Once again the Young Kennel Club (YKC) has descended upon Brooksby College in Melton Mowbray for its annual National Training Camp. The camp is for young dog enthusiasts from the ages of 8 to 15 years old, and is taking place from 24 – 30 July.

Young members, their families and their dogs are spending the week camping and caravanning on site, enhancing their skills and learning new ones, and finding out about a host of canine activities such as flyball and cani-cross.

Experienced trainers are on hand to coach YKC members in several dog disciplines, including obedience, agility, flyball, handling, heelwork to music, gundog work and the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme.

A typical day at the camp includes four one hour training sessions, a selection of team time activities and most days include a workshop or interactive educational session. The camp is not limited to learning alone though, as it also provides fun evening activities, including an Olympic-themed night, a games evening and a talent contest.

This year’s attendees have varying levels of experience of the different activities. Fifteen year old Laura is typical of attendees at camp - a huge dog lover, she is interested in going on to study canine obedience and will be using camp as a fun way to find more out about dogs and the different activities available.

Several senior YKC members aged 16-24 act as team leaders at camp after taking part in an Outward Bound course to help them sharpen up their team work and leadership skills. The camp is a great opportunity to put these skills into practice and the children taking part in camp benefit enormously from being mentored by older members of the club, who more often than not once attended camp themselves. 

The YKC is for young dog lovers aged from 6 to 24 and encourages interest in the care, training and activities associated with dogs.  Being a part of the Young Kennel Club means that members not only get the chance to meet new friends, human and canine alike, but also have the chance to learn and get involved in all things connected with dogs.

Commenting on this year’s camp, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson said: “Responsible dog ownership is hugely important to the Kennel Club and initiatives such as the YKC Training Camp create an early awareness with younger generations. Members are given the opportunity to share their interest and passion for dogs with like-minded youngsters in a fun environment which ultimately contributes to an improvement in their skills and their care of dogs.”

Ensuring that the youngsters and their dogs are keeping fit and active the camp also incorporates cani-cross, cross country running for the members and their dogs.  Cani-cross is open to youngsters and canines of all shapes and sizes and encourages the participants to live a healthy lifestyle whilst strengthening the bond between owner and dog.

To find out more about the Young Kennel Club or the National Training Camp click here.

ENDS

28^th July 2010

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