Hi friends, it’s VERA, and I’m here to report that the barn has been absolutely buzzing these last few weeks. Between the neighs, giggles, and the occasional splash of water (more on that later), it’s safe to say that summer camp season at High Hopes has been in full swing. And who better to supervise it all than yours truly and my slightly soggier counterpart, LC?
Each week brought a new group of campers and a fresh curriculum. We saw future veterinarians bandaging horses in Vet Tech Adventures, young storytellers using their imaginations in Trail Tales, and curious kids partnering with our mini horses during Pony Pals. Some campers even traveled back in time during Pony Express, delivering “mail” across campus like it was the Wild West.
Equine Explorers became detectives of the natural world, learning how horses interact with their environment, while Horse Care Heroes got a crash course in everything from grooming to what it really takes to care for a horse of your own. Spoiler: it’s a lot more than carrots.
But no matter the theme, every single camp had a few things in common: learning about horses, caring for them, and making memories that had the kids begging to stay “just five more minutes!” every day.Our camp counselors? Total rock stars. They planned for months—crafts, games, obstacle courses, and creative cool-down ideas for those scorching summer days. When the sun really cranked up, the horses got hose-down spa treatments (LC was first in line), and the kids played games. I, VERA, gracefully declined the waterworks and took refuge in a shaded hayloft.
Now, as we curl up and watch the final weeks of camp unfold, we’re already hearing rumors of even more horses and even more kids next summer. LC’s already brainstorming more water games. Me? I’m thinking of designing a “Camp Cat Counselor” badge.
Until next time,
VERA (and LC, probably drying off somewhere) 