Wisbech teenager pitches up camp with their four-legged friends

Young dog-enthusiast Megan Slack and her canine companions kicked off their summer holidays in style with a week of ‘pawsome’ activities at the Young Kennel Club (YKC) Summer Camp.

Megan, from Wisbech, joined more than 70 other youngsters, aged between seven to 16, all with a shared love of dogs, for a week at Summer Camp at Rutland Showground in Oakham.

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.

Megan, who was accompanied by Taya, a Brittany, Arla, a German, and Dee Dee a Golden Retriever said: “I’m looking forward to making loads of new friends and all the training days this week, especially hoopers.”

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.

YKC Summer Camp is a great way for children to keep active, have fun, make new friends and take part in a wide range of dog training and social events. The programme was packed with a range of activities and evening entertainment that keeps the attendees busy from morning till 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 included a quiz night and sports evening.

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 Megan, Taya, Arla and Dee Dee, 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.”