Youth Initiative – PRCA Youth Camp
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PRCA Youth Camps
Mutton Bustin’
2023 Prescott, AZ PRCA Skills Youth Camp
The mission of PRCA Youth Camps is to provide a fun, educational, and positive rodeo experience.
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Prescott Frontier Days hosted their first Youth Camp for rodeo enthusiasts from 8 to 17 years of age. Camp curriculum included an introduction to roughstock events with an emphasis on safety, fundamentals, chute procedures, and riding equipment. The instructors, Justin Andrade and Cody DeMers, provided an overview of injury prevention, fitness, nutrition, and an introduction to PRCA business and goal setting. Instructors also provided encouragement to participants as they pursued their rodeo careers and scholastic endeavors.
To get started in the world of rodeo activities, Andrade said, “Definitely get a good education, something to fall back on.” Mentioning the need to keep physically fit, Andrade suggested that the kids take care of their bodies through exercise such as gymnastics and wrestling to keep up with the demands of rodeo athletics.
Andrade had additional advice for the kids, saying, “It all starts with you. Hang out with good kids, travel when you can, and surround yourself with winners. Try to stay off devices. Set short-term and long-term goals and treat these goals like a vision.” The PRCA also encourages injury prevention, fitness, and nutrition as the youth build their rodeo careers and scholastic endeavors.
PFD General Manager Jim Dewey Brown was pleased with the Youth Camp and noted that kids from a wide range of areas attended the camp, including Aguila, Coolidge, Kayenta, Marana, Prescott, Taylor, and Wickenburg. After the sessions, PFD volunteers treated the kids to a pizza lunch and distributed goody bags and t-shirts. Jim went on to say, “The Camp was a great opportunity for these young athletes to learn more about the rodeo and gain professional athletes’ perspective for success in the arena. Prescott Frontier Days is renewing our dedication to the youth of rodeo, creating new fans, and elevating the fan/contestant experience. The new “Youth Initiative” committee is bringing exciting and fresh ideas to engage the future of the sport of rodeo!”
“…we had a blast. Rowdy learned a lot and what I liked best was it was one on one. They worked with him on things he needed to improve on instead of as a group. I cannot think of a single thing that I had even the slightest issue with. I only wished it would have been longer or a two day event. Thank you again for putting this together for our kids!!” — Shawnee P.
It takes teamwork to make that mechanical steer cooperate! Donated photo.
Some of the bigger kids discovered saddle bronc riding. Photo courtesy of Joanna Minton.
Showing that mechanical bull who’s the boss! Photo courtesy of Joanna Minton.
Young cowboys wait their turn. Photo courtesy of Summer Logan.
Great form, cowboy! Photo courtesy of Summer Logan.
Youth Camp cowboys enjoy pizza after a long day. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Gibbs.
Pals hanging out at the PRCA Youth Camp. Donated photo.
Youth Camp kids wait for instruction and hear their safety briefings. Photo courtesy of Joanna Minton.
Gianna and Thomas Minton (top) watch the steer wrestling activities. Photo courtesy of Joanna Minton.
Youth Camp kids watch their teammates get muddy. Photo courtesy of Joanna Minton.
Hang on, cowboy! Photo courtesy of Summer Logan.
Headgear that has been worth its weight in gold.Photo courtesy of Summer Logan.
He’s proud of that buckle! Photo courtesy of Yvonne Gibbs.
Steer wrestling is hard work! Photo courtesy of Joanna Minton.
The PRCA folks were always nearby to help. Photo courtesy of Joanna Minton.
Sometimes the big kids get taken for a ride! Photo courtesy of Joanna Minton.
Jim Dewey Brown, left, and PRCA rep Justin Andrade await the start of PFD’s first Youth Camp. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Gibbs.
Youngster’s got a smile and a wave as he rides the saddle bronc! Photo courtesy of Yvonne Gibbs.
Calves are moved into position during the JSRA Junior Finals, held at the same time as the PRCA Youth Camp. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Gibbs.