Nice Mix of Ages

This session is a mix of camper ages. I love a mix of ages because magical things happen when older campers interact with younger campers. They come out of themselves as they sit and giggle together. In fact, the older campers shed their sophisticated skin and I see kids emerging that sit on the front lawn of the lodge and play with the younger campers.

Our energetic group of younger campers is giving camp a spark. They are so enthusiastic about what we do. Their eagerness to learn, sing, ride, play, giggle, and be creative is genuine and real. Always they ask what is coming next!

I love watching them interact with the older campers because they actually tap nurturing leadership skills in those older campers that sometimes surprise me. Fourteen and fifteen year

olds who may normally be quiet and retiring come out of their shell around those who are younger. It's fun to watch.

Above is Hailey and Jade on the Sit-and-Talk-Tire-Swing. They're becoming friends, and needless to say, they're keeping us on our toes. Both are a bundle of energy and enthusiasm. In fact, as they participate in the program, they bring a sense of humor and sometimes deep thought to what we are doing. The expressions on their faces make me smile.

I think these gals are pleasantly surprised that we like connecting with their inner child. This is

Matt and Hailey trying to figure out a plan for getting acquainted on the first evening of camp. Looks like they're scheming together...and Hailey is pretty curious about what is going on.

The girls have enjoyed riding. Hailey rides Fella; Jade rides Thunder. Both have spotters as they walk and trot in the ring, and until they're comfortable on their own, those same spotters accompany them on trail rides.

Lessons also school them in leading their horses on the ground and starting, stopping and steering. Each is becoming quite confident. Their balance is improving. I've noticed they sit taller and prouder as they find a new comfort zone with the horses and their instructors. I am amazed at the progress they are making.

With this blog we wanted to let moms and dads know that the girls are doing well. They've been

bragging a bit about their accomplishments. Here is Hailey riding Fella on her very first trail ride. It was quite an event. Hailey did really well.

Jade was just finishing up a lesson in the circular riding ring when I happened along. Of course, I wanted to take her photo so she could show you her horse, Thunder.

She is connecting nicely with Thunder

and doing well with her riding. I especially like how kind she is with Thunder. The two of them treat each other with respect and thoughtfulness, and that of course is the way it should be.

We have quite a number of young boys this session too. Just thought I'd focus on these two girls this time around because they are unique, curious, and okay with saying exactly what they think. Makes for many an interesting conversation and better than that, each day is a very, very big adventure.