4-H Youth and Development
The Santa Fe County 4-H program provides a creative a supportive environment in which culturally diverse youth and adults can reach their full potential. Our local county program works to develop life skills to help young people become self-directed, productive citizens. We also work to empower adult volunteers who multiply the efforts of our local county Extension staff.
Across the country 4-H'ers are making a difference in their communities because that is what 4-H is all about. In 1912 demonstration trains sent out throughout the state to promote interests in Boys' and Girls' club Work. The train featured specialists who demonstrated new developments from New Mexico A & M (now New Mexico State University) that would improve animal and plant production as well as home economics skills throughout rural New Mexico. The train stopped at various sites, people came on board and talks were given. If there was sufficient interest shown, club work was initiated under the direction of the county school superintendent. Two years later, county agents were appointed due to funding from the Smith-Lever Act, and 4-H work became an integral and very visible part of the county Cooperative Extension program.
Local 4-H Program
Santa Fe County has 12 4-H clubs with approximately 325 registered members. Each club meets at a different time and location to accomodate the needs of their members.
- 4-Seasons - Leader: Lisa Frybarger - Meets: 2nd Friday of each month at the County Fair grounds
- Edgewood Chaparrals - Leader: Kelly Jones - Meets: 2nd monday of each month at the Edgewood Community Center
- Eldorado Buckaroos - Leaders: John & Rhonda Williams - Meets: 1st Monday of each month at the El dorado Fire House
- Mustangs - Leader: Mandy Hunt - Meets: 1st Thursday of each month
- Howling Coyotes - Leader: Shelby Fonley
- Los Amigos - Leader: Windie Burns - Meets: 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Edgewood Community Center
- Northern Stars Leader:Ann Rowlison - Meets:3rd Sunday of each month
- Rough Riders - Leader:Mercedes Kavanaugh
- Stanley Rustlers - Leader: Annabell Wall - Meets: 1st Monday of each month at the Stanley Community Center
- Trailblazers - Leader: Sue Crazyhorse - Meets:2nd Saturday of each month
- Turquoise Trail Leader:Rick Iannuci
- Wide Horizons - Leader: Cheryl Stumpff - Meets: 1st Tuesday of each month at the County Fair grounds
Additionally, Santa Fe County offers several Special Interest Clubs. In order to participate in a Special Interest Club you must be a member of one of the 4-H Clubs listed above. Special Interest Clubs may also be subject to age requirements.
- Horse Club - 4-Hers interested in learning more about horses, caring for horses, and riding horses, but do not own a horse can participate in this special interest group.
- Shooting Sports - 4-Hers interesting in learning more about Archery, Rifle, Muzzleloader, Shot Gun, and Pistol are encouraged to participate in this special interest group. This club is led by Coach Ralph Stumpff.
- Model Train - Any 4-Her interested in model trains and module construction and maintanence can join this group. This group is an on-going collaboration between Santa Fe County 4-H and the Santa Fe Model Train Club.
- Livestock Judging - Youth that have an interest in learning more about how to judge livestock will work with our 4-H Ag Agent, Christina Turner.
- Horse Judging - Youth that have an interest in learning more about how to judge horses will work with our 4-H Ag Agent, Christina Turner.
- Home-ec Bowl - Youth that have an interest in learning more about subjects relating to areas in home-ec will work with our 4-H Home Economist, Jacqueline Baca.
- Consumer Decision Making - Youth that have an interest in learning how to become an informed consumer will work with our 4-H Home Economist, Jacqueline Baca.
CONTACT
Jacqueline Baca at: jabaca@nmsu.edu. or
Christina Turner at: chrmelen@nmsu.edu