for the youth to participate.”
Annually during the summer, 300 senior 4-H members ages 13 to 18 spend a week at NMSU attending the organization’s state conference. This July, they are at home participating in the general sessions and workshops virtually.
“It is disappointing because part of the excitement of state conference is getting to go to Las Cruces and seeing everyone in person,” said Alyssa McAlister of Portales, state 4-H treasurer. “But this year is exciting because we have so many more opportunities and different things that we can do virtually than we could have done in person.”
The conference got underway Monday, July 13, and runs through Wednesday, July 15, with the general sessions held in the evening and workshops during the day.
“We will have our normal election and installation of state officers and the passing of the Green Jacket from the current state leadership team to the newly elected individuals, as well as inspirational message from the outgoing officers,” said Cheryl Butterfield, NMSU Extension state 4-H agent.
Keynote speaker Barbara Chamberlin and county delegates voting for the new state officers will be live, while the message from the current officers will be prerecorded.
“We don’t want connection glitches to be a problem for this portion of the program,” Butterfield said.
Interactive workshop session topics include “The Bullying Breakdown: Where Will You Stand?”; creating a podcast; “So you want to be a … How do you plan to get there?”; project development 101; “We will be here for you;” and “The Mindful Theft” interactive mystery.
State 4-H Conference is typically held every July on the NMSU Campus. During the conference, 4-H members participate in contests, workshops, evening sessions, an awards ceremony, and the election of new State 4-H Leadership Team. Those eligible to attend State 4-H Conference are senior 4-H members who participated and qualified at county contests, officer candidates or members of the State Leadership Team.
4 H empowers young people with leadership skills. It’s a research-based experience that includes a mentor, a hands-on project, and a meaningful leadership opportunity.
Young people experience 4 H through school and community clubs, in-school and after-school programs and 4 H camps. Programs are available for kids and teens ages 8-18. 4-H Cloverbud programs are available for kids ages 5-7.
Based on their interests and guided by adult mentors, youth develop their own pathway in 4 H. They select from a broad menu of local 4 H programs. There are hands-on, learn-by-doing, opportunities for everyone.
For information on joining 4-H, visit https://extension.nmsu.edu/youth.html or contact the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service office in your county.