Opportunities

OverviewImportance of extracurricular activities to young peopleOpportunities available for young people in agriculture Defining successPreparing young people for adulthood and careers

Other opportunities besides showing livestock must be presented to young people.Extracurricular activities help young people gain leadership and life skills.Opportunities include:Judging contestsLivestock campsScholarshipsSkillathons Career preparation

Importance of Extracurricular Activities

Young people should know that extracurricular activities require commitment. Adults must support and encourage young people in their activities. Many young people are unsure whether they have what it takes to be leaders. Introducing young people to opportunities in agriculture can stimulate their interest.In many extracurricular activities young people can form close-knit groups.Importance of Extracurricular Activities

Leadership skills gained from extracurricular activities can be used in service learning projects.Service learning integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communitiesService learning activities help young people engage in self reflection and self-discovery, and acquire values, skills and knowledge. Extracurricular Activitiesand Service Learning

Example: A showmanship clinic conducted by senior members for younger kidsSeniors plan the event and work one-on-one with younger kids.Seniors gain communication and leadership skills. Service Learning and Livestock Projects

Participants learn to respect the leaders of organizations.Learning respect is an example of positive character education.Respect focuses on honoring the worth and dignity of others, as well as themselves.Young people learn to deal respectfully with others, even those who seem not to deserve respect.Respect Through Service Learning

There are many opportunities, such as 4-H and FFA events that occur year-round.Some opportunities allow young people to travel across Texas and the U.S.Opportunities can be competitive or strictly informational.These events acquaint young people with agricultural careers. Opportunities for Young People in Agriculture

BeefBeef Quiz BowlBeef Educational Presentation / Method DemonstrationSheep and Meat GoatTexas 4-H Goat CampHoward College Goat and Lamb CampsAggieland Lamb and Goat CampGoat Judging Contest and and Goat BowlGoat Kid Giveaway ProgramTexas Sheep and Goat Youth Leadership WorkshopSheep Skillathon Sheep and/or Goat Educational Presentation/ Method DemonstrationSheep and Goat Showmanship ClinicsOpportunities for Youth

SwineTexas Pork Producers Association Pork Leadership TourTexas Junior Livestock Association Pig CampSwine SkillathonSwine Educational Presentation/Method DemonstrationJudging4-H Livestock JudgingFFA Career Development Livestock JudgingTexas A&M University Livestock Judging CampMohair Judging ContestFFA Career Development Wool Judging ContestWool Judging ContestFor other 4-H and FFA activities see: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/index.html or http://www.texasffa.org/

Opportunities

Success the achievement of something desired, planned or attemptedFailure not achieving what you desire, plan or attempt

Success is not about winning or losing.

Defining Success

ConfidentHard workersFailure increases theirmotivation to work harderChallenge themselvesTake credit for success and take responsibility for failureCharacteristicsof Successful People

Doubt themselves and are anxiousDont work very hardGive up when things dont go wellJust go through the motions without much effortBelieve someone else controls whether they succeed or failCharacteristicsof Unsuccessful People

Adults are responsible for helping young people explore career options.Adults can help young people determine if college is right for them. Adults can help with college applications and with loan and scholarship applications. Preparing Youth for Adulthood and Careers

Adults can help young people connect with those who can answer questions about college and careers.County Extension agents, ag. science teachers and 4-H specialists can help.If given the resources, young people can see the opportunities available in agriculture. Preparing Youth for Adulthood and Careers

Career selection starts about age 10.Adults must help in the career selection process. Young people who participate in agricultural activities will know about agricultural career options. Career Selection Process

Adults should guide and encourage young people as they explore different career and college paths. Whatever path a young person takes, it is the adults responsibility to guide and support. Adults should emphasize the importance of striving for success in whatever they do. Getting young people involved in extracurricular activities associated with agriculture increases the likelihood that they will pursue agricultural careers.

Overview