4-H Around the World Skill-a-Thon: Study Guide and Forms

General Rules: This contest will be held in a timed format with alternating practicum stations. Each contestant must work independently on their worksheet. They cannot confer with each other. If questions arise, they need to be directed to the contest officials only. If requested, a contest official is allowed to read questions out loud for youth contestant(s). Individuals can compete in only one age category for high point junior and senior awards for the 4-H year. Ties will be broken by scores from animal ID, equipment ID, and herbs, fabric, and feeds (in this order). Parents and other adults are not allowed in the skill-a-thon testing area, unless they are serving in a volunteer role for an event station. The contest will be scored for high point awards. Stations and quiz scores will be combined to determine total score. Worksheets will be graded by extension staff; their grading is final. Contestants are not allowed to have any electronic devices on their person during the contest. Rule violations may result in disqualification. Ages:

The Navajo Nation, the largest American Indian tribe in the United States, spans more than 27,000 square miles across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah and includes over 300,000 enrolled members. Recent research has shown significant declines in Navajo language use have occurred over the past four decades. While 51% of adults speak Diné at home, only 4.5% of children ages 5–17 do so, underscoring urgent cultural revitalization needs. Research indicates that 4-H programming in Indigenous communities is limited and often lacks cultural components critical to belonging, such as language, place, and tradition. A literature review conducted by Farella et al. (2021) found only 13 articles contained information regarding 4-H programming efforts in Indigenous Communities.

In response to community requests, Agent’s prioritized culturally grounded, non-formal 4-H educational efforts integrating Diné language, cultural knowledge, and Indigenous ways of knowing. Guided by Hartman and Martin’s (2021) framework—centering community goals, collaborating with local cultural leaders, and creating relevant pedagogy—the adapted programming sought to strengthen cultural connectedness, belonging, and positive youth development. Culturally integrated 4-H programs support youth identity, resilience, mental health, and academic success while sustaining traditional knowledge. These efforts ensure equitable access to high-quality youth development opportunities for Navajo youth and reflect a holistic, community-driven model for culturally responsive Extension programming in tribal communities.