For the past six weeks, children arrived at the Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center just as the sun came over the trees and gathered at the outdoor pavilion to meet their friends and start their day at horse camp.
Each week of camp focused on a different need. In total, 50 children attended.
Campers learned about and rode horses.
They did crafts, heard music and completed work projects.
Children participating in the camps focused on ADHD and trauma/anxiety received counseling as part of the program. The small ponies were often present, helping kids regulate their emotions.
Literacy camp participants read about Seabiscuit and learned how to identify themes in the story, increased their vocabulary, studied the difference between comparing and contrasting things and so more, developing skills that will translate directly to the classroom.
The camp for children with physical therapy needs provided a place for families to network and enjoy summer camp as a group. There were art projects, tractor rides and a parade.
The preschool camp focused on imagination. Music, art, games and horseback riding all supported this theme.
There was a tiny 3-year-old pony and Barbara Babb, who ran Church Street Preschool for many years, served as a partner for the camp.
All the children went home with a T-shirt they decorated.
The Yancey Fund and Mountain Air Community Fund helped support the camp.