Youth Equestrian Camps

Here’s something fun. Over at GirlsHorseClub.com, they are starting a poll for everyone interested in horses, horseback riding and anything equestrian-related. It’s a series of questions that give you a chance to imagine. For example, how would you remake a famous equestrain movie so you could play a part? If you could ask a horse a question and hear the answer, what would you ask and which horse would you choose? If you could travel back in time and meet a famous horse, which one would it be? Hmmm…. Interesting questions to ponder, so head on over and share your thoughts.

Movie? Probably Wild Hearts Can’t be Broken. Of the Rockbrook horses from our youth equestrian camp, we’d have to ask Danny what he thinks about his new digs! Historic Horse? How about Isham, Buffalo Bill Cody’s horse.

Outdoor Youth Camps

Here’s a view of the other large prominent rock on the Rockbrook Camp property: Dunn’s Rock. This is looking across one of the riding rings back toward the main part of camp and up the hill to the rock. More so than Castle Rock, Dunn’s is famous. In fact, it is the site of an early settlement that pre-dates the incorporation of Brevard, and it served as a sheltered place (under an overhanging part) where men returning from the civil war met and formed a Masonic Lodge. It’s neat to think how before it was an outdoor youth camp, Rockbrook hosted some of the earliest settlers in this part of North Carolina.

History of Camp

We came across this interesting book, History of Organized Camping: The First 100 Years by Eleanor Eells. It discusses the earliest camps, the people who founded them, and the first motivations behind summer camping. While the ideas of how camp is beneficial to children have changed over the years (from providing exercise, to acquiring specific knowledge, to training for social service), one thread has remained. These benefits derive from “getting away” from the ordinary modern world… out into nature, away from family and the social pressures of urban life. Camp was a respite, an antidote many parents understood as valuable. We’ve discussed this before, but certainly the same can be said today.

It's the Friends at Camp

One of the many reasons I love coming to Rockbrook is all the different types of people I get to meet, from all over the world! In a typical day here, I talk to girls from France, Mexico, Hungary, and even the Czech Republic. It’s amazing to find out about all the different cultures that come together here.

For a couple of girls, I know it was very hard for them at first to be here from another country – not only because of the cultural differences, but also because they knew very little English. During the first day or two, they seemed so bewildered by all the crazy songs we sing and silly skits that are performed each night, and I was worried about how well they would be able to adjust to camp life in a foreign country. The great part about camp, though, is that you don’t have to speak the same language to have fun. It didn’t take long for these girls to make new friends and communicate with their counselors and cabin-mates. Now I see them making new friends every day, goofing off in skits, doing all the motions to the songs, and even learning some phrases in English! I realize now that it was silly of me to worry about these girls, for the language of friendship is universal.

In other news, we’re so happy that the new mini-session campers have arrived! After a full day of trunk-carrying and unpacking, they are all settled in. Tonight the campers will be signing up for their activities for the week, and after that, it’s off to Evening Program.

Youth Camps NC 2007

Rockbrook’s youth camps in NC have three different cabin groups or “lines,” areas of camp where girls of similar age stay together. Each line has its own stone meeting lodge (complete with cozy fireplace !) where the age group can hold activities during the day and special camp programs in the evening. The line we call the “Juniors” is for youth girls who have finished the 4th grade and below (kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade). The “Middlers” are girls who have finished 5th and 6th grade, and the “Seniors” are girls who have completed 7th, 8th and 9th grade. Combining the three lines, Rockbrook has summer youth camp programs for girls ages 6-16.