Posted on May 4, 2009 - by Russell

Longhorn Youth Camp

2008 Longhorn Youth Camp

Dear Youth and Parents,

            With summer just weeks away and the last day of school is in sight it is time to be making plans for summer fun activities. I would like to suggest an activity that could be the perfect activity for the young Longhorn enthusiast, the Annual ITLYA Longhorn Youth Camp. The ITLYA Youth Advisory Committee is pleased to announce that we will once again be conducting the Annual ITLYA Youth Camp. This year’s Youth Camp will hosted by Bob and Sue Pattison at their ranch in Pocasset, Oklahoma on June 11-14, 2009. The camp is Free and Open to ALL youth that are interested in learning more about Longhorn cattle. Preregistration is required for participating in the 2009 ITLYA Youth Camp. Email russellh@longhornroundup.com to request enrollment forms.

            Plans for this year’s camp includes informative classes on halter training, animal grooming, animal health, cattle judging, Longhorn cattle traits, cattle structure, showmanship, show ring procedures and cattle handling and good sportsmanship. Let’s not forget the fun. There will be lots of games, movies, bonfires, camping out and the annual shaving cream party.

Participants and their parents may begin arriving at the Pattison’s Half Circle P Ranch at 1pm on Thursday June 11. We will be kicking things off at 5 pm with a Welcome Reception and Dinner for the participants, their parents, instructors and volunteers. For the next two days the kids will fit the ground running each morning with a full day of learning, work and fun. Activities will begin winding down on Sunday with a showmanship competition at 10 am with an awards and recognition ceremony at 11 am which everyone is invited to attend. Participants will be departing for home at about 11:30 am.    

This year’s camp will once again be an opportunity for all the youth of our Longhorn industry to come together to learn more about raising and showing this great breed but more importantly they will be creating memories and friendship that will last a lifetime. If you would like for your youngster or a youngster that you know to be part of this fun and educational event simply complete the attached forms and return them Valarie Keating before June 1^st. Camp is free (including meals) to all youth but we do require that youth 6 years and under be companied by an adult. Space will be limited and on a first come basis.

It is only through the generous support of our host, sponsors and volunteers that we are able to continue to offer the youth camp free of charge to all the youth of the Longhorn industry. It is only because of generosity of our sponsors that we are able to provide each child that attends camp with a free t-shirt.  These are always fun shirts that list our sponsors on the back and have a statement regarding Longhorns on the front.  If you would like to be a camp sponsor a donation of $75 or more will get your ranch name or website on the back of the shirts or if you would like to volunteer your time and service at camp please email russellh@longhornroundup.com. We have additional t-shirts available for the parents and siblings that are not able to attend camp at the cost of $10.00.

Happy Trails,

Russell Hooks

Valerie Keating