A FOLLOW UP WITH THE YOUTH GROUPS

Arizona:
At the beginning of the year, we told you about one new AU Junior Club and other youth activity. Here is an update on their progress.

The Tucson Desert Squeakers completed their first race in April this year. Fourteen -year-old Andrew Crook was first with a speed of 896.711 ypm. The race birds were released at the Pima County Fair. The Squeakers received a great deal of local support during the fair.

The Tucson Desert Squeaker members kept careful records during the time leading up to the race. Cowboy asked them to make notes of their experiences. Their comments indicated their learning process as they prepared for race season.

The kids look up to their mentor, Cowboy Lorefice, and fellow Tucson Fancy Pigeon Club members that are guiding these prot駩s into racing success. As a result of the fair promotion, new adult members will be joining the Tucson Desert Squeakers this coming year. So far, five adults want to learn and work with the kids. They have had their first meeting and should be started by sometime around October.

Kentucky
Tim Fisher is continuing his efforts with 4-Her's in Bowling Green. During April, Tim conducted three seminars during the "2002 4-H UK/WKU Agriculture Exploration Day" sponsored by The Mammoth Cave Area 4-H and Western Kentucky University. More than 700 youth attended. Tim utilized the AU display for an exhibit, along with presenting seminars. Nine youths attended two of the seminars and fourteen attended a third. The 4-H Extension Agent has invited Tim back for next year. The children said Tim's was their favorite session and that they would be signing up for that one next time.

Tennessee
Over in Nashville, the Thompson Lane Boys and Girls Club is off to a great start with their new loft. Local fanciers, Jim Pancake, Gary Norris and Jerry Myatt have responded as builders and mentors for the youth group. They are shown here in the building process. Boys and Girls Club Director, Vic Lutz, assisted in the building process, and as you can see in the photograph, the kids pitched in too.

The builders are pleased to share their loft plans and pictures of how the building of the loft progressed. You will find them on the AU web site at www.pigeon.org, under Sport Promotion, AU Press Releases. Click on the link "Racing Pigeon Loft Project."

California A new group has just started. The Pigeons of Paradise club members have begun work with local 4-H youth. They hope to have the kids set up with young birds by Thanksgiving and complete two races before the group dismisses in June 2003. Pigeons of Paradise will sponsor the junior member race fees. They have also solicited state judges to participate in a show. We are looking forward to hearing good things for this group.

We will revisit these groups from time to time to make note of their progress. Our members deserve a big hand for their efforts.