Carson Valley Youth Day draws record numbers

A record 317 children filled the P&K Ranch on Saturday for Carson Valley Youth Day.

“I love seeing all the smiling faces on the kids and seeing the interactions between the kids and the parents here,” said Youth Day Director Steve Biddle. “They are outdoors here.”

More than 30 sponsors and 26 volunteers and came together this year to make this event happen.

Activities included learning the basics of fly-fishing, archery, safe handling of BB guns, wrist rockets, .22 rifle shot shell and the handling of a shotgun. The kids could also paint a wooden duck or fish. They could also learn about drone flying with Douglas County Search and Rescue.

“The fly-fishing and archery were my favorite,” said Abigail.

Children took pictures of themselves inside of a U.S. Army Helicopter and in a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office SWAT vehicle. They could also learn CPR at the SWAT tent.

The Safari Club International Mobile Wildlife Education Center came out for children to learn about hunting.

The children could earn free prizes by participating in the activities. Children won items such as tote bags, monster trucks, balls and water guns.

The Carson Valley 20-30 club served up a free barbecue lunch.

Each participant was entered into a raffle which was conducted at the end of the day and featured prizes such as bikes, scooters, skateboards and fishing poles. Those 12 and older could also win prizes such as a BB gun or shotgun with parents’ permission.

The event was a big hit with families.

“It is better than Disneyland,” said parent of two youth day participants Christa.

All children were able to pick out a prize this year to take home.

The adults also had a raffle that they could purchase tickets for.

Any donations from Saturday went back into Carson Valley Youth as they work to plan next year’s youth day.

“We want and plan to have even more interactive displays for the kids to do next year,” said Biddle.