Will "the Lifestyle" Continue?

Page 4

CSI Quincy

LANA initiated a very creative and innovation youth program at the LANA Expo in 2003 dubbed CSI QUINCY. Borrowing from the popularity of the television series of the same name, the very title of this program caught the attention and curiosity of the youth and engaged them from the very beginning. This year, the CSI in CSI QUINCY represented: C for confidence, cooperation and competition; S for skill, smarts and 'stick-to-it-ness' and, I for ingenuity, interdependence and improvement. The concept was to present the youth with a physical and mental challenge course complete with activities designed to increase esteem for self and others, craft team building and problem solving skills and enhance individual knowledge about llamas and the llama community at large. Competing teams were comprised equally of youth from the varying age groups. Each team was required to problem solve using their knowledge, experience and individual strengths in order to put forward the best team effort possible. The CSI course consisted of stations requiring physical effort, cooperation, knowledge and teamwork in both head to head and timed competition.

Together, one of the CSI Youth Teams works to problem-solve a challenge on the CSI obstacle course.

The 'Oracle of Knowledge' questions within one station of the CSI competition were designed to stimulate a perspective of the llama community outside of the usual youth frame of reference and to challenge youth knowledge in all facets of the llama arena including care, ALSA, LANA, ILR and greater llama community history.

Sample questions from this year's competition included:

I have a 4-year-old intact llama that was born with a crooked leg. Our vet operated on it and now the leg is straight. I am thinking about entering him in the HOBO Classic. Which statement is NOT correct?

A.  He would do well dressed as Hobo Hank in the costume class so I can enter him there.

B.  He likes to hike, so I can enter him in the Pack Class.

C.  He is quite the gentleman so I can use him in my Showmanship Class.

D.  His two brothers are here and they look just like him so I can enter him as one of the needed three for the Get of Sire Class

E.  Susie, my 12-year-old sister, loves him so she can show him in the Youth PR Class.

The answer is D. His leg has been surgically repaired therefore he is not eligible for a halter class which is required before a Get class.

A Call For Alpaca And Llama Youth Programs

The development, implementation and successful continuation of any youth program within the alpaca and llama communities requires more than an "after thought" approach. It requires true dedication, commitment and a "village" effort - a "village" of those of us in this current season willing to demonstrate imagination, effort, and commitment to support and encourage our youth of the next season. The "village approach" can easily manifest through our respective organizations by our willingness to lead by example and share ideas for quality youth programs. Through quality youth alpaca and llama programs, our youth will encounter meaningful experiences that develop life long skills and self-esteem that will serve them well throughout their personal life journey. If our youth truly represent our future, it is not only important but also indeed wise that we seriously include them in our planning for the strong and viable future in the alpaca and llama communities. It is a true investment that will pay dividends season after season.

For additional information on any of the LANA youth programs, to join and participate, please contact the LANA Administrative Office at 541-830-5262. LANA is committed to supporting youth and is happy to work with any alpaca or llama organization in partnership, networking or setting up a youth program.

LANA, Llama Association of North America

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