Children and their dogs from across the country attended the Young Kennel Club Training Camp, which began on Saturday 26 July, at Brooksby College in Melton Mowbray. Attending were approximately 80 children and 140 dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes.

Previous attendees at the camp include Britain’s Got Talent stars, Kate and Gin, who have been committed YKC members for many years and attended the camp three times. Kate’s sister, Laura May Nicholas, attended camp again this year after being elected onto the Management Team.

The annual event takes place from the 26 July to 1 August, the primary aim of the camp being to teach youngsters from the ages of 8 to 15 the responsibilities and joys of dog ownership whilst having fun. Practical activities included dog obedience training, agility, flyball and handling and the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme, while workshops were conducted by canine experts in areas such as first aid for dogs, grooming, Heelwork to Music and much more.

An additional bonus for the young attendees of the Training Camp is being mentored by older YKC members over the age of twenty who acted as team leaders throughout the week. All team leaders have undertaken a specifically designed Outward Bound course that teaches them vital leadership and team skills. This, combined with their experience in the world of dogs, provides a fantastic support network for the members training at camp.

It is not all work and no play at YKC training camp though. Evening activities for the young attendees included a scavenger hunt, games night and talent contest to name but a few.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “YKC camp provides the ideal opportunity for our young members to have fun with other like-minded youngsters, and to develop their skills in the training and care of dogs. With 7.3 million dogs in the UK it is the Kennel Club’s mission to spread the message of responsible dog ownership and we believe that this should start from a very young age. These youngsters are the future of the world of dogs and many will prove to be the stars of years to come.”

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