AKC JUNIOR PROGRAM
& GROUPER BENEFITS
Does your child have an innate passion for dogs or animals? Do you want to empower them with life-long skills about being responsible, empathetic and a good sport – whether winning or losing?
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The AKC Junior program offers weekends filled with fun and low-impact exercise for children. Your child and their dog can work towards their goal at their own pace - and make great memories in the process!
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The AKC Junior Program is available to ages 9 - 18 years.
All junior memberships are free in the Upper Potomac Valley Kennel Club for the year of 2024.
Children are the future of the sport of dogs and responsible dog ownership. The more they learn, the more they will grow in dog sports and as a person. The values, attitudes, and responsibility learned while competing as Juniors serve children throughout their entire lives.
If you would like to learn more, please attend our next meeting and our board will be happy to help. Many eligible sports your junior may start with their dog at home, but we can also help put you in touch with a breeder, too, should they want to pursue a sport such as conformation.
AKC PILOT PROGRAM
Prior to the program, the dog a Junior brought into the ring needed to be owned by themselves or immediate family. This meant a Junior whose family didn’t have a suitable dog either needed to purchase a dog or find someone willing to co-own. For many, this was enough to stop them from getting or staying involved.
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As of July 1st, 2022, Juniors may now compete with a dog they do not own. UPVKC can help you and your family connect with a mentor (and dog!) to start your Juniors' dog future!
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AKC Scholarships
$10,000
Field trials, hunting tests, lure coursing, earthdogs, coonhound events, herding, and scent work.
Performance Events Junior Scholarships
up to
$10,000
Agility, Obedience, Rally, and Tracking
Companion Events Junior Scholarships
up to
$10,000
Conformation
Junior Showmanship
Scholarships
up to
$1,000
These 4 Awards are based on nominations by a child's parent, unique to k-8 and grades 9-12.
AKC My Canine
& Me Award
up to
Grouper: Benefits with Friends
for members 65 and older
Participating in clubs offers physical and mental health benefits because they help us build important social networks. Spending time with friends who share our passion for dogs can bring far-reaching benefits including lowering the risk of cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety and even disease. Health insurance companies know this, too.
Grouper works with health insurance companies to help eligible members access something called Activity Benefits. Some insurance plans will reimburse members for being part of an official group – like the Upper Potomac Valley Kennel Club. If you are 65 or older and have a Medicare supplement plan like Medicare Advantage or some other types of insurance, Grouper will determine if your club dues can be reimbursed to you! Then, over the year, you can be further reimbursed for being active in the club. Eligible members will receive an initial payment of $50 and an ongoing activity payment of $20 for every 3 months of activity. There is no cost to join through qualifying health plans.
SOCIAL
The more socially connected we feel, the better our health.
MENTAL
Mental stimulation promotes brain health.
GROUPER
BENEFITS
PHYSICAL
Staying physically fit aids emotional, cognitive-and physical-health.