Youth Classes

When the new board started planning the all new MiAF show we knew we wanted to commit to supporting the youth in our industry.  We have many young families that are new alpaca owners, and we hope you will bring your children, for an exciting weekend of events.

For 2024 we started  offering the Golden Heart Sponsorship.  For $100 you can be a sponsor for the Youth that will be participating.  It is our goal, that all children will be able to participate for FREE, if we have enough generous donors.  See the link at the bottom of the page to make your donation.

NEWSFLASH - for 2025 we have again hired a dedicated judge just for the Youth classes,  so we will be able to handle a lot more youth.  So start working with your alpacas, and get them ready for the show.  

The three main Youth classes will start Saturday morning and continue until done.  Because these classes take quite a bit of time, we may have to limit the entries.  So make sure to enter early.  Also, be aware that other classes will be taking place at the same time in the main rings.  So it is better to enter with an animal that will not be in the halter classes, or production classes to avoid ring conflicts.   If you want to bring an alpaca as a youth only alpaca, we will waive the $25 Companion animal fee.

The Youth costume class will be during the Saturday Lunch break.  Check on Youtube for videos from other alpaca and llama shows for inspiration.  It is good to work with your alpaca beforehand, so they can be used to being dressed up.  

All entries are made in the name of the Youth. Youth Age Divisions are Sub-Junior (under the age of 8), Junior (8-11 year olds), Intermediate (12-14 year olds) and Senior (15-17year olds). All ages are as of January 1. A youth who is 7 on January 1 but who becomes 8 during the year is eligible to show in junior youth classes as of the date of their birthday.

AOA has a new point system for youth classes.  Here is general information:

https://www.alpacainfo.com/show/youth-show-point-program

More details are on Page 78 in the new show system booklet that is here:

https://d1zbsmr931x3w0.cloudfront.net/8b05-697685-show-system-handbook.pdf?versionId=Ko4PCNxK9yAbm.8d0V4uncKBawTPyv8X

To qualify for Champion Classes and Point system, the child must enter all 3 performance classes.

The showmanship class is judged solely on the handler's ability to prepare and present their alpaca at halter. The alpaca participates with the handler during the class to demonstrate the handler's preparation and style of presenting their alpaca to the judge for evaluation. The alpaca's quality is not part of the judging.. 

The obstacle class demonstrates a team effort between the handler and their alpaca through a variety of obstacles. The alpaca participates with the handler during the class to demonstrate its level of training and willingness to cooperate with the handler. The alpaca's quality is not part of the judging.

The PR class demonstrates a team effort between the handler and their alpaca through a variety of obstacles associated with public events, public appearances or parades. The alpaca participates with the handler during the class to demonstrate its level of training, poise and willingness to cooperate with its handler and is a partner in the handler’s score over the course. The alpaca's quality is not part of the judging.

Exhibitors must actively participate in the development of a costume for themselves and the alpaca that follows a theme. The class is judged on the originality and complexity of the costume. A short story to describe the characters (youth and alpaca) should be prepared. The alpaca's quality is not part of the judging.