Holiday fun and early starts
NO ONE complained despite the 6.30am starts mucking out stalls in the below-zero conditions at Warwick Showgrounds.
Frozen water pipes, swags rolled out in a chilly pavilion and dozens of cattle to care for isn't everyone's idea of the perfect way to spend the school holidays.
But for more than 50 young people camping out in the Rose City for the 2012 Queensland Charolais Youth Conference, last week was the ultimate experience.
They came from across Queensland and New South Wales for the four-day camp, which catered for participants aged six to 20 with equally varied levels of experience.
Steven Skillington, who was involved in co-ordinating the camp, said it was a valuable way to introduce young people to the charolais breed, as well as to the rural industry.
"The rural industry needs more young people so we need to do everything we can to encourage kids to get involved," Mr Skillington said.
"The kids we had this week were brilliant; they got up before we did, even though it was freezing.
"And they were really keen to learn.
"We try to structure it so they are grouped in similar experience and ability levels, so we can make sure our camp program is suitable and interesting for them."
Mr Skillington said the camp was also well supported by industry, with several local studs as well as interstate operators supplying livestock.
"We had eight charolais studs supply cattle for the camp, which was great," he said.
"People like Steve Hayward and Kellie Smith and Bernard and Janice Hayward, from Advance Charolais at Allora, have been very strong supporters of events like this.
"Stud owners definitely recognise the importance of teaching young people about our industry."
Geoff Willett, from Maydan Feedlot, also opened his gates to the older participants from the camp, exposing them to the commercial aspects of the beef sector.
Meanwhile the youngest participants in this year's camp were quick to highlight their favourite aspects of the four-day program.
For eight-year-old Connor Gallen, from Oakey, the highlight was "learning about cattle" and - believe it or not - "helping clean the stalls and feed them".
Bowenville's Rhys Branson, 13, loved parading and getting to know "the animal you were working with".
"They are all different you know, so it helps to handle them before you start parading and stuff."
While Chelsea Hartwig, 11, from Dalby, said making new friends and camping was "excellent" even in winter.
"It's been a bit cold but once you start working you don't even notice it."
Hamish Allitt, 9, came up from Wee Waa and admits before the camp he didn't know much about leading cattle.
"I had a lot to learn but it's been fun. I would definitely do it again."
For Brianna Meacle, 11, from Clifton, the cattle camp was a chance to learn new skills.
"You always learn new things because there are different instructors," Brianna said.
"It's good too because each time you find out new ways to prepare cattle for parading competitions."
This was the second consecutive year the Queensland Charolais Youth Conference has been held in Warwick.
