Blog

I recently attended a discussion about the PCA Juniors program, and it really got me thinking.

We often talk about attracting younger members to strengthen the future of our club. There’s no question that younger generations are essential to the growth and long-term success of any organization, and we are no exception.

To be honest, many of our members are a bit older. I include myself in that group at 72 years young. When I first learned about the Juniors program, I immediately signed up my oldest granddaughter, who is now 17.

She already has her eye on my 2009 Carrera S and has made it very clear that she plans to claim it someday. She loves cars, and her dream Porsche is a 1973 911S in green with a tan interior. Whenever she visits, her favorite activity is going for a drive together in the Porsche.

A Personal Perspective

My own Porsche journey started a few years after college with a 1976 914 2.0, a car I thoroughly enjoyed. I later moved into a 1980 911SC in Petrol Blue, which I loved just as much.

But life has a way of shifting priorities. When my first child arrived, I had to trade in the Porsche for something more family-friendly. That decision led to a long break from Porsche ownership.

Years later, once the kids were grown, I returned to the brand. However, my children didn’t grow up in a Porsche household, so they never developed the same connection to the cars.

Interestingly, that’s not the case with the next generation. Our grandchildren are showing genuine interest, which makes programs like PCA Juniors more important than ever.

“The future of our club isn’t just in the cars we drive—it’s in the young enthusiasts we inspire.”

Why the Juniors Program Matters

Ironically, we haven’t talked much about our own Juniors program locally. That’s something we need to change.

While we don’t have detailed information about every participant, we do know that 66 Juniors are currently registered in our region. Some may live outside the area, especially grandchildren of members, but that’s still a strong number.

At the national level, PCA is actively working to expand Junior participation and develop more programs tailored specifically for young enthusiasts.

What Is the PCA Juniors Program?

For those who may not be familiar, here’s a quick overview:

• The PCA Juniors program introduces young people to Porsche, club events, and automotive enthusiasm
• Any family member under 18 can participate when registered by an active PCA member
• Juniors receive a welcome package with age-appropriate gifts and a PCA Juniors ID badge
• Sponsors receive a monthly Juniors newsletter with engaging, youth-focused content
• The program is free, though it is not a full PCA membership

Looking Ahead: Building Engagement

We would love to see more of our Juniors actively involved throughout the year.

One idea we’re exploring is a Youth Judging component at this year’s Autofest Show and Shine. Juniors would evaluate the cars separately from the official judging panel.

We would provide a short training session beforehand so participants understand what to look for. They would then select their own winners and present awards. And if their choices differ from the adults? Even better. That’s part of the fun.

We are also considering involving Juniors in our Halloween event at Tivoli Village, where they could participate as youth ambassadors and, of course, enjoy some well-earned candy.

If there is enough interest, we will continue to expand youth-focused activities in the future.

Get Involved

If you currently have a Junior enrolled in the program, I would love to hear from you. Your feedback and ideas will help us grow and improve.

If you have children or grandchildren who are not yet enrolled, I encourage you to explore the program and sign them up:

https://www.pca.org/pca-juniors

You can also subscribe them to receive their own newsletter once they’re enrolled.

The future of our club is already taking shape in the next generation. By welcoming Juniors into our community today, we ensure that the passion, friendships, and spirit of Porsche continue for years to come.

We look forward to hearing your ideas and seeing our youngest members become part of the journey.

Gary Lea
President
LVRPCA