Spring may have just recently sprung, but summer is not that far away, especially if you are trying to plan summer camps activities for you young ones.
With so many choices out there — from sports to computer programming — there is sure to be something for everyone.
But if your child is an animal lover, Richmond has some camps that may just be perfect for them.
One is Riverside Equestrian Centre’s camp, that serves as an introduction to horses.
Run for more than 20 years at the southern foot of Garden City Road by owner and operator Linda English, it’s a week-long opportunity to learn the basics of riding and caring for a horse.
“It’s a great opportunity for kids to come out and see if they like it,” said English who is now seeing the children of former camp kids saddling up. “It’s kind of scary when you see that because it shows how long you’ve been doing this.”
The camps run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for children aged seven to 12.
Daily activities include roughly one hour of riding time per camper. They also learn about horse care and stable management. Plus, there are art, crafts and games to take part in.
According the Riverside’s website, students learn how to groom, tack up, and the basics of riding a horse. All riders learn how to walk and trot confidently.
Campers also learn how and what to feed a horse, how to pick up its feet, grooming techniques and stall cleaning, which is taught with a hands-on approach
Riverside Riding Camp supplies students with horses, tack, hard hats and other related equipment. Students must wear boots with a half inch (min.) walking heel and long pants. Runners are not acceptable, for safety reasons.
Campers are required to bring a lunch, snacks and drinks for each day.
The weekly sessions begin on July 4 and conclude with the week of Aug. 22.
For more information, call 604-271-4186.
For animal lovers who prefer smaller, furry friends, the BC SPCA offers camps in locations across the Lower Mainland, including Richmond.
According to the SCPA’s website, campers are immersed in animal-themed activities and are challenged, in fun and engaging ways, to learn about responsible animal care, discover fascinating new animal facts and develop positive, respectful relationships between people, animals and nature.
The goal is for the youngsters to leave feeling inspired to be ambassadors for animals in their community.
Activities range from active games, both indoors and outdoors, to quiet hands-on projects and include crafts, guest speakers and time with animals. All activities have been designed by the BC SPCA to incorporate positive animal welfare themes.
Due to the stress levels some animals can experience the time campers spend with animals can be limited
When possible, shelter-approved animals are brought into the education space and campers are allowed to interact with them in small numbers.
Campers are also taken on a shelter tour to introduce them to the animals and share the stories of how the animals came into the BC SPCA’s care.
Camps run weekly from July 4 to Aug. 26.
Online registration is now open for Lower Mainland camps. Contact the BVC SPCA’s summer camp team at 604-709-4679 or [email protected].
