The 2012 Youth Jamboree is once again being held at the Garrison Arena in Clemson SC from June 12-16. Our staff and clinicians have already started preparations.

We are excited to announce that Purina has graciously offered two scholarships for this year's event. Two youth will each be awarded a stall for the week, 5 bags of shavings, either 3 nights hotel lodging or 5 nights of camper hookup on the grounds and 1000 pounds of Purina feed. Everyone is encouraged to submit an application. You can also let all your friends know about this wonderful opportunity. The application and essay forms are available on the Region 12 website www.aharegion12.com or contact me directly.

Anita Hood, Equine Specialist with Purina stated "Purina Mills is interested in seeing the horse youth population grow and prosper!! As a result Purina Mills has offered 2 scholarship opportunities for the Region 12 Youth Jamboree 2012. Our young folks are the future in the horse business. It is our hope that by supporting learning opportunities like Youth Jamboree we can see young horsemen grow and develop. The 2 scholarships are to help those horse loving children that want to learn but in an economy like today's might not be able to attend Youth Jamboree without a little help!"

All entries must be postmarked by May 1, 2012. Winners will be announced at the Region 12 Championship Show in Perry, GA. The mailing address for the scholarships is: Youth Jamboree 2012 Scholarship c/o Anita Hood 3006 Notting Hill Court Conyers, GA 30094

A tremendous thank you goes out to Anita Hood, Purina Equine Specialist and Rusty Drew, Purina Georgia & Upstate SC Field Representative, for providing these scholarships. Without support from friends like these two individuals, we could not offer Youth Jamboree at the incredible level of knowledge and talent that we do.

In addition to the Purina Scholarships,, we have secured the Coca-Cola $500 Higher Education Scholarship again. This is presented to the most improved youth at the Jamboree determined by the clinicians. Region 12 holds this money until the youth graduates high school and informs us of their intent to attend a school of higher education. We presented this last year to a young lady who was just entering high school. She and her Mom were very appreciative.

The clinician secured this year are: Cathy Vincent (English, Hunter Pleasure & Equitation), Mark Jamieson (Western, Hunter Pleasure & Arab Halter), Carolyn Duncan & Cindy Tilghman (Hunter over Fences), Robin Ginn, Karen Miller & Teresa Underwood (Dressage), and Leigh Meyer & Norma Karst (Walk-trot/jog beginners and challenged riders). We also have instructors for grooming, braiding, clipping etc.

Thank you to the sponsors that have stepped up. They are AgSouth for t-shirts, WCAHA for a pizza party, Horse Videos, Dabney Mill Equestrian Centre (VA) for donating stick horses and Griff's Feed & Supply (local Purina dealer) for a lunch. All clubs, trainers and farm owners with in Region 12, your support is needed and would be greatly appreciated.

One last item of interest is that we have enlisted the local college to speak to our youth about their Veterinary Program. Tri-County Technical College's (TCTC) Dean of Veterinary Science, Dr. Margaret Champion and her Director of Curriculum, Chrystal Williams will provide a brief overview of what is available for youth interested in pursuing a Veterinarian Technician degree whether in large or small animal. Their students have secured positions with some of the most prestigious clinics in the country. Mrs. Williams was also voted the most outstanding faculty member at TCTC in 2012 and is in the running for the Most Outstanding in the State of SC. This should prove to be of great value for the parents and guardians as well as the youth.

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the 23rd Annual Youth Jamboree. I look forward to seeing you in June.