Youth Conservationist Program

Updated for 2024

The Youth Conservationist Program (YCP) strives to connect aspiring youth with established shepherds to promote the preservation of heritage breed sheep. It is an important tool in building the next generation of shepherds in the United States. Breeders donate a registered yearling ewe to the youth of their choice, based upon application answers and letters of recommendation. The program goes beyond just the physical donation of a sheep though; breeders are asked to mentor their young shepherd over the following year and beyond. From advising on management decisions to assisting in locating additional suitable breeding stock, the mentoring breeder’s value is immeasurable. Hosted annually at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, the YCP has been the foundation of many successful young flocks around the country. Many of those youth go on to be heavily involved in the industry and donate back to the program when their flocks are on their feet.

The Youth Conservationist Program is open to all youth between the ages of 9 and 18. Recipients agree to the following conditions:

  • They must exhibit their ewe a minimum of two times in the receiving year, preferably one of which being their state fair;
  • They must breed their ewe to a registered ram of the same breed in the fall of the receiving year;
  • They must utilize the ewe’s fleece, either by processing it themselves or by selling it to another crafter;
  • They must prepare a report with pictures for the donor, to be displayed the following year at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival;
  • They must promote the YCP and their breed at least once, whether through an article in their local paper or through a breed association newsletter;
  • They must be present at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday, May 5, 2024 to receive their ewe.

Applications from interested youth, along with a one-page letter of recommendation, must be submitted by April 1, 2024 Download the application here. Applications must be filled out completely and signed by both the youth and their parent/guardian.  To submit applications or inquire about the 2024 breed list, please email Lydia Smith at: .

2024 tickets and catalogs now on sale!

Tickets and catalogs for the 2024 festival are now on sale at https://mswf2024.eventbrite.com. The deadline for ordering catalogs is March 15.

Schedule of Events

Search schedule by:

Event Type

Day

New this year: If you want to get a catalog before the Festival, you must order by March 15. You can order at mswf2024.eventbrite.com/. Festival tickets are on sale there now, too! If you prefer to pay by check, you can download a catalog order form from our website at sheepandwool.org/purchase-a-catalog/; just make sure it reaches us by March 15.A limited number of catalogs will be available in the T-Shirt Sales building at the Festival while supplies last. We are now suggesting a $5.00 donation for catalogs picked up at the Festival. #mdsw #mdsw2024 ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Registration is now open at mswf2024.eventbrite.com for our Family Activities on festival weekend. Although targeted towards children, they are open to all ages. (Note: Parents of children 7 and under must stay with the child during the class.)This year's activities include:--God's Eye (Age 5+) --Card Weaving (Age 7+) --Needle Felted Hair Ties (Age 10+) --Lucet Braiding (Age 7+) --Exploring Simple Spinning (Age 5+) --Quick to Crochet (Age 7+)--Quick to Knit (Age 7+)--Needle Felted Fire Dragon (Age 7+) --Tapestry Weaving (Age 8+) --Hand Carding (Age 8+)--Needle Felted Beads (Age 10+) Spaces are limited, so pre-registration is recommended. If classes are not filled, registration at the Festival may be possible; check at the Family Activities Tents upon arrival. #mdsw #mdsw2024 #familyactivities #knit #crochet #weave #handcard #Spin #felt #lucet #needlefelt ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook