EVR 2 Week – Bareback riding and Colour wars

08/03/2015

Saturdays here at EVR mean bareback day! All of the girls had their riding lesson without a saddle which they loved because they learnt how to balance with the movement of their horse and it is really good for improving your riding position. They enjoyed playing lots of games during their lessons and some of them even preferred riding bareback to riding with a saddle! Whilst other groups were riding, the girls also did show grooming at the barn and practised their braiding skills to make our horses look extra clean and shiny! In the afternoon we had hangout time where the girls could play gaga, volleyball or cards before Wacky Water Saturday. For this we split up into groups and did a giant obstacle race, played drip, drip, drop and had fun on the slip ‘n slide which gave everyone chance to cool down in the hot afternoon sun. In the evening after dinner we had a giant Quiz night where the girls were divided into 7 teams and were tested on their horse and music knowledge as well as how well they know their counsellors. The counsellors also took part in challenges to win points for their teams and we had very closely fought squat and spoon balancing challenges!

Yesterday was theme day and our theme this session was…Colour Wars! The girls were lucky enough to be able to sleep in and they awoke to brunch at 10.30 of waffles and ice cream which they all loved. After that we announced the theme for the day and split them into different colour groups. Our first activity was a game of barrel ball where they worked together in teams to knock a cone off two barrels and which everyone enjoyed playing. After that we headed down to the creek to build cairns with the rocks in the river, the girls managed to make some really impressive ones that look very artistic! In the afternoon we played lots of colour related games against the different teams such as paint twister and mortal noodle as well as painting each other’s faces lots of bright colours. In the evening we enjoyed a nice barbeque outside on the lawn to make the most of a lovely evening before having some hangout time before bed.

Today it is back to riding lessons and the girls have also been tackling our low ropes course to help them develop their teamwork skills. The photos of this should appear on smugmug later today! This evening’s EP is Staff Demo where the girls get to watch their counsellors and instructors ride which they always look forward to!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick Lomauro

Nick Lomauro is a lifetime lover of camp (overnight and day), outdoor recreation, and value-based programs. Nick grew up in the YMCA and discovered his passion for working in youth development as a summer camp counselor. Full of curiosity, Nick graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in General Humanities. Immediately following graduation Nick set off to Spain to hike the 500 mile ancient pilgrimage trail, El Camino de Santiago. Nick then returned to his childhood YMCA in NJ, of over 20 thousand members, as the Director of Youth Development. In this role he designed, developed, and implemented day camp and teen programs. In 2015, Nick returned to Frost Valley and he is now the Director of Camp Wawayanda. This is Nick's 16th summer at Frost Valley.