Youth Director's Report

Dated August 2, 2011

Editor's apology: This report was overlooked in the flood of emails - many of them junk - that came into the Quarterly Review close to or past deadline time. It wasn't noticed until I was cleaning out that email folder last week. Please accept this as an apology to the Youth Director, to the membership in general and our Junior Members in particular. I would once again remind everybody to send matter intended for the Quarterly Review only to pigeon.posts@littlewallaby.com and to refrain from sending any other emails to that address - I am trying to reserve it for emails to do with NPA and its publications material only. Thank you - Frank Povah

This is a busy time of year for the youth and their parents. Summer is actually winding down already and some shows have passed (especially 4H). Others are soon to be here. I have been getting many phone calls with questions on how to start a pigeon program, or how to take the next step. We have been busy sending information those that have requested help and information.

I have spent time working with Washington state this spring where they have a great interest in pigeons and including them in the Washington State 4H program. The volunteers are still in need of more help from NPA members and others that can help mentor their programs. They need your knowledge to share and interest their members. If you can help or think you know someone that might be able to help please contact me so we can connect you with these 4H volunteers.

Meeting with the volunteers of western region, 23 states plus Canada, was a positive experience again this year. A few more volunteers took the time to talk and consider pigeons in there project area. Some knew they had them already and were glad to get some materials to help get the project started.

Have you checked out the show catalog for the Grand Nationals in January yet? Be sure to read though the Junior information, you’ll want to ready for a great show. The show committee has been working for many hours just to get this far, it looks to be a memorable time so please plan to attend.

Whether you are a junior that is just getting started or have been raising birds for many of your young years we want to encourage you to reach out if you need any help. We would also like to hear from you, and your experiences with your birds. I encourage all youth to make your pigeon hobby(experience) your own. Take ownership of your birds, learn about them, take care of them, enjoy them. You will gain so many life skills, and a huge amount of satisfaction if you make this your personal project. Parents, grandparents I would hope you would also support this idea. You will be helping to encourage your youth, our youth, to grow and become a better adult. They may also stick around longer, or come back, if they have personal satisfaction in their experiences.

On a final note I want to say thank you to all of you that donate dollars to help pay for trophies for the youth shows. Those trophies and plaques sometimes mean the world to a youth that has never received an award. Many shows are strapped for dollars to support awards without your generous support. If you want to help donate check out what is going on in your area and see how you can help. Many programs, especially 4-H already have a source for their awards, they just need a donor to help with the cost.

Kim Bartz
NPA Youth Director