Registration is now open for Gopher Dairy Camp, which will be held June 20-22 on the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus.
The Gopher Dairy Club hosts the camp in cooperation with the Minnesota 4-H Dairy Project Committee and the Minnesota Livestock Breeders’ Association. Its goal is to provide youth with the opportunity to strengthen their dairy knowledge and skills and network with other dairy youth who share their interests.
Gopher Dairy Camp is open to all youth who have completed grades 6-9 but have not yet started grade 10. Held Thursday through Saturday, the camp offers unique workshops, which will allow attendees to excel in the show ring, improve their fitting skills and grow their knowledge of dairy technology and dairy-related fields.
Those who attend will be housed in Frontier Residence Hall on the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. Staying in Frontier will be an excellent opportunity for students as it has more restrooms, air conditioning, private rooms and security. Frontier is also only reserved for youth camps throughout the summer.
The primary focus areas of the camp are calf selection, showing preparation of dairy cattle and showmanship. Campers have the opportunity to select a calf from the St. Paul dairy herd via the Gopher Gold Auction and prepare that calf for showing. Through this experience, the campers will have the opportunity to collaborate with other dairy-loving youth.
Professional cattle fitters will be on-site for demonstrations and hands-on assistance in clipping and show ring preparation. On the final day of the camp, a showmanship contest will allow campers to showcase what they have learned.
Throughout the camp, a number of social mixers are offered, including icebreaker activities and a visit to Grand Slam Sports in Burnsville.
Registration is $75, which includes the cost of housing, meals and camp materials.
If you have any questions, contact co-chair Gracie Ash at 320-260-7719 or ash00033@umn.edu.