National Training Camp

If you are looking for excitement, wanting to make new friends or enjoy the freedom to express yourself, then you are looking in the right place.  National Camp is a fun packed week held in the summer each year which provides members with the opportunity to develop their training skills as well as making new friends.

The Young Kennel Club is delighted to announce that the dates for YKC National Training Camp 2010 will be Saturday 24th - 30th July 2010.

CAMP REPORT 2009

THROUGH RAIN & SHINE THE YKC CARRIED ON CAMPING

Throughout the week we encountered sunshine, wind, showers and torrential rain but I think it is safe to say that all seventy three members and their families who took part in camp at Brooksby Hall can look back and agree that the week was a huge success.  The elements were against us for most of the week but in true YKC style nothing was going to stop the members from training their dogs during the day and showing their fantastic team spirit during social activities each evening.

There was fantastic training on offer for the members in agility, handling, obedience, good citizen dog scheme and flyball and we owe a huge thank you to all of the trainers who worked tirelessly throughout the week – and who no doubt saw huge improvements in members and their dogs on competition day.  We were also lucky enough for the first time ever to have Richard and Eileen Cook introduce the fantastic sport of CaniX .  This new activity proved extremely popular amongst dogs of all shapes and sizes and is the perfect way to get members out and about exercising with their dogs. More details of CaniX at YKC Camp can be found at http://www.cani-cross.co.uk/

Press Day on Monday was full of visitors and provided the perfect opportunity to welcome our new Chairman, Mrs Valerie Foss on site as well as receiving a talk on Happy, Healthy Dogs by Kennel Club Chairman Ronnie Irving.  We also had a visit from Wahl and two guest groomers who demonstrated for the members and their parents how to groom a Bichon Frise and a Miniature Schnauzer.

As ever the social activities did not fail to ensure that everyone was kept entertained which is where we have to mention Phil Paisey who did a remarkable job by making sure the teams spirits were kept high throughout the week.  We kicked off with Treasure Hunt which sent the teams (and cheating trainers!) around the site trying to solve cryptic clues.  The teams got off to a slow start, but once they got the general idea there was no stopping them and the management were extremely impressed with the results.

The downpours on Sunday night did nothing to dampen the spirit during Game On which featured TV favourites such as I’m a Celebrity, Are You Smarter than a Ten Year Old and Fun House. 

The Monday Blues were banished when the main marquee hosted a brand new social night Don’t Forget the Lyrics which saw the introduction of Elton Slade who set the night on fire with his medley of piano hits.  Each team fully embraced the evening by taking turns on the Team Karaoke round and then testing their music quiz knowledge.  

The weather on Tuesday held off just long enough for us to host Team Olympics with old classics such as the egg and spoon and obstacle race providing a perfect platform for members to gain invaluable points.  As well as the competitive side of the evening, there was also support for members trying hard which once again proves the sportsmanship of the members.   We couldn’t have held this night without the watchful eye of the parent helpers who helped spot the winners.

Talent Night at camp has long been a night to remember with members, team leaders and parents alike pulling out all the stops to ensure their team shines above the rest and our Welcome to Broadway evening was no exception.  Everyone involved including our evening visitors were truly astounded by the standard of the show.

Vanessa McAlpine (Kennel Club Events and Education Executive) and Pat Dufty (YKC Vice Chairman) declared James Thornton and his team Mutleys Mob the winners of the Recipe for Success competition, which means we can look forward to seeing their winning cake at Crufts 2010!

The week was finally nearing to a close and what better way to celebrate the achievements than with a glamorous awards night, which even included a red carpet!  After a long week of fighting tooth and nail to gain points, the leader board came out and Bolts Bunch had triumphed.  A huge well done to each and every member and team leader for being fantastic sports and for helping to make camp a week to remember.

As always we owe the fantastic week to the army of trainers, senior members, parent helpers, judges, the list is endless…. Without these people who give up their time free of charge to help, the camp would not be able to take place.

This year the parent helpers stepped up to their roles with enormous enthusiasm and were of a great help to the management team.  No job was too small with parents helping out as assistant team leaders, cleaning and looking after the site, recording the event by taking fantastic photographs, helping out with the brilliant social events and last but not least, the competition day – with everyone involved Camp 2009 was one to remember.

So for the next few months at least the YKC office can return to some sense of routine before we once again need to come up with weird and wonderful ways to entertain everyone next year.  We hope that you all had a wonderful time and look forward to seeing you all at future events.

Competition Day Results can be viewed on the attachment at the bottom of this page

CAMP INFORMATION

What’s it all about?
The main aim of the week is to help members to get the best out of themselves and their dogs whilst having lots of fun.  Each member has a training programme devised for them depending on their level of experience and what they want to gain from camp.

To help members get the most from camp we tailor the level of activities to ensure that no one feels out of their depth and we also look after them in small groups, giving members the individual attention and instruction they need.

Do I need any experience?
No, we cater for members who have never tried anything with their dogs to those who have been competing for years and want to brush up on their skills.  The trainers and team leaders will be there with you all the way to show you the ropes and don’t worry about being the only one who’s new – there will be loads of first time members with you.

The Team
Camp relies on the partnership between parents, members and our dedicated team of trainers and team leaders.  The trainers and team leaders are there to look after you and make sure you have the most amazing time, but not only that, they are enthusiastic and love teaching members new things

A typical day

Your day will start with breakfast before heading off for an action packed day of learning new skills with your dog(s).  Training on offer covers most interests including handling, agility, obedience, heelwork to music, flyball and the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme. A typical day will include four one hour training sessions, a selection of team time activities and most days include a workshop or interactive educational session.

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down either, as we make sure that there is lots of evening entertainment planned.  Evenings are more fun packed than ever with our all-inclusive new and improved programme of entertainment.  Each night includes activities such as games nights, discos, talent shows and outdoor events with your team.

Cost?
With so much included in our camp and so much for members to get out of them, we’re more confident than ever that we offer incredible value for money.

Each members training programme costs £225 for the week and for this they will receive at least sixteen one hour training sessions, a number of small workshops and social entertainment.

The cost of a tent or caravan pitch depends upon the size you choose, prices are per week and vary between £40 - £80, the choice is yours, dependent upon how much room you would like!