National Youth Camp

Where tomorrow's beef leaders grow

For over 30 years, the Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association has proudly hosted the National Youth Camp, an unforgettable four-day experience for young cattle enthusiasts aged 7 to 17. 

Held each January at Morgan Park, Warwick, Qld, the camp offers hands-on learning, mentorship, and plenty of fun in a safe and supportive environment.

Details

Dates: 14-17 January 2026
Location: Morgan Park, Warwick Qld
Registration Opens: Registrations are now closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions which we hope will help you to understand how the camp operates.

Families can arrive on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. Dinner is provided for everyone that evening, giving you time to set up camp, settle your cattle (if you’re bringing your own), and get organised. The educational program begins after breakfast on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 and the program is completed after lunch on Saturday, 17 January 2026.

All parents and students attend a camp briefing on Wednesday morning commencing immediately after breakfast. The Camp Coordinator runs through the rules governing the camp and conducting a safety induction. Parents are encouraged to ask questions during the briefing. Students are appointed to their relevant groups and meet their Group Leaders.

There are plenty of powered sites available at Morgan Park. Families camp in caravans, trucks, floats, swags, or tents, creating a true community atmosphere each year. There is no camping fee for these sites.

If you’d prefer to stay off-site, Warwick has a good range of hotels and motels — we recommend booking early.

  • All student meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus morning and afternoon tea — are included in the camp nomination fee. We cater for allergies and special dietary needs. Please let us know when nominating, and our kitchen coordinators will contact you before camp to confirm requirements.
  • Parents are asked to bring home made cakes, biscuits, slices etc for contribution to the canteen for morning and afternoon tea served each day.
  • Meals are available for everyone staying on the grounds and are taken in a communal, undercover area with the capacity for everyone to enjoy each other’s company in comfort in one sitting. Parents are warmly encouraged to volunteer, whether in the kitchen, office, or on-site activities. If you help in the kitchen, we ask for one meal preparation/serving shift per day. The more volunteers we have, the lighter the workload — giving parents plenty of time to enjoy camp with their children.
  • Please bring your own plates, cutlery, and utensils, clearly labelled and stored in a bag or container. Washing-up facilities and water are provided, and families are expected to clean up after their own meals.
  • Parents who choose not to volunteer are asked to contribute to the honour box located in the dining area for their meals.

Along with your eating utensils, students should bring:

  • Grooming tools, water buckets, and any equipment needed to prepare their animal for judging
  • Suitable clothing for hot weather (hats, sunscreen, long sleeves recommended)
  • Refillable water bottles (extra provided at camp)
  • Tick repellent and a habit of checking for ticks regularly

Please note: A long sleeve work shirt, polo shirt, water bottle and backpack will be provided to each child included in their registration fee.

Children aged 7 to 17 (as of the time of the camp). Whether members or non-members of the Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association, all are welcome.

Camp offers a well-rounded, hands-on education program supported by guest industry presenters. Students will gain skills in:

  • Animal care (watering, bedding, grooming)
  • Parading and assessing stud and commercial cattle
  • Rope tying and cattle safety
  • Breeding Techniques
  • Show preparation and judging
  • Public speaking
  • Photography
  • Campers are placed in small groups with experienced adult Group Leaders who mentor and supervise them throughout the program.
  • Nighttime activities are conducted every night on the main oval in front of the main shed, and children play touch football and participate in organised sporting activities.
  • Each night, professional security personnel are on-site from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am to ensure all students are safely in bed and the grounds remain secure.
  • All Group Leaders have a current Working with Children Card, and we are compliant with Child Safety Queensland Legislation and have a Child Safety Policy.
  • The SGB(A)A is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people (aged 17 and under) who participate in or are impacted by our activities, events, or services, including agricultural shows, youth programmes, and community engagement initiatives.

Yes! Parents and/or guardians must attend with their children for the duration of the camp. Many choose to volunteer, helping create the camp’s welcoming, community atmosphere.

At the end of camp, achievements are recognised with awards such as:

  • Champion Herdsperson (receives a stud heifer)
  • Age Group Champions
  • Best Student Group
  • Encouragement Awards
  • Kitchen Spirit Award

The cost is $250 per student and $200 for each additional sibling.

Complete the online application form. Places are limited to 130 students, so nominate early. Any applications beyond this number will be placed on a waiting list.

If your child has cattle that are already halter-broken and trained to lead, they are welcome to bring them. Otherwise, several of our members bring along cattle that are allocated to students who do not have their own. Each animal is assessed and allocated to suit the individual skills of each student.

Yes. Qualified nurses volunteer at the camp, and Warwick Hospital is notified in advance. In the event of an emergency, our nurses coordinate hospital visits and call ahead to ensure students receive prompt care.

Absolutely. Experience levels vary, and we ask you to note your child’s level of experience on the nomination form so we can place them appropriately.

Yes. Sponsorships and financial assistance may be available. Please contact the organisers directly for details.

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#santagertrudisaustraliayouth

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