The Western District Youth Camp has been revived for 2024 to introduce a new generation of young people to the world of dairy cattle.
The camp at the Noorat Showgrounds from January 3-5 is the first since 2020 and is fully subscribed with 50 people aged 8-16 attending from Gippsland, Northern Victoria, South Australia as well as locally.
It is being supported by major sponsor DemoDAIRY Foundation.
Organising committee member Lucy Collins said the new-look camp had returned with a broader emphasis.
“Historically the camp had a strong focus on teaching children to show cattle but this year’s event has been expanded into a more inclusive opportunity for young people to be exposed to cattle handling, care and husbandry,” Ms Collins said.
“It’s much more than just showing and there is a strong focus on farming careers.”
Traditionally there was a close affiliation with Holstein cattle but this year’s event also includes Jerseys and other breeds.
Ms Collins said there was strong demand for the camp. “Unfortunately, we had to turn some people away, which is indicative of the appetite for learning about cattle and to have this type of experience with other young people,” she said.
Most of the participants have some farming background but some are being introduced to agriculture for the first time.
“It’s about connecting kids to other kids to share similar experiences and interests and also expose young people who haven’t had the opportunity to experience the agricultural lifestyle,” Ms Collins said.
The local organising committee includes formers participants in the camp. “They have benefited from the camps in the past and have now volunteered to share their experiences as group leaders.”
Ms Collins said the organising committee was grateful for the contribution from major sponsors Demo DAIRY Foundation.
“The DemoDAIRY Foundation support has been an essential part of reinvigorating the event,” she said.
Visit the DemoDAIRY Foundation website https://www.demodairy.com.au or contact DDF secretary Ian Teese on 0427 358987 or itag@bigpond.com for more information on DDF.