This year, Xenophon offered a mounted summer camp during the week of August 3rd – August 6th.  Campers arrived the first morning to a tropical paradise, with flamingos and palm trees decorating the center.  The week was full of activities, with daily crafts, games, horse husbandry and riding.  On Tuesday, gloves were donned and clothes were covered so campers could dive into tie-dying their own T-shirt.  On Wednesday, special guests arrived in a horse trailer.   Blackie and Derby, two miniature horses from SonRise Equestrian Foundation, came to spend the day at the center.  They were the highlight of the week.  Thank goodness they were patient visitors, as the their job was to be body painted by their camper partner.  The day was full of grooming the minis, walking them through an obstacle course, painting them and then giving them a bath to restore them to their original color.  Thursday also brought smiles when the campers were able to create a photo collage poster of all they had done at camp.

The week provided special opportunities for our riders.  The extra time gave the opportunity for each to learn to groom and tack their horse.  Riding skills progressed quickly as each child spent a portion of the day on their favorite mount.

The Xenophon staff did a fabulous job ensuring the camp experience was memorable.  Each and every day our riders went home with a special package, from craft projects to puzzles, to coloring books themed to the days activities.  Smiles abounded, by both the campers and the volunteers.   The center hopes to make this a yearly opportunity.