Spring Break Camp 2024
Come spend your spring break with the herd!
About our camp experience
Our approach to horse stewardship is holistic- we will be riding horses each day, and also doing so much more! Campers will gain some foundational skills of observation and awareness which are key to beneficial horse & human relationships. These skills will be gained through learning safe and effective horse handling, horse care and body language, and observing herd behavior, all of which build on more fun riding experiences!

What to Expect!
Here are some key activities that will be a part of the camper's experience

Grooming & Tacking
Learning the steps of proper grooming in preparation to tack, different pieces of tack the horse wears, and proper tack placement.

Riding
Riding time in the arena will include learning the verbal and physical cues of steering and stopping a horse, and how to navigate obstacles on horseback.

Horse Care
Horses take a lot of work! Campers will be a part of the whole process of horse care which includes sweeping, making horse meals, tidying tools and tack, & picking up horse poop!

Vaulting
Introduction to gymnastics on horseback.

Arts & Crafts
Paint and glitter on horses! And on other crafts, including a take home keepsake for each camper.

Herd Observation
Learn the basics of noticing horse herd dynamics, including signs of stress, relaxation, and responses to space and pressure.

Goal Creation
We will make time each day to set goals and reflect on how we want to be with the horses.

Horse & Human Silliness!
There will be endless moments to giggle about our four legged friends behaviors, and with each other as we learn and grow!
Camp Information
What are the dates?
March 25-28 9:00 am- 2:30 pm
What is the cost?
The cost is $485 for the first camper, $440 for a second camper (sibling or friend).
A deposit of $150 is due to hold your spot. The balance is due by March 10th. Refunds of 50% of amount paid are only available in emergency situations and if the spot is able to be filled by another camper. If the spot is unfilled, no refund will be given, but 50% of the amount paid may be used as credit in our lesson program within four months.
What ages are you accepting?
Our planned activities are targeting ages 8-12, but we may be able to accommodate campers slightly older or younger depending on the age range of other campers.
Where will camp be?
At our regular facility on far-out SE Foster Rd in Damascus, OR.
You may schedule a Meet-n-Greet either before applying to camp or upon acceptance to camp. This allows camper and guardians to see the facility and meet at least one of the instructors before our fun-filled week. Please use our Contact Form to schedule a Meet N Greet tour. Spots in camp will not be able to be held pending tours so we encourage you to schedule ASAP.
Who are the staff?
Ryan, program director, and teaching assistant & OUR student, Dallas! (read more about them below.)
What will campers need to bring?
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Please send your camper wearing solid close toed shoes with a heel (some kind of boots preferred). Note that shoes and clothes will be getting dirty!
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Bring layers including a rain coat (activities will be under cover, but buildings are separated).
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Please bring a daily morning snack and lunch.
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Send your camper with some kind of journal, notebook, or sketchbook and something to write and/or draw with!
If possible, campers should bring: camp chair, gloves, basic set of paint and paintbrush (we will provide these items if campers do not have them)
Keeping campers safe
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Riding helmets are required and provided by Once Upon a Rescue.
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Spaces are limited, as the safety of campers and horses are our top priority. With this in mind we will have a maximum ratio of 5 campers to 1 staff.
Ryan has been teaching horses and horse people in lessons and camps for 20 years. He is a licensed elementary school teacher with eight years of in school experience. His passion for teaching lies in helping students connect the things they learn in the classroom and in lessons to their whole life experiences. He is looking forward to OUR Spring Break Camp as it has been a few years since our last camp!
Dallas has been a student with Ryan for two years and has been majorly enjoying reconnecting and relearning how to be with horses in this self reflective, soft, and structured way . They grew up horse obsessed, riding any chance they could. They have many summers experience being a camp counselor (skilled at silliness!) and experience teaching youth of various ages proper horse care, tacking, and safe riding practices. They are enthused about getting to spend spring break playing and learning with horses and kiddos alike!


Ready to apply?







