The camp is designed to be both an educational and fun experience for youth. Ages 10-15 are invited to participate as an overnight camper and ages 10-18 are welcome as day campers. English and Western riding are welcome during both sessions. Campers are under supervision by counselors and/or instructors during their time at CSU. Housing and meals are provided to overnight campers in a university residence hall on the main campus. Overnight campers also will have transportation between main campus and the B.W. Pickett Equine Center by counselors in University vans. Day campers will be required to provide their own food, transportation, and accommodations while attending the camp. Day campers horses will be stalled at the B.W. Pickett Equine Center during the duration of the camp.
The camp will begin on Monday (session 1) or Sunday (session 2) with all camper registration and horse check-in at 2:00 p.m. Overnight campers will be transported to the dormitory at 3:00 p.m. by their parents or the counselors to get settled before attending ice-breaking activities with the day campers back at the B.W. Pickett Center at 4:00 p.m. Each camp day will combine riding lessons and lectures on topics such as safety, grooming, nutrition, and horse behavior. Additional activities are designed to expose campers to other areas of the equine industry and help campers get to know one another. Campers will have an opportunity to swim at the CSU Recreational Sports pool on the main campus at least once during the week. On the last morning, campers will demonstrate their skills for their parents before leaving by 11:00 a.m. to return home.
The riding instructors for the camp will be University faculty supported by assistants and counselors who are experienced riding instructors. Lectures and instruction are provided by CSU Equine Sciences faculty, students, and camp counselors.