The Young Kennel Club will be returning to Rutland Showground in Oakham this summer, for a fun-filled week of activities, training and entertainment for both youngsters and their dogs.
The Young Kennel Club (YKC) Summer Camp kicks off on Sunday 31 July until Friday 5 August and will see over 60 young dog enthusiasts descend on the showground, with their canine companions in tow.
The Young Kennel Club has been running since 1985, with the first Summer Camp taking place in 1992, and 2021 saw the Camp take up residence at Rutland Showground for the first time. This year, the YKC will be welcoming back children and teenagers between the ages of seven and 16, and with festival season in full swing, the week provides a perfect opportunity for them 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 week will include the opportunity to brush up on skills across a range of dog-focused disciplines, including agility, scent work, obedience and heelwork to music, plus an educational programme that will provide information about all things canine – from dog grooming and care, to dog first aid, as well as a packed evening schedule for the humans with a sports night, quiz night and many more. Senior YKC members will be on hand as team leaders, which not only provides them with the invaluable developmental opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice, the younger members also benefit from being mentored by older members, who have been involved with the YKC for many years.
YKC members must have a parent or guardian on-site at all times, but all the family are welcome to enjoy the fun, with onsite activities including daily bingo, a puzzle café, team building games and more.
Vanessa McAlpine, spokesperson for the Young Kennel Club said: “YKC Summer Camp provides the ideal opportunity for our members to have fun with other like-minded youngsters, and to develop their skills in the training and care of dogs. With dog ownership sky-rocketing in the last few years, awareness of responsible ownership is more important than ever, and it is even more beneficial for this to start at a young age.
“Not only that, kids and their dogs are in for a really varied week of fun and games, with invaluable opportunities to socialise, train and compete alongside their companions. These youngsters are the future of the world of dogs and we expect to see many of them at Crufts in years to come!”
Parents of young dog lovers who may be interested in becoming a member of the Young Kennel Club should visit ykc.org.uk for more information.
