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Ranch work, play highlights Round ‘em Up Spring camp

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Getten
  • NV JFHQ PA
CARSON CITY --  Since 1986, the Department of Defense has annually designated April as the month of the military child to recognize and celebrate the contributions of military children. To recognize the importance of the month, the Nevada National Guard Child and Youth Programs annually hosts special events during April, including its spring break day camps.

The Round 'em Up Spring day camp began Tuesday for three days of activities at a local ranch near Reno. Although it sounds like real work to adults, the 30 children ages 6-17 participating in the camp have enjoyed performing many ranching chores including horse care, stall mucking, and ride preparation. The participants had the opportunity to learn about a farrier's job and make horse hair and horseshoe craft projects.

On the first day, campers learned to ride with someone leading their horse. Today, the children are out on a short trail ride.

Throughout the week, Northern Nevada Youth Coordinator Sammy Strachan and several volunteers from the Nevada Guard community escorted the kids on their adventures.

A similar camp was held in Las Vegas last month for southern Nevada children.

The Child and Youth Programs in Las Vegas will host its Spring Fling in celebration of Military Children on Saturday. The Spring Fling will offer numerous activities for children and their families Based upon pre-registration numbers, Delana Cardenas, the program coordinator, said the event will attract more than 1,300 attendees.

Guardsmen in Nevada are encouraged to register with the Child and Youth Programs office to stay informed about youth events and activities.

For information on events in your region, call the Southern Youth Coordinator at (702) 632-0511 or the Northern Youth Coordinator at (775) 384-5805. Everyone is also invited to befriend the program at "NV NG Child & Youth Programs."