The following was written by UKC Field Representative - Dale Prunty of Shinnston, West Virginia who recently made his first trip to Kids World. He really enjoyed the event. So much in fact that he took the time to write about it. Enjoy.

KIDS WORLD - BRAZIL, IN
Dale Prunty – UKC Hunting Beagle Field Representative



For several years I have heard about the Kids World Event. This year they included the Beagles so I decided to go to help out any way I could. I picked up Adam Wiseman and we were headed to Brazil. We arrived at the club Thursday afternoon and it had already started. There were large campers, small campers, tents of all descriptions and several at a motel just down the road. Later we met up with Vicki Rand of UKC and some of the Brazil Club Members and went to dinner and had time to catch up on what everyone had been doing.

Friday morning I went to the Headquarters building before 5:00 a.m. where Lila Simmons and her kitchen help had breakfast and coffee ready and they were ready to take entries for the Beagle Performance Pack Hunt with a 6:00 a.m. deadline. By 9:00 a.m. all the Beaglers had returned and it was time for the Bench Shows. The Beagles were up first and Vicki Rand did the judging. I think she really enjoyed doing it and did a very good job. Thanks Vicki for everything.

Next was the Coonhounds and I had the privilege of judging them. We had 79 entries and what a show it was! I was amazed at how well some of those kids could handle and show dogs. I can tell you we will hear from some of them in the future. Next was the Water Race, Field Trial, and Treeing contest they all had large entries and was exciting to watch.

Now it was time for some entertainment, recording artist, Jordan Carter was in the house with his band and had everyone both young and old on their feet dancing. While the band was performing the club members started carrying out boxes full of all kinds of dog supplies and dumped them in front of the stage. What was about to happen next was the worlds biggest giveaway. They gave away diamond plated dog boxes, tracking systems, shock collars, bicycles, dog leads and collars, frisbees, tee shirts, bandanas, and two wild boar hunts in Homer City, PA. No kid left empty handed.

Next it was time for the Coon Hunt. 23 casts went to the woods with a 2:00 a.m. deadline. The last cast returned just before the deadline and all but two casts had plus points with 450+ taking 1^st Place and 200+ 10^th Place. By the time all the reports were filled out and everything had been completed we had almost 400 entries just in the UKC Licensed Events.

I forgot to mention that sometime during the day there was also a watermelon eating contest, apple bobbing contest and some other contests of different kinds. With that all done it is 3:00 a.m. in the morning and it all started again in 2 hours. What a day.

What I have tried to describe is only the first day’s activities, it all starts again at 5:00 a.m. and it will be just about the same schedule. Every dog event is a UKC Licensed Youth Event and they all have deadlines. Now what kind of organization do you think it takes to get this all put together? Earlier I mentioned all the giveaways but on Saturday they passed out the scholarship money and the trophies. The scholarship money is set up on a participation points system. I can’t tell you exactly how it works but the more points they earn the more money they get. The trophies is the most elaborate set I have ever seen. They were lined up around two walls and they were huge four poster wood trophies and a lot of times they were taller than the kids that won them.

I think the adults that attended have a lot to take away with them when they have time to think about it. The kids were truly a cross section of America; different ethnic groups, different ages, from many different states all coming together and had a great time. Everyday we hear or read about kid’s being in trouble. These are kids we probably will never hear about and events like this can contribute a lot to the cause.

I think every Coon and Beagle Club should consider sponsoring at least two kids a year to Kids World. The cost would be small and the reward would be huge. The Brazil Club has an excellent campground with electric and water hook-ups, showers and bathrooms and everything you need at no charge. The biggest expense would be transportation to and from. The theme for the event seemed to be “its all about the kids” and it truly was. I just want to say thank you to my good friends Elwood and Lila Simmons and the entire Brazil Club for inviting me to be a part of this great event. What a job you did! See you all next year at Kids World.