Phew! What a Summer we had at Mane Stream this year.
Ten weeks of fun, new friends, new faces, Derek, our new pony, and the 18-hand Gabun on loan from Centenary University Equestrian Center. Even though the days were hot, and seemed to move slowly, Paige Ball, Camp Director kept campers busy and engaged. In her first year in the position, Paige reflects, “I love that the camp is inclusive. There is a wide range of ages and abilities that we are able to serve, and I am overwhelmed at the hard work and commitment of the volunteers.”
Mane Stream’s summer camp is comprised of novice riders just beginning their journey, advanced riders working on small jumps, and everything in between. This year in addition to the brand new campers, there was a combination of siblings, cousins, Girl Scouts, friends, and veteran campers alike. Many locals consider our camp to be a safe place to begin their child’s riding career. We love when those campers come back year after year and then eventually become volunteers. Our group of dedicated volunteers and PATH Intl. certified instructors engaged the campers each week with creative activities that can be enjoyed and executed by all. Holland Kochanski, former Camp Director and now part-time instructor, says that limiting the number of campers per session over the past couple of years offers more time for specialized attention. “We were able to work one-to-one with the campers, whether it was learning to groom, tack or ride.”
Early mornings filled with riding lessons and horse care, such as grooming and learning to use the clippers, helped to increase confidence in our riders. As the mornings grew warmer, the horses had the opportunity to rest while the campers engaged in games and crafts. There was no shortage of glitter to be found on the horses, hooves, campers, floors, and even a few reluctant staff members all thanks to Meadow Brook Glitter for their kind donation! Once again tie-dying was at the top of the list of favorite activities with some really spectacular designs and color combinations emerging this year. And with the help of Instructor, Kelly Champion, there was plenty of neon, roller skates, dance contests, shenanigans, and an occasional unicorn hat. The last day of each week concludes with a horse show for campers to demonstrate their new-found and improved skills with family. In the end, it’s time for certificates, ribbons, and a couple of pics with their steed.
After 10 weeks of camp, we can truly say it’s the volunteers working in conjunction with the staff that make camp a success each year. One such volunteer is Lily Fosburgh, who started volunteering for camp six years ago when she turned fourteen. “In the beginning, I had no horse experience, I really gained a lot of confidence learning something new.” Now a junior engineering major at Rutgers, Lily returns as a volunteer each summer. She finds working with the campers and horses provides balance to her very hectic academic schedule.
Thank you 2022 Volunteers and Staff!
Our Amazing Volunteers:
Nikki Blair, Mackenzie Caro, Tess Coffey, Sofia Criscola, Grace D'Anza, Debi DeLorenzo, Hope Dunleavy, Laura Edelson, Lily Fosburgh, Kate Goodrich, Nancy Grossweiler, Bessie Huggins, Catherine Huggins, Kathy Kapiloff, Sophia Leal, Madison Maldonado, Florie O'Brien, Saira Patel, Anna Squindo, Mary Ellen Yen, Sam Yagoda, Emma Yarton, Julia Yarton, Sabrina Yekta, McLaren van Rooyen, Molly Walsh, Elizabeth Walsh, Chase Ward, Christian Wong, and photographer, Olivia Iskra
Our Camp Staff:
Camp Director: Paige Ball Camp Administrator: Kathy Dermody
Instructors: Kelly Champion, Jen Dermody, Kathy Dermody, Holland Kochanski, Kayla Thau, and Anna Wright
Camp Health Director: Melanie Dominko-Richards
Remember summer camp fills up SUPER quick.
Set a reminder for 9am on February 1st, 2023 when registration opens for next summer !!
Week 7 Update
Another scorcher week of summer camp is complete! Each morning the riders groomed and tacked with lightning speed to beat the heat. Throughout the week they worked on mastering various skills, including cantering, cavalettis, jumping crossrails, and even a vertical jump or two. Congratulations to our advanced riders!
Week 8
After 8 weeks of camp, there's a dusting of glitter on every surface at Mane Stream. This week's attendees included a mix of veteran campers and 2 cousins visiting from Italy! And Miss Kelly on roller skates made her usual appearance much to the delight of all.
Week 9
This week joining several veteran campers were siblings who live locally. First-time riders and returnees spent the week smiling from ear to ear. Gel glitter was introduced this week. Volunteers did an excellent job assisting the campers and instructors each day. Only 1 more week to go!
Week 10
Lots of firsts this week...1st time at Mane Stream Camp, 1st time trotting on the lunge-line, 1st time trotting independently, 1st time riding a horse (not a pony!), and so much more. The painting of the horses was pretty impressive too! You'll have to wait to see "Cousins Fishing Off the Pier" Minnie is such a good canvas.
