Become the Next Summer Camp Intern

Where Fun Meets Personal Growth!

Are you ready for an unforgettable summer experience that combines your passion for helping others with making a real difference? Mane Stream’s summer camp is the perfect place to create meaningful connections while sharing the joys of horsemanship.

Our camp runs for 11 weeks, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, offering an ideal schedule for interns who want to make a positive impact while still enjoying plenty of time for summer fun. This flexible position requires a minimum commitment of six weeks or several days a week throughout the summer from 8:00am to 12:45pm, making it easy to balance with other activities or even a part-time job.

This volunteer internship is an excellent opportunity for college students majoring in special education, art education, or therapy fields like occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), speech-language pathology (SLP), or counseling. It’s also open to anyone passionate about working with individuals of varying abilities. While equine studies majors are welcome, horse experience is not mandatory – we’ll provide all the training you need to support campers and help them thrive!

Our 2024 Camp Interns worked closely with Camp Activities Specialist Anna Squindo and Camp Director Kathy Dermody to deliver a camp experience filled with creativity, empowerment, and fun. The thoughtfully designed curriculum blended horsemanship skills, arts and crafts, and educational activities tailored to meet the diverse needs of our campers.

Interns gained hands-on experience in teamwork, adaptability, and fostering an inclusive environment where every camper could shine. From the first hesitant moments of interacting with a horse to the jubilant triumph of the end-of-week horse show, interns helped campers build confidence, independence, and lasting memories.

At Mane Stream, it’s more than just an internship – it’s about becoming part of a supportive community that celebrates shared achievements. Interns leave with valuable skills that can enhance their future careers, along with connections and memories to last a lifetime. Many participants also qualify for college credits for their time with us.

We’re on the lookout for several passionate, motivated individuals to join our 2025 summer camp team. Stay tuned for inspiring stories from last year’s interns about how this opportunity helped them grow personally and professionally.

Ready to make a difference this summer? Spread the word or apply today to be part of our mission to improve lives through adaptive riding and equine-assisted activities. Let’s make 2025 a summer to remember!

Welcome Ari!

Ari, previously known as Lamerii in the show ring is a stunning chestnut Irish Sport Horse who joined the Mane Stream herd in December 2024. This 16.2 gelding, donated by Cheryl Rouge, has seamlessly transitioned into both the lesson program and the herd dynamic, quickly forming friendships with Don and Buzz. With his previous experience as a successful hunter competitor, Ari confidently works at the walk, trot, and canter, and jumping making him an invaluable addition to our program.

Fun fact: The name Ari carries rich meanings across cultures!

  • In Hebrew, it translates to "lion," symbolizing strength, courage, and leadership.

  • In Badaga, it means "sun-like."

  • And in Korean, it signifies "pretty, lovely, and beautiful."

We’re thrilled to have Ari, whose noble nature perfectly matches the meaning of his name, as part of the Mane Stream family! 🐴✨

We Jingled & Mingled!!

Wondering what went down at the Holiday Open House?

On December 17th, people streamed into the barn at exactly 4:30pm to celebrate the season with sweet and savory treats, festive music, and twinkling lights that transformed the barn alley into a winter wonderland. The atmosphere was filled with joy as our guests came together to embrace the holiday spirit.

One highlight of the event was our herd’s Holiday Wish List. Generous donors placed much-appreciated items under the tree, making our horses’ holiday dreams come true. We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed to ensuring our amazing herd had a truly special season!

Guests also enjoyed snapping photos with our horses, volunteers, and staff, while our equine stars soaked up the attention (and plenty of treats). It was our most successful turnout yet, and we loved seeing the Mane Stream community come together in such a meaningful way.

To thank our incredible volunteers and participants, we handed out cozy Mane Stream mugs filled with hot cocoa and a candy cane, made possible by a 4OnebyOne grant from 4imprint. They were a hit! If you missed out, don’t worry—there are still mugs available, so stop by the office to grab one while supplies last.

This event perfectly captured the spirit of Mane Stream, bringing people together to celebrate, connect, and make memories. We’re already looking forward to our next big event, Party in the Paddock, on May 3rd. Mark your calendars—we hope to see you there!

Camp Registration Date Change

Monday, February 3rd at 9am

Mark Your Calendar!

We’re thrilled to announce that registration for camp opens at 9 AM on Monday, February 3rd! Be sure to set a reminder to snag your preferred weeks before they fill up.

This year, out of the 11 total weeks of camp, we’re offering 6 special weeks tailored for our diverse riders (3 weeks for Adults, and 3 Horsemanship weeks)

Don’t miss out—secure your spot and get ready for an unforgettable summer experience!

Summer Camp Specifics
All daily lessons and activities are specifically designed for children with developmental, physical or emotional challenges, AND for typically developing children. No experience with horses is necessary to enjoy our summer camp fully. Over the 11-week-long sessions, our Summer Camp offers children 4 years and older an excellent introduction to horses and riding in a safe and nurturing environment. We promote independence, self-confidence, team building, and socialization. 

We can accommodate a maximum of 6-8 campers per week. Camp operates Monday-Friday beginning in June and finishing in late August. The day starts at 8:30AM and ends at 12:30PM. No lunch - snack only. The weeks of July 4th and August 25th will be 4-day weeks.

With Gratitude...

Reflecting on an Inspiring Season of Generosity

As the calendar turns to 2025, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible outpouring of support from our Mane Stream Family during the final month of 2024. From #GivingTuesday to our Holiday Wishlist and Annual Campaign, the response has been nothing short of extraordinary.

We are continually amazed by the generosity of our community. Whether it’s our dedicated volunteers, loyal social media friends, compassionate board of directors, or our local partners, each member of the Mane Stream Family has played a vital role in helping us stride confidently into the new year.

#GivingTuesday rallied needed support for the care of our 6 jumping horses, showcasing the collective power of our community to make a difference. Meanwhile, the Herd’s Holiday Wishlist brought joy not only to our herd but also to everyone who contributed to making it such a success. Seeing wish-list items under the tree reminded us of the kindness and care that fuels everything we do. Finally, the Annual Campaign capped off the year with a heartwarming display of generosity that ensures we can continue our mission of improving the lives of our participants through adaptive riding, therapy services (OT, SLP, and counseling), and other equine-assisted activities.

Thanks to your overwhelming support, Mane Stream heads into 2025 with renewed stability and purpose, ready to embrace new opportunities to serve our community. The kindness you’ve shown inspires us daily, and we are profoundly grateful for each of you who stepped up to help.

#GivingTuesday Donors

When the day came to an end 22 donors graciously donated $4,953 to help provide vital horse supplements, new aluminum jumps, and a year’s worth of hoof care to keep our 6 hard-working jumpers happy and healthy.

THANK YOU: Cynthia Barkman, Christine Brenner, Martha Carrellas, Coloff & Verge Family, Catherine Costa, Nancy Cunningham, Marian DeSimone, John B. Dickey, Laura Edelson, Kent Gibson, Tamela Griffin, Doug and Chloe Hegeman, Jane Hylicke, Nancy Karwoski, Emily Maillet Kellogg, Robert Lawse, Karen A. Marty, Wolfy Nicolaides, Lynn Santos, Mary Ellen Yen, a Facebook Donor, and J.P. Morgan’s Matching Gift Program.

Holiday Wishlist Donors

THANK YOU: The Carden Family, Laura Edelson, Leroy Hunninghake, Sara Reilly, Santos Family, Schultz Family, and Verge & Coloff family. We also want to acknowledge the MANY stealthy “Secret Santas” who sent and left delightful surprises under the tree, your generous spirits fill us with warmth and joy!

Annual Giving Campaign

THANK YOU: Anonymous (2), Carolyn Baranowski, Jane Bergman, Emily Boehmer, Donna Carides, Paul and Elizabeth Carrano, Felice and Joseph Ciccione, Mrs. Joyce Danelski, Anne Davenport, Ralph and Debra DeLorenzo, Linda and Zbigniew Derendal, Marian DeSimone, Dianne Doctor and Lawrence Bauer, Eunice, Anthony and Daniel Charitable Fund, Elizabeth Evans, Alexandre Favrot, Gregg and Jean Frankel, William and Ellen Goodchild, Wendy Greengrove, William Griffin, Nancy and Russell Gullo, Paul Haggan DMD, Fred and Cheryl Halpern, Janice Hebert and Steven Nydick, James Heimbuch and Christine O'Brien, John and Suzanne Higgins, Rosemarie Hunninghake, Dominick Incantalupo, Allyson Jankunas, Jane E. Jermyn, Karen and Stephen Kaufhold, Lynn and Thomas Kluepfel, Paul and Joy Marie Kochanski, Helene J. Koster Deaguillar, Steven and Karen Levinn, Laurie and Mark Lichtenfeld, Sara Lord Ike, Jean-Jacques Louis, James and Christine MacDonald, Mel and Claudette Maher, Christina P. Mayer, Douglas A. Mc Cullough, Elisabeth and Jason McFadden, The Edmond N. & Virginia H. Moriarty Foundation, Russell Nemecek and Mary Ann Niemczura, Gregory and Sandra Niccolai, Gary Noa, Laura and Matthew Nunn, Dan and Susan O'Donnell, Eva M. Ogens, Ronald and Bernadette Pallant, Catherine Pane, Louis M. and Madeline Piancone, Jr., Michael Pollack, Anne Poltorak, Irene and Charles Preston, Pamela and James Puglia, Gregory Robinson, Sr., Nicholas and Wendy Romano, Michael and Deirdre Rothpletz, Ryan Family Foundation, Judith and Don Saik, Barrie Saltzman, Ligia Santos, Marianne and Arthur Shandor, Janet M. Sopko, Andrea Tannenbaum, Brian and Lisa Thebault, Bonnie Tursini, Louis and Mary Ventrillo, James and Karen Vogt, and Sally Walker and Christopher Doyle

From all of us at Mane Stream—thank you for making our hearts sing and for helping us create brighter futures for all those we serve. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of impact, joy, and growth!

Saddling Up for Fun: Inside Mane Stream's Paddock Pals Pilot

On your mark, get set, go!

The Paddock Pal participants were raring to go the minute they ran into the lobby. No one could contain the enthusiasm of these 3 young ladies. For the five-week session, the Paddock Pals participated in many activities involving our fantastic herd. The pilot program included storytelling, crafting horse treats, learning all about taking care of a horse, and creativity with paint that used the horse as the canvas. The highlight of the program was the instructional ride on the final Wednesday of the session, which also just happened to be the day before Halloween!

Parents were thrilled to watch their children embrace this new experience, growing more comfortable each week in barn environment and with such large, majestic animals. Many shared how heartwarming it was to see their kids light up with confidence and excitement as they connected with the horses and learned new skills.

Everyone, including the volunteers, were all smiles, and all have been asking when the next Paddock Pals session is taking place.

Stay tuned for future dates! This session took place over five Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30PM. In the Spring we are considering shifting to a late-morning time slot since several families were unable to join the pilot program this Fall due to timing conflicts.

A Special Gift for Participants & Volunteers

Happy Holidays!

As a token of our appreciation, this year we are thrilled to offer a ‘Campfire Mug’ to keep all your drinks toasty warm! Limited amounts will be available for Mane Stream participants and volunteers at our upcoming Jingle and Mingle Holiday Open House on Tuesday the 17th!

This gift was made possible by the 4OnebyOne grant from 4imprint.

Event Details:
https://tinyurl.com/35mjtfc7

A Heartfelt Contribution to Mane Stream

Marni’s Bat Mitzvah Project is an Overwhelming Success!

As part of her Bat Mitzvah, Marni Bogdanoff took on the meaningful challenge of completing a Mitzvah Project—a good deed that makes a positive impact on the world. For Marni, the choice was clear: she would support Mane Stream, an organization close to her heart.

Marni’s love for horses and horseback riding inspired her decision. Two ponies she used to ride have been part of Mane Stream’s equine programs, including her very first pony, Snappy. Knowing that Snappy now helps others learn to ride and provides therapy for kids made this project even more special for Marni. Through her efforts, and with the incredible support of her family and friends, Marni raised over $4,200 for Mane Stream!

At Mane Stream, we are deeply grateful to Marni for her generosity, thoughtfulness, and the love she has shown for our mission. Her support will bring joy and healing to so many riders and therapy clients. Marni’s kindness reminds us of the incredible difference one person can make in the lives of others.

Thank you, Marni, for choosing Mane Stream as your Mitzvah Project and for supporting our programs in such a heartfelt way.

Help Us Reach New Heights

At Mane Stream, our horses do more than walk and trot. Many riders learn to canter and a growing number are even learning to jump!! Our wonderful horses help children and adults with special needs build confidence, strength, and connection.

This year, we need your help to raise $6,000 to keep our herd healthy and ready to serve! Your donations will go toward essential horse supplements, lightweight aluminum jumps, and hoof care for our 6 jumpers for a whole year. HELP US NAIL THE DISTANCE! Every gift, no matter the size, is a stride closer to our goal.

Together, we can help Mane Stream riders reach new heights!

  • Daily supplements keep our horses' JOINTS & HOOVES healthy and strong.

  • Farrier services are needed every 6-8 weeks to keep our horses in TIP-TOP SHAPE!

  • LIGHT-WEIGHT aluminum standards are MORE DURABLE in all kinds of weather and make it easier for instructors to set up courses for a variety of riders each afternoon.

  • Jump cups are needed for every set of aluminum standards so our riders can REACH NEW HEIGHTS!

Your donations will bring us closer to a year of HEALTH and HAPPINESS for our herd, ensuring they’re ready to help our riders with special needs REACH NEW HEIGHTS!