Fun, friendships 'rein' at horse camp

SANDPOINT — A love for horses and friendship seem to be the most common threads for campers at this year’s 4-H Horse Camp.

Campers are quick to list the things that draw them to attend the five-day camp once a year, any reason from a variety of classes, to a great way to start the summer, to the atmosphere. However, the one reason that campers - and staff - all mentioned was an excuse to have fun with friends.

“They’re my extended family,” said Angie McColley, as she stands in a group of chatting, laughing students. “Every year, I take the last week in June off of work to be with them.”

McColley, one of five clinicians at the camp, helps instruct the most experienced riders in drill team. Clinicians teach a variety of riding tactics and styles at the camp. Campers learn English and Western styles of riding, groundwork, gaming and participate in a drill team, among other activities.

“It’s just fabulous,” said Michele Shrader, mother of a camper. “By the time the camp has ended, they’re different kids, pros.”

Even the parents say the friendships made at the camp are the most important aspect.

“My daughter, Madison, met her best friend here,” Shrader said. “She’s been coming back for years because she has so much fun.”

The camp was founded 11 years ago by Robin Pitts and Cari Stockdale. The camp was started originally in conjunction with the Coeur d’Alene club, but according to Pitts, they outgrew it in no time. Within three years, Bonner County had its own camp, and was even turning away campers due to numbers.

“It’s huge,” said Pitts. “It’s an awesome opportunity for the kids to learn.”

This year, the camp has maxed out at 84 campers. The participants and their chaperones camp for a week at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, spending six hours a day in the saddle in small groups as they learn from various clinicians.

Due to sponsors and support from the community, the camp was even able to give out 30 scholarships to help some campers with the $225 camp, which includes five different classes each day, each a little over an hour long, as well as three meals a day and a stall for their horse.

“It’s so cool to see these kids grow,” said Pitts. “It’s a huge responsibility, and they handle it so well. I think it’s a great program.”

All week, the campers design and rehearse for drill team, a choreographed show that will be performed at the end of the camp. In several groups, the campers create routine, complete with costumes for the riders and their horses, to be performed at 7 p.m. on Friday night at the Bonner County Fair Grounds. Entrance to the show is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

“It’s just fantastic to watch,” said Shrader. “The kids love it so much.”