Local children pitch up camp with their four-legged friends

Three local children have kicked off their summer holidays in style with a week of activities at the Young Kennel Club (YKC) Summer Camp.

Young Crufts star Darcie Fleming, 10, of Milnrow, was joined by her canine companions Domino, a whippet, and Checkers, a papillon, whilst siblings Amelia and Ivan Banham, of Rochdale, were joined by their two Hungarian vizslas, Ginnie and Rosa.

Darcie and Domino – known professionally as Kentwone Darkest Star – landed fourth place in the Crufts Young Kennel Club handling class in March, and have also qualified for next year’s prestigious dog show.
 

Read more: Milnrow Crufts star qualifies for next year’s prestigious dog show after series of winsPublished: 15 May 2023

The trio joined more than 70 other youngsters, aged between 7 to 16, with a shared love of dogs, for a week at Summer Camp, held from 30 July – 4 August at Rutland Showground in Oakham, Rutland.

The showground was transformed for a week as the young dog lovers took over, having fun whilst learning skills with their dogs and keeping them both healthy and active.

The programme was packed with a range of activities and evening entertainment that keeps the attendees busy from morning to night.

 

 

A typical day at the camp includes four one-hour training sessions for the children and their dogs and a selection of team time activities, with some days also including a workshop or masterclass from dog experts.

Evening activities includes a quiz night and sports evening.

Amongst plenty of social activities, the campers had the chance to train their dogs in canine activities including handling, agility, scent work, obedience and heelwork to music.

Speaking during the week, Darcie said: “I’m really looking forward to doing hoopers this week. I love being a YKC member, especially getting to go to Crufts.”

Amelia said: “My favourite thing about being a Young Kennel Club member is getting to spend lots of time with my dog.”

 

 

Ivan added: “I love training my dog and I’m looking forward to doing more of that this week.”

Helen Kerfoot, spokesperson for the Young Kennel Club said: “We look forward to YKC Summer Camp every summer, it’s a real highlight of the year. We were delighted to welcome so many of our members, including Darcie, Amelia and Ivan, who enjoyed a busy and varied week of fun and games, as well as plenty of opportunities to train and compete alongside each other.

“Equipping youngsters with the knowledge and awareness of what it means to be a responsible dog owner is so important, especially at a young age and, not only does Camp offer that, but the skills, knowledge and friendships that are created here can last a lifetime and are so important at encouraging the next generation into the wonderful world of dogs.”