Horse Programs
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Horse Camp Program Sessions
Whether you've been riding for years or have never ridden a horse before, we have a horseback riding program for you! Horses are available at our Camp Merrie Woode property in Plainwell and Camp Linden property in Linden, all girls are welcome to our camps in Michigan, even if they're from another state or have yet to become a Girl Scout.
Our horse camps are the perfect opportunity to explore camp and spend time with our amazing horses. Each full day of camp, you'll spend one of your activity blocks at the barn growing your equestrian and riding skills and the other two participating in some of our other exciting camp activities.
Weather Permitting: Horse Camp Mini includes two two-hour lessons, all six-day Horseback Riding Levels 1-3 include four two-hour lessons, and Horseback Riding Levels 4 and 5 include ten lessons!
Intro to Horses
4 Days
Entering Grades 2 - 8
3-Season Accommodations | Camp Linden
$480
Introduction to horses allows equestrian lovers to learn about the everyday care that goes into horses. This session allows campers who have never been around horses, or are still uneasy around them, to get to know the basics. This includes how to act around the horse, groom, barn work, anatomy, and tack care.
This session was formerly called Horse Camp Mini.
Horse Beginner
6 Days
Entering Grades 2 - 8
3-Season Accommodations | Camp Linden
$680
This session is for beginner riders. You will learn grooming, tacking, walking without being led by the instructor, proper riding form, how to turn your horse, emergency dismounting, and how to stop your horse. There will be morning feeding and mucking. This course covers the basics of riding and horse care.
This session was formerly called Horseback Riding Level 1.
Camp Linden
Linden
Horse Advanced Beginner
6 Days
Entering Grades 4 - 12
3-Season Accommodations | Camp Linden
$680
This session is for the advanced beginner rider. You will learn to trot without being led by the instructor, proper riding form, how to turn your horse at a trot, and stop and back up your horse. This session will include a trail ride through Camp Linden. There will be morning feeding and mucking. This session covers the basics for walking and trotting, as well as horse care, and can be repeated as necessary to guarantee campers feel comfortable moving to faster gaits.
This session was formerly called Horseback Riding Level 2.
Pre-requisite: Completion of Horseback Riding Level 1 or Camp Director approval
Camp Linden
Linden
Horse Intermediate
6 Days
Entering Grades 6 - 12
Lodge Accommodations | Camp Linden (Week 3)
Tent Accomodations | Camp Linden (Week 6)
$680
This session is for the intermediate rider. You will learn to canter and improve your control at the trot. This session will include a trail ride through Camp Linden, bareback riding, and beginner medical care. There will be morning feedings and mucking. This session provides the basics for horseback riding at a canter.
This session was formerly called Horseback Riding Level 3.
Pre-requisite: Completion of Horseback Riding Level 2 or Camp Director approval.
Horse Advanced Intermediate
13 Days
Camp Linden
Entering Grades 8 - 12
Tent Accommodations
$1, 360
Horseback Riding Level 4 is for experienced riders who want to dive deeper into riding and horsemanship skills! In this riveting two-week
program, you will develop independent riding skills at different gaits, try new riding styles, explore camp on horseback, and hone your riding technique. You will also develop the skills necessary to care for horses long-term and learn what it takes to work with our horses! Enjoy a stay at camp over the weekend for extra one-on-one time with your two- and four-legged friends!
Prerequisite: Completion of Horseback Riding Level 3
or Camp Director approval.
Horse Advanced
13 Days
Camp Linden
Entering Grades 9 - 12
Tent Accommodations
$1, 360
Horseback Riding Level 5 is for equestrian lovers looking to advance their skills and experience a horse show. Throughout this 2-week program, you
will continue to develop your riding skills, show patterns, daily horse care (grooming, washing, mucking, etc.), trail riding, equestrian games, and veterinary care. You will also assist in teaching lessons to younger campers!
Prerequisite: Completion of Horseback Riding Level 4
or Camp Director approval.
Ready to register?
Here's what to expect when selecting a summer camp session to register for!
- Browse our different session offerings to find the one that's best for your girl.
- Hold her spot with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Remember to print off or save your receipt when the order is complete; this will be your confirmation.
- Once you register for a camp session, you will receive an email directing you to campdoc.com, where you will be asked to create a new profile or update an existing profile, including the health profile.
- Be on the lookout for Camp Information Packets closer to summertime to better reflect accurate information.
- Attend our free Camp Open Houses on Saturday, April 26, to see the camp, meet the staff, and get all of your questions answered!
- Two weeks before the start of your camper's session, you will receive an email from the Camp Director which will include details about check-in, a reminder about what to pack, info about that week's camp theme, and more!
* CampDoc is our online health record management system.
You should receive an email from CampDoc in early spring to enter and update your camper information.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, fill out our scholarship application form as well as the paper registration form, and send both to [email protected].
Need assistance registering for camp?
Contact Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan at [email protected] or call 1-800-497-2688 for support.
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Overnight Camp Refund Policy
Our hope is always that you find a session or two (or three!) that works for you and your family.
At the time of registration, a $100 deposit is due.
If you cancel your registration on or before March 17th, you will be refunded your $100 deposit.
If you cancel your registration after March 17th, you will be refunded all but your $100 deposit.
If you cancel your registration within four weeks of your camp start date, you will not receive a refund. Weekend and day program cancellations require two weeks’ notice to be eligible for a refund.
