Horse Programs
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!
4 Days
Entering Grades 2 - 8
3-Season Accommodations | Camp Linden
Lodge Accommodations | Camp Merrie Woode
$480
Horse Camp Mini is a great introduction to all things horses! This four-day session is the perfect opportunity to meet our horses and experience the magic of camp! During your two barn lessons, you'll learn and practice the basics of grooming, tacking, and riding. You'll be ready to tackle Horseback Riding Level 1 when you're done with this session.
Horse Camp Level 1
6 Days
Entering Grades 2 - 8
3-Season Accommodations | Camp Linden
Lodge Accommodations | Camp Merrie Woode
$680
Do you love horses? Have you always wanted to learn how to ride?
Horseback Riding Level 1 is perfect for you! In this six-day camp session, you will get to know our horses while learning about horse care and horseback riding basics. By the end of the week, you will have learned how to groom, tack, start, stop, and steer a horse through different games and patterns.
Horse Camp Mini is NOT a prerequisite for this session.
Camp Merrie Woode
Plainwell
Camp Linden
Linden
Horse Camp Level 2
6 Days
Entering Grades 4 - 12
3-Season Accommodations | Camp Linden
Lodge Accommodations | Camp Merrie Woode
$680
In Horseback Riding Level 2, you'll get to review and build on all the skills learned in Horseback Riding Level 1! During your four riding lessons, you'll practice your horse care skills, learn to trot, and go for a trail ride around our beautiful camp trails.
Prerequisite: Completion of Horseback Riding Level 1 or Camp Director approval.
Camp Merrie Woode
Plainwell
Camp Linden
Linden
Horse Camp Level 3
6 Days
Entering Grades 6 - 12
Tent Accomodations | Camp Linden
Lodge Accommodations | Camp Merrie Woode
$680
Ready to level up your riding skills? In Horseback Riding Level 3, you will expand your knowledge of our equine friends while learning and practicing new horsemanship skills. Building on skills learned in Horseback Riding Level 2, you will practice controlling your horse at faster gaits and learn new riding patterns and techniques.
Prerequisite: Completion of Horseback Riding Level 2 or Camp Director approval.
Horse Camp Level 4
13 Days
Camp Merrie Woode & 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 Camp Level 5
13 Days
Camp Linden
Entering Grades 8 - 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!
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 campreg@gshom.org.
Need assistance registering for camp?
Contact Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan at helpdesk@gshom.org or call 1-800-497-2688 for support.
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Overnight Camp Refund Policy
We hope you always find a session or two (or three!) that works for you and your family.
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration.
If you cancel your registration more than four weeks before your camp start date, you will be refunded all but your $100 deposit.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel your registration within four weeks of the camp start date.
Weekend and day program cancellations require two weeks' notice to be eligible for a refund.
