Young Kennel Club Summer Camp returns to reunite young dog lovers for fun-filled week

The Young Kennel Club (YKC) is pleased to announce that its popular YKC Summer Camp will take place this year, following last year’s event, which was held online due to Covid-19.

Open exclusively to YKC members aged from 7-16, the camp is a perfect opportunity for children and teenagers to enjoy a holiday with their dogs, whilst also keeping active, joining in with social events and taking part in plenty of training activities with their four-legged friends.

The YKC Summer Camp has been running since 1992 and was set for an action-packed return in 2020, the first in six years, but was sadly cancelled in its physical form in order to ensure the safety and security of participants, spectators, volunteers and staff.

Thankfully, this year’s camp is set to return, based on the covid-19 guidelines, and will be held at Rutland showground in Oakham from Sunday 1 August – Friday 6 August. As well as reuniting the members, many of whom will have not seen each other in over a year, the week will also include the opportunity to practise a range of canine activities including agility, scent work, obedience and heelwork to music, as well as a full social schedule with team-building games, barbeques, a quiz night and a sports evening.

YKC members must have a parent or guardian on-site at all times, but all the family are welcome to enjoy the fun.

Ben Ashcroft, Young Kennel Club Chairman, said: “We are delighted to see YKC Summer Camp return this year. It was a real shame we weren’t able to hold the event in person last year, but both our hard-working staff, volunteers and members really persevered to make the most of such an unprecedented time.

“Of course, nothing can compare to being reunited with friends in person, so we are so pleased that our members will once again be able to get together and have fun with their friends, something which the YKC is renowned for.

“Kids and their dogs are in for a really varied week of fun and games, with invaluable opportunities to socialise, train and compete alongside like-minded companions.”

Young dog lovers who are interested in attending summer camp should visit the YKC website to find out about becoming a member.

The price for one member and family attending, including camping pitch, is £350 for a non-electric pitch and £380 for an electric pitch (including five nights camping and involvement in the training and social programme). If a sibling who is a YKC member also wishes to attend, their cost of training and team activities will be £180. YKC members wishing to attend the camp can reserve a place.