Adventure time with our youth in mind
By Rita Thompson-Tinsley
Nowadays, what’s a kid to do? How about… EVERYTHING!
Yavapai County youth have lots of opportunities for fun, adventure, learning, growing and friendship forming. Being a western community, we have dynamic organizations such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Yavapai County Junior Rodeo Association (YCJRA) where a kid can find great activities with skilled, dedicated leaders. Many of these kids become leaders themselves after graduating.
The familiar 4-H clover represents the organization’s four H’s which are included in their pledge: “I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living.”
Project leader Jessica Daugherty explains that her “4-H Horse Project is not a ‘riding club’. You learn bookkeeping, putting on demonstrations, public speaking and public service by actually serving the community.”
These 4-H programs set kids up for adulthood with an emphasis on community. They meet Thursday evenings at Chino Valley Equestrian Park where they also hold seasonal equine schooling shows. The Horse Project venue features teachings and demonstrations from professionals such as an equine dentist, a farrier or experts on horse saddles and tack. For more information, Jessica’s two clubs—Prescott Shamrock Hustlers and Ash Fork Sunsets—can be found on Facebook.
FFA (referenced from ffa.org) is the “premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.” They have a strong presence in our community with dynamic programs and structure. Former Chino Valley FFA President Jacob Vigueria shared, “FFA really gives students a place like a home away from home with outstanding premiere leadership, career success and personal growth.” As a 2026 high-school graduate, Jacob was recently voted FFA State Treasurer. And, as with many of the Ag students, he was previously involved in Chino Valley Breakaway Latigos 4-H club.
Advisor Amy Dillard comes to Chino Valley as an advisor with lots of great background in both 4-H and FFA. She is one of the three teachers who will be in the Ag classrooms. Some of the subjects to be taught are Animal Science, Equine Science, Horticulture and newly added Ag Mechanics.
The Chino Valley FFA chapter boasts somewhere around 200 members who participate in community events including the annual Corn Dinner, a long-standing tradition which brings back many alumni who help at the event. The students grow the corn and manage its processing which is harvested for the Labor Day weekend event to be served at Del Rio Middle School. Their farming operations are in the Cooper Ag Center donated by the Cooper family close to 3 decades ago. This will be the 76th Annual FFA Corn Dinner.
Yavapai County Junior Rodeo Association (YCJRA) rode into the spotlight in 2023, supporting Arizona youth 18 and under through the sport of rodeo. Bringing youth rodeo to central Arizona, YCJRA aims to keep Western Heritage alive in America and especially in the State of Arizona. Formed by community parents who grew up doing similar equine events in the Camp Verde area, the organization promotes professional conduct and good sportsmanship.
YCJRA events take place from March to September with six weekends at the Jackpot Ranch in Camp Verde and two weekends at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. They offer an amazing schedule of categories that serve as a perfect fit for each age group.
A sampling of the categories: seven and under Pee-Wee Division offers Dummy Roping, Flag Race, and Sled Dummy Steer Stopping. The Junior Division offers Breakaway Calf Roping, Girls Barrel Racing, and Boys Goat Tying. Senior Division has Steer Stopping, Girls Breakaway Calf Roping, and Chute Dogging. Go to ycjra.com for complete details.
Yavapai County continues to be a family friendly and supportive area. All these youth organizations create an outstanding springboard into the sea of life and it’s clear to see that these student club members will have great success in their future endeavors.
4-H Schooling Show
