Life Changing Experiences Include More Than Rodeo at Royalty I.D. Camp

Many pro-rodeo athletes are known for what they do on the dirt, inside the arena, what they win.

Tie-down roper, King Pickett is no stranger to the leaderboard. Winning the wildcard Round in San Antonio, the All Star rodeo in Denver, and Cody, Wyoming, as well as making The American Rodeo Finals are just some of his 2023 accomplishments in the arena.

What Pickett does outside of the arena away from the lights and crowds is nothing short of life altering.

In 2020 during the pandemic while rodeos were on hold Pickett took to social media, encouraging kids to defy their limitations and situations, becoming a motivational platform for him.

Fast forwarding to 2023 Pickett along with his father, Charles, and help from fellow tie-down roper and 9-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, Cory Solomon, founded Royalty I.D Camp.

The debut year for the camp encourages kids to "write their royalty" - that their identity is royal no matter their situation. Partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture, Pickett was able to not cut any corners and put on this life changing opportunity.

Over a total of 72 days freshman through seniors in high school that have gone through the application process will be fully immersed in the life of agriculture. Most of the campers come from inner cities or from situations where they would not get such an opportunity to experience the lifestyle.

The campers are on a tight schedule to learn structure and discipline, as well as how to function in a job-like work day. Thanks to the partnership with the USDA all of the campers are considered a paid intern of the government and receive pay as a government employee, considering the camp a Pathway Program.

Of course with Pickett and Solomon hosting the camp, the teens get a first hand experience of ranching, riding horses, tie-down roping, caring for the animals, and more, though this is just a small part of what goes on at Royalty I.D.

Over the course of the camp the students will meet with finance teachers, personal trainers, agricultural teachers, communication coaches, professional golfers, and so much more. The main focus is on agriculture to learn about range conservation, natural resources, and management just to name a few.

"One of the most important things is that they learn to work together, as a team. That's 30 kids together," said Macee Pickett, Executive Director of the camp and wife of King Pickett.

The USDA has created this public-private partnership with the Picketts to invest in the kid's futures and to open the door to various jobs in agriculture, while encouraging them to explore any other options.

"It's unlike anything that's ever been done before," Charles Pickett said.

Not only does the USDA provide internships and experience for a future in the USDA, but also provides grants and opportunities to minorities and minority farmers, (including but not limited to women, African-Americans, and Native Americans.)

"There's so many kids that don't know anything about agriculture, especially kids that look like me," said King Pickett. "But if I can use myself to draw them in and get their attention, then I can show them what all they can do and achieve."

By tripling their resources for 2024 the Picketts are hoping to also triple the amount of kids that can participate at their camp, as well as multiple camps across the country. Kids are already traveling from various states, such as Oklahoma and Mississippi to come to Royalty I.D in Weatherford, Texas.

This was some of the students first opportunity to travel outside of their hometown and the experience. After spending 38 days at the camp in Weatherford, the students then had the opportunity to go to Michigan and work directly with conservation efforts in state parks.

The Picketts also took them to Cheyenne, Wyoming to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, for some campers it was their first time to fly in a plane. While in Cheyenne they got to watch the rodeo,and speak to other tie-down ropers such as, Riley Webb and 14 time NFR qualifier Tyson Durfey.

Some campers came with brief understanding of roping and being around horses, while others were fresh on the scene.

"It's amazing how the kids connected to the horses, and to King," said Charles Pickett "They come here and experience all this and see that this is possible."

No matter the circumstances the teenagers come from they all have the chance to bond with the horses and train with King Pickett and Solomon in tie-down roping. One of the campers, Chris Davis, grew up around roping but through Royalty I.D. he was able to grow in his skill.

"They built my confidence, I went from roping in 22 seconds to around 9 seconds," Chris said, "We got to ride their personal horses, It was incredible. I have been watching them on TV since I was little. My character was improved, we learned how to speak properly in interviews, do financial work, and do our own personal counseling through the horses."

It was a truly life changing experience for all of these teenagers.

"This gave Chris and the other kids opportunities that they would've never been able to have. King mounted these kids out on his pro-caliber calf horse and still checks up on all of these kids," said Robyn Brooks, Davis's mom. "Chris came home and still puts everything he learned into practice, while his brother, sister and other kids watch. He doesn't even realize the positive effect he has on them."

Royalty I.D. is making waves in the lives of teenagers across the country in a way that has never been done before. Paying out almost $900,000 is scholarships and paid internships just in the first year.

No other professional athlete, in any sport, has hosted anything of this nature. Royalty I.D. is hoping 2024 will only going to be bigger and better.

Madi Roelofsen with Rodeo Daily, talking with King, Macee and Charles Pickett

Royalty I.D. camper practicing her breakaway roping

Charles Pickett talking about what all goes on at Royalty I.D.

Royalty I.D. campers at golf practice

Looking at the campers schedule

Royalty I.D. campers learning how to fix fence

Royalty I.D. campers learning how to doctor livestock

If you or someone you know would like to fill out an application to attend Royalty I.D. or make a donation towards changing lives email royaltyid@yahoo.com