2023 Summer Day Camp
True Heart Equine's Horse Day Camp grew out of the unique and successful horseback riding program that is the essential part of our facility. We are very proud to be bringing it back to the Cedar Rapids area this year.
Campers get firsthand experience with western riding, outdoor scenic trail riding, grooming, saddling, and games. Campers will not only learn about horses, but will also learn how horses think and how horses can teach the camper. Having fun and being safe while leading, saddling and riding a horse are top priorities.
The full day camps are run Monday-Friday and are best suited for youth ages 8 to 18. The Littles Day camps are 3 day camps varying the day of the week, and are suited for youth ages 6-9 or those who are unable to handle a longer week of horse fun. If you have questions about where your child fits best or if you feel like your child fits better in a different group outside the age range, please reach out and contact us!
Helping Tentative Individuals Adjust
A major reason for sending your child to camp is for them to grow as an individual. At our horse summer camp, your child will learn to become resilient, independent and confident.
Growth comes with some struggle and perhaps some pain, but hopefully a lot of fun. Our goal is to help your child see these challenges as opportunities and not to fear them.
When a child is confronted with challenges, they may often say things that can be decoded as “I am having trouble with this situation.” They may say things like:
- “I don’t want to ride, do crafts, etc.”
- “I don’t like my counselor, riding, camp, etc.”
- “Camp is boring, too exhausting, kids are mean, it's too hot, too cold, etc.”
How, as a parent, can you respond to this?
Acknowledge their concerns. Whether it is real or imaginary, it is real to them.
Ask for specifics.
- “What do you mean the camp horses aren't what you want?”
- “What makes you feel that way?”
- “What happened and when and who was there?”
Brainstorm options for solving the problem. Remember not to over-rationalize with your child or let them make excuses.
Provide encouragement and belief in your child to work through the challenge.
“You can do this!” “I believe in you!” “We are here to help.”
If you need additional help: Contact our camp director, Kel, as soon as possible. An administrative staff member member will look into your situation and speak to you before your child returns to camp the next day.
Our goal is to help your child see challenges as opportunities and not to fear the uncertainty of new situations.
What not to do – Please, do not try to bribe your child into staying in camp by:
- Writing a note saying that he/she does not have to participate in an activity. Such a note ties our hands in trying to assist your child in solving the problem.
- Letting you child stay home from camp. We once had two Junior High girls who talked their parents into letting them stay home and go shopping on the day of the horse yoga and crafts. They certainly missed out on a great experience!
- Offering material rewards or money to get your child to do what they are afraid to try. This subtly undermines you child’s self-confidence.
We ask for your support as we help your child through any challenges of camp. Your expectation and encouragement that they try their best is so important.
As Franklin Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. This holds so true at camp.