Discretionary funding was allocated by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors in support of the San Joaquin Junior Show & Auction Council, Inc., at the request of District 5 Supervisor Robert Rickman.
The board approved Rickman’s proposal to provide $8,250 to help cover costs for AgFest Camp.
The San Joaquin Junior Show & Auction Council, Inc. is a non-profit most known for providing the county’s youth the opportunity to exhibit their livestock and vocational projects at San Joaquin AgFest. This year’s AgFest activities run from June 12 through 20.
The Council has created AgFest Camp, designed to broaden access and opportunity for youth in the agricultural sector. AgFest Camp is a five-day summer camp experience at Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center scheduled for June 29 through July 3, 2026. Open to all San Joaquin County youth who participate in AgFest, including 4-H, FFA, Grange, and independent exhibitors, it is an effort to ensure more children can benefit from a meaningful summer camp experience, regardless of financial circumstance. At camp, students will learn animal science, plant science, as well as foundational skills such as sewing, arts and crafts, archery, canoeing and swimming.
The positive impact of AgFest Camp lasts beyond the actual camp helping young people build confidence, independence, leadership skills, and lasting connections. The one-time funding will be applied directly toward the required camp deposit, significantly reducing the per-child cost, making this opportunity more affordable and accessible to more San Joaquin County youth.
“AgFest Camp is yet another opportunity for our youth to learn life skills, build self-confidence, and enhance social skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. It is a pleasure to be in a position to support these types of programs,” said Supervisor Rickman, whose district includes Escalon.
The Supervisorial District Funds were re-established by the Board of Supervisors in the 2023-2024 Adopted Budget, to afford each supervisor the opportunity to address district-specific unmet needs. Supervisorial district-funded projects are subject to existing County policy and business practice.
