The Navajo County Fairgrounds in Holbrook hosted its 14th annual Arizona Livestock Camp last week. The three-day event, spanning from July 5-7, aims to help children learn the complexities of showmanship and animal care. Steven Lackey and Rusty DeSpain coordinate the event, with committee members traveling from Yuma, Joseph City, Holbrook, Phoenix and Colorado.
Camper Erin Evans of Flagstaff was able to enjoy her fifth year of camp with her four-month-old lamb, Clancy. “People think it’s a hard, stressful job with a lot of work but honestly [lambs] have great personalities and they’re fun to work with so it definitely takes the stress level down,” she stated.
Throughout the week, the kids prepare for competition that include four species, cattle, sheep, goats and hogs. The event is a boon for the community who stay in local hotels, dine at restaurants and purchase goods. The kids generally camp at the fairgrounds and a dance is held during the week. The event is a great opportunity for kids to come together with a shared interest and to develop valuable skills.
According to Lackey, the camp had 138 participants this year with ages 21 and younger. “Kids can join as soon as they start walking,” stated Lackey. Camp goers come from all around the country, with representation from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and as far as Oklahoma.
