ADK WildHorse
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WildHorse Camp's Philosophy ?
Our philosophy is to teach girls the world of horses through natural and free-resistance horsemanship training. We are also here to instruct, direct and encompass life's pathways, choices and expose the campers to as many choices as possible while they stay here at WildHorse.
The girls will learn the ups and downs of horse ownership, the reality of obstacles and the reality of transforming them into success. All this taught in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere as we are all here to prepare for all the years ahead. Life never stops, and people never stop learning.
The girls will learn the ups and downs of horse ownership, the reality of obstacles and the reality of transforming them into success. All this taught in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere as we are all here to prepare for all the years ahead. Life never stops, and people never stop learning.
What is the structure of Camp WildHorse ?
The staff at WildHorse follows a schedule that enables the campers to be involved in an activity at every hour of the day, including during their "unstructured, free" time. We encourage the campers to work on their take-home crafts whenever they will find themselves to have a moment of free time.
Daily reports are kept by instructors and counselors which measure the progress of every camper. These reports include judgments on behavior, attention, acclimation to camp environment, and most importantly, track riding lesson progress. After camp is complete, we send copies of photos, camp gifts and reports to the campers. Parents can determine how quickly their daughter had progressed whiled at camp, and whether she learned anything new. The camp follows our summer camp daily schedule with some room for leniency to the program as the campers progress further into the summer - our kids do eventually get tired !
Will my daughter sleep in a cabin or a tent ?
Cabins sleep anywhere between 4 to 6 girls per bunkhouse. Showers and Bathroom facilities are just a short walk from the bunk house cabins, located centrally in the stable facility. We prefer cabins over tents as we are located in an area where we have wildlife and insects. The cabins are rustic, do not have air conditioning, however they do have window fans. The cabins are vacuumed and maintained every three days by the camp staff.
What is the level of supervision while my child is at summer camp ?
Trips & Activities: During trips, activities and horseback riding, ADK WildHorse Camp supervises with three staff members per group of ten campers. Whenever campers participate in offsite summer camp activities, the supervision ratio increases as professional guides and instructors lead the girls on rafting trips, kayak tours, paintball games, or a round of team penning. During a casual riding day, the counselors are responsible for assisting the girls to catch horses out of pastures, supervise in tacking up & saddling, and to supervise barn chores. During mealtimes, everyone gathers at the kitchen where all camp staff is present. The camp girls are also supervised in the evenings as they are getting ready for bed.
Cabin Supervision: At night, the girls are supervised by one counselor per cabin. The directors and administrative staff is onsite and is always accessible during a camp emergency. The property is gated for the protection of the campers, the staff and the horses. The gated entry also prevents strangers from accessing the premises without permission. It also enables the camp administrators to enforce the evening curfew of the staff.
What is the average age of a camper ?
The average age of the camper is 13 years of age. We have an equal assortment of school grades. We ensure that similar age brackets have several cabin mates at resident camp. For older campers, our Junior Counselors are between the ages of 15-17, and are a perfect fit for teenagers enrolling into camp.
Why do you limit the number of campers ?
WildHorse Camp realizes that sending your daughter to camp is one of the most important decisions you can make for your daughter's future. We have developed our programs to totally customize to your daughter's needs and expectations. By keeping the camp small, each camper is given respect and attention, in a warm and caring, family atmosphere.
There are many benefits of a small and organized camp program. Each rider has the ability to receive one-on-one instruction from our well versed, Equestrian Team of program leaders so that skills and expectations could improve and flourish.
Can a parent communicate with their child during camp ? When the campers first arrive at camp, all cell phones are turned in for the week. At the end of each day, campers will have the ability to write their parents and friends hand written letters which will be mailed off the following day. We encourage the hand-written way of communication as this forms keepsakes which all campers enjoy reading after the years of camp days are over.
Daily communication between parents can also inspire homesickness, which can be avoided if there is no direct parent-to-child communication. The Camp is, however, wired for the internet. Quick emails are not off-limits for staff who want to update parents on a camper's progress and adjustment to camp.
Camp Wild Horse encourages campers to enjoy a week or more without being connected to an active network as this spoils the atmosphere of the Adirondack setting. The Camp keeps progress reports on every child, and if issues arise, the camp will assign a liaison to speak directly to the parent. Concerned parents can also call the office at any time: 518-302-6227
Daily communication between parents can also inspire homesickness, which can be avoided if there is no direct parent-to-child communication. The Camp is, however, wired for the internet. Quick emails are not off-limits for staff who want to update parents on a camper's progress and adjustment to camp.
Camp Wild Horse encourages campers to enjoy a week or more without being connected to an active network as this spoils the atmosphere of the Adirondack setting. The Camp keeps progress reports on every child, and if issues arise, the camp will assign a liaison to speak directly to the parent. Concerned parents can also call the office at any time: 518-302-6227
Is there much free time at WildHorse Camp ?
The Camp is not a place to just “hang around”. Daily strenuous levels of coaching, ranch chores, and non-equine programs keep campers extremely busy. Our crisp mountain air and terrific programming provide little motivation for discipline problems. Special quiet times offer peace and tranquility to help your daughter maintain her refreshed, positive outlook.
Where do the campers arrive from ?
Camp WildHorse welcomes children from every state and country. On average we commonly see enrollments from New Jersey, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and other eastern states. Throughout the years, Camp WildHorse had welcomed camp girls from as far as France, Colombia and Belgium. Here at Camp WildHorse, we do not have any state enrollment restrictions.
When flying a minor, we suggest to check with the airlines to ensure that minors do not need to be accompanied by an adult. Many airlines have restrictions as to whether children can board a plane on their own without guardian supervision.
Is there a camp uniform ?
No, and your daughter’s only concern regarding clothing is that the emphasis be geared toward clothing designed for horseback riding (safety in mind!) Campers are requested to wear our specially designed camp shirt on trips or other special events (a clean, plain white shirt is acceptable). We will send a suggested clothing and equipment list to help you pack.
What are WildHorse Camp's facilities like ?
WildHorse Camp is situated on 240 acres of prime, Adirondack Mountain land. In the summer, the area flourishes with visitors, activities and all trail heads to wilderness lakes are open. Cabins and facilities sleep anywhere between 4 to 6 girls per bunkhouse. Showers and Bathroom facilities are just a short walk from the bunk house cabins, located centrally in the stable facility.
Every evening or late afternoon (depending on the heat of the day) girls can enjoy a swimming session or enjoy an evening at a bon fire on the beach at Saranac Lake or Lake Clear. The stables consist of dutch stalls, and original Adirondack Old Camp stable, lit indoor arena, outdoor riding arena, x-country arena. Our stables are safe, house horses well, and provide ample space for instruction.
Every evening or late afternoon (depending on the heat of the day) girls can enjoy a swimming session or enjoy an evening at a bon fire on the beach at Saranac Lake or Lake Clear. The stables consist of dutch stalls, and original Adirondack Old Camp stable, lit indoor arena, outdoor riding arena, x-country arena. Our stables are safe, house horses well, and provide ample space for instruction.
How many girls are a part of a lesson ? Do you divide girls based on experience into appropriate riding groups ?
WildHorse Camp strives to ensure that education is the number one reason for which the girls come to camp. Having said that, we also want to make sure that the campers have fun, while learning. We want them to have a complete summer experience along with ice cream :)
The staff starts off with reading through previously issued riding questionnaires, and asks the riders more questions. The counselors and instructors then proceed to horse assignments and try-outs. Once a permanent mount is assigned for the duration of camp, the girls are split into level groups.
Riders who are of similar abilities, stick together, separated into beginner, intermediate and expert. All campers receive one-on-one lessons from their instructor. This ensures a successful learning environment, where the campers will be able to progress faster. Every child learns at a different pace and needs individualized attention.
For fun, the girls try out their own horses to determine how different in personality and riding ability they are from their own assigned horses.
How much time will my daughter spend with her horse while at camp ?
Each child is responsible for her own horse while at the camp. This includes feeding, brushing, washing, and anything else the horse needs while the camper is with her horse.
Your child will rise early in the morning to feed/water her horse. After the horses are taken care of for the morning, the campers have their breakfast at Camp Tucka Kitchen. By mid-morning all of the campers collect their horses and get them saddled for the days riding lessons. Here at Camp, it is essential for each child to spend the full day with her horse and be involved in a horse related activities.
What horsemanship disciplines does WildHorse offer ?
WildHorse offers both English & Western disciplines. We take the time to educate your child about natural horsemanship and free-resistance training similar to that of renowed trainer, Monty Roberts. Here at WildHorse, the basics of training a horse, will improve the camper's riding ability regardless of experience.
Many well-schooled children are often unaware of horse behavior and psychology. The riders are also unaware of using proper methods to tackle a horse that may not be listening to the rider's language. Perhaps, the language needs a tune up. The directors and instructors of WildHorse Camp ensure that every child receives appropriate guidance in every discipline.
The tolerance of horses differs, some are typically schooling horses which most riding stables use - these horses do not teach the reality of riding nor horsemanship - this is the reason why our camp raises the level difficulty whenever possible.
Many well-schooled children are often unaware of horse behavior and psychology. The riders are also unaware of using proper methods to tackle a horse that may not be listening to the rider's language. Perhaps, the language needs a tune up. The directors and instructors of WildHorse Camp ensure that every child receives appropriate guidance in every discipline.
The tolerance of horses differs, some are typically schooling horses which most riding stables use - these horses do not teach the reality of riding nor horsemanship - this is the reason why our camp raises the level difficulty whenever possible.
Is WildHorse Camp a competitive horse camp ?
WildHorse Camp is not a competitive-oriented camp. Aside from hosting horse camps, we have a fully operating equestrian riding stable and host a horse rescue. Another words, we do not close camp at the end of the summer as we use the ranch facilities for other equestrian activities. Our horse camp offers girls to learn as much as possible about horsemanship and horse ground work. We want prepare campers to become well functioning horse women who can not only say that they are able to ride a well trained horse, but also handle emergencies that do arise during horse ownership.
Is Camp WildHorse a show oriented stable ?
Wild Horse Camp is part of a working horse farm, and currently does not host horse shows. We intend to in the near future ! Our facilities are that of a classic, operating Adirondack stable that concentrates its focus around a horse rescue. Adirondacks are not the most perfect environment for horses (winters can periodically be as cold as -40 at night), but aside from the mud, and the cool summer nights, there is plenty of splendor to enjoy. As ADK WildHorse Camp is not a luxury facility, please be prepared to see the arts of a working and functioning farm and its regular maintenance.
Wild Horse Camp is part of a working horse farm, and currently does not host horse shows. We intend to in the near future ! Our facilities are that of a classic, operating Adirondack stable that concentrates its focus around a horse rescue. Adirondacks are not the most perfect environment for horses (winters can periodically be as cold as -40 at night), but aside from the mud, and the cool summer nights, there is plenty of splendor to enjoy. As ADK WildHorse Camp is not a luxury facility, please be prepared to see the arts of a working and functioning farm and its regular maintenance.
Can my daughter bring her horse to camp ?
During the summer, we encounter many parents whose children already have a horse and would like to train with it at camp. WildHorse Camp has full stable facilities which can board your child's horse for a week or for the whole summer. We require a weekly board fee, and proof of vaccinations/coggings test from the issuing veterinary clinic. Camp WildHorse suggests to sign up for more than two weeks if the child wants to bring her horse. This ensures more training time and one-on-one work with the instructors and trainers at WildHorse Camp.
Can a camper enroll with a friend ?
Camp WildHorse Staff promotes the enrollment of potential camper friends. Many girls feel more comfortable bringing someone familiar with them, and in many cases, the friendship between the two campers serve as an ice breaker for meeting other program attendees. Depending on the month, we issue up to $200.00 off per camper's stay at WildHorse Camp.
Why is WildHorse only for young women?
Camp WildHorse evaluates each participant prior to acceptance into our programs. Strong emphasis is placed on individualized attention. Research indicates that a single-sex environment provides greater opportunity for growth without the hindrance of added pressures from a coed camp. Young women can be "themselves"
and not concentrate on impressing others.
Is summer camp at ADK Wildhorse tax deductible under the Child and Dependent Care program ?
According to IRS rules, an overnight summer camp does not qualify as a child care provider. ADK's Day Summer Camp, however, does qualify for a deduction under the Child and Dependent Care program. If you are the parent of a day camper that attend Wildhorse Camp for a Day program, please contact us at info@girlshorsecamp.com
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