The Young Kennel Club (YKC) Summer Camp is returning to Rutland Showground for a week of canine camp fun.
Young dog lovers and their four-legged friends are gearing up for another exciting start to the summer holidays in Rutland. The annual YKC Summer Camp is set to return to Rutland Showground for the fourth consecutive year, from Sunday 28 July to Friday 2 August. The camp will welcome over 80 young dog enthusiasts along with their canine companions for a week filled with activities, training, and entertainment.
The Young Kennel Club, which has been running since 1985, held its first Summer Camp in 1992. Since 2021, the camp has been hosted at Rutland Showground. This summer, the YKC will once again offer children and teenagers aged seven to sixteen the chance to enjoy a holiday with their dogs. The camp aims to keep participants active with social events and various training activities with their pets.
Action-Packed Week of Activities
The camp’s schedule includes opportunities to enhance skills across a range of dog-focused disciplines. New for this year is a competition day, alongside activities such as agility, hoopers, obedience, and heelwork to music. An educational programme will provide information on dog grooming and care, and The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme. Evenings will be packed with entertainment, including a sports night, talent night, quiz night, and more.
YKC volunteers will serve as team leaders, offering invaluable developmental opportunities to practice their leadership skills. Younger members benefit from mentorship 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 family members are welcome to enjoy the fun with activities such as daily bingo and a camp fun run.
A Highlight of the Summer
Helen Kerfoot, spokesperson for the Young Kennel Club, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming camp: “We are looking forward to welcoming our members to YKC Summer Camp, both new and those returning once again. It is a real highlight of the summer and helps to equip young dog lovers with the knowledge and awareness of what it means to be a responsible dog owner.”
She added, “Of course, there will also be plenty of fun and games, and opportunities to socialise, train, and compete, as well as gain lifelong friendships.”
Parents of young dog lovers who are interested in becoming members of the Young Kennel Club are encouraged to visit the YKC website for more information. The camp promises to be an enriching experience, blending education, training, and entertainment for both the youngsters and their beloved pets.
Image by Eleanor Riley and The Kennel Club.
