New Haven--Camp was a shear delight for the 21 kids who gathered at the Addison County Fair and Field Days site in New Haven, June 25-26, for Vermont Sheep and Goat Camp 2022.
The weekend provided an opportunity for hands-on experience handling and showing a sheep or goat to better understand what judges look for in the show ring. All participants learned about milking sheep and attended workshops on blocking and fitting, fiber, basic animal first aid, anatomy and crafting.
On Saturday night, the campers took part in a just-for-fun quiz bowl designed to test their knowledge of breeds, animal nutrition and other related topics. Sunday's highlight was a sheep and goat show where they put into practice what they learned. All campers received a certificate of participation and a feed bucket.
The camp, sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H, was open to anyone 8-18 interested in learning more about handling and showing sheep or goats. Arrangements were made for youth without an animal of their own to borrow one.
Participating in the weekend were:
- ADDISON COUNTY: Natalie Layn, Bristol; Maeve Newton, East Middlebury; Morgan McNulty, Salisbury
- CALEDONIA COUNTY: Ellie Higgins, East Burke
- CHITTENDEN COUNTY: Bristol and Remington Card, Williston; Hailey Feltz, Colchester
- FRANKLIN COUNTY: Chloe, Dalton and Emmett Bouchard, Franklin; Regan and Ryland Howrigan, Highgate Center
- ORANGE COUNTY: Emily, Madeline and Zoe Amones and Adelyn Colson, all from Chelsea; Sora and Tuli Bolles, Corinth
- RUTLAND COUNTY: Natalia Tarbell, Middletown Springs
- In addition, Joshua Lewis and Katie Monaco, both from Littleton, Massachusetts, took part in the weekend.
The camp was under the direction of Wendy Sorrell, UVM Extension 4-H livestock educator. Helping her plan and run the event were members of the Sheep Camp Committee, which included Janelle Ashley, Whiting; Brad Ferland, Fairfax; Jill Merkel, Richmond; Terri Metcalf, Addison; and Bekah Parent, Colin Siegmund and Siri and Wendy Swanson, all from Orwell.
To learn about the Vermont 4-H sheep and goat program, contact Sorrell at (802) 651-8343, ext. 513, or (800) 571-0668 (toll-free in Vermont).