American Racing Pigeon Union

Contact: Deone Roberts; 405-848-5801; aupromo@aol.com

WORKING WITH YOUTH GROUPS

Arizona

Junior racing clubs are starting to pop up now across the country. AU members expressed an interest in mentoring or sponsoring all-junior clubs. Not only do they feel a sense of giving back to their communities, but they genuinely like working with children and making a difference in their lives. Cowboy Lorefice, President of the Tucson Fancy Pigeon Club is doing just that. During AU's 2001 convention, Cowboy presented 17 new AU junior memberships. This new club will go by the name of the Tucson Desert Squeakers. This effort is nothing new to Cowboy, who procured a copy of the Indiana 4-H Pigeon Resource Manual and coupled that with his own project outline and set of instructions to guide young novice flyers into the racing pigeon world. These kids will be preparing for the very first 4-H Pigeon Race at the Pima County Fair in Arizona, April 19, 2002. They will be required to purchase racing stock, raise a set of squabs, properly band the squabs, train the racing stock from the fair grounds to individual homes and remain active members of the Pima County 4-H. They have received specific instructions for the big race on Sunday. Race birds will be released with other local racing pigeons, from the Tucson Desert Invitational and the Arizona Valley Invitational Racing Pigeon Clubs, to add to the excitement and camaraderie of the event. During the event, 50% of proceeds from an auction will go to pigeon project member scholarships and 50% will go to race winners. These birds will also be entered in the Open Pigeon show at the fair. Cowboy wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to children. States Cowboy, "I regard this hobby as one of the greatest in the world and one that can be enjoyed anyone, regardless of sex, age or disability. Whether it is the thrilling world of Racing Pigeons or the satisfaction of the competitive nature when you have raised the perfect breed, this sport is for all. I think about these older, wiser, fanciers and regard them as walking books of wisdom. They are the true fanciers, the ones who remember the days when you never missed a race or a show. They traded birds rather than selling so that everyone could raise a good strain. They all shared a common goal, the sport of raising and racing pigeons and making this sport the best it could be. I know here at the Tucson Fancy Pigeon Club, we are trying to bring back some of the basics". To begin with these new junior members are invited to the Tucson Fancy Pigeon Club meetings and are given names and phone numbers of club members to serve as mentors, to nurture them, to pass on knowledge and know how, to share experiences, to share failures and to share birds. Tucson Fancy Pigeon Club members are helping to make this fun and helping make it a reality that there will be someone to pass this great hobby on to future generations. Cowboy says, "Let's get these kids to shut off their video games and learn to explore a whole new exciting world. Why watch a video screen when you can gaze at the heavens and watch your birds gracefully fly. Soar with their birds to a new height far above the clouds. All the knowledge you possess, pass on to these fine young people who are exploring the possibility of raising pigeons. Although I know a lot about showing and racing pigeons, I truly realize that no one knows it all. I enjoy my birds and am eager to share my knowledge and experience with anyone who asks. The most important thing is that everyone who does participate this year has fun learning about these fascinating birds and takes this learning experience with them wherever they go."

Kentucky

Across the country, in Kentucky, you will find Tim Fisher in Bowling Green. Armed with materials from AU, he has introduced Kentucky 4-Her's to the pigeon world. Tim began by showing the video "Marathon In The Sky". He shared information regarding housing, feeding and care for the birds and invited members on a new adventure. 4-H leaders became interested. For several months, Tim was written up in the 4-H newsletters. Then local television featured the information on Monday mornings. Now Warren County is starting up a 4-H Homing Pigeon Club. When asked about sharing his passion with the children, Tim says, "It's some of the most fulfilling work I can do, helping kids get started. We're still in the process of forming a club. One extension agent in the area is really interested and surrounding area agents are interested. Since I enjoy the kids, it's a great way to share my hobby." Tim also has a pigeon project prospect at a local school. During one of Tim's school presentations, the teacher expressed an interest. With new information from the American Racing Pigeon Union, Tim will be able to offer guidance and suggestions for the project.

Tennessee

Not too far from there, the oldest Boys and Girls Club in Nashville, Tennessee, investigated the world of Racing Homing Pigeons. With assistance from the AU materials, the organization has had a chance to get acquainted with the hobby. Local flyer, Jim Pancake, and fellow club members, started first by building a loft for the kids. According to Pancake, "It is sturdily built with treated lumber donated by a local lumberyard and will have 48 perches and cedar siding. Target completion date is March 1. Every racing pigeon club member will donate 2 birds to get the kids started." We will continue to monitor the results of these clubs and keep you posted. The American Racing Pigeon Union has a lot of materials that will help you start an all-junior club or work with youth groups. This information doesn't cost a thing and may make a huge difference in your club and community.