COME JOIN US FOR A WEEK OF UNFORGETTABLE FUN! Every summer, Animals as Natural Therapy offers a variety of Summer Day Camp sessions in July and August for kids ages 8-14. While our camps are open to all kids, priority goes to youth referred by family or counselors for confidence-building and help with improving peer relationships.
The first day of camp is focused on making new two-legged and four-legged friendships--people, horses, llama, goats, rabbits, dogs, cat and chickens. Leadership skills and relationship building are practiced through exercises and games.
Throughout the week, campers learn to "read" horses and herd behavior to predict a horse's reactions. Safety is practiced while doing ground work with the horses. The youth learn to communicate their requests more clearly in their normal lives by interacting with the horses.
During each session, campers witness demonstrations of horsemanship and animal care all over Windy Acres Farm. Activities like horseshoeing, composting, feeding and other farm work go on all around the kids, and they are able to see the dynamics and hard work that go into farm life.
721 Van Wyck Road, Bellingham, WA 98226 Ph/Fax: 360-671-3509
2011 Day Camp Schedule
New 4 Day Camp, $250
June 28-July 1*
Tues - Fri, 10am - 3pm
New 3 Day Kids Camp, $150
ages 6-8
July 6-July 8
Wed - Fri, 9am - 12pm
Weekly Day Camp
ages 8 - 14
July 11-15
July 18-22
August 1-5
August 8-12
Mon - Fri, 10am - 3pm
Cost: $300 per week
Deposit: $100
Some scholarships available
* For Experienced ANT Riders
We also spend time on a fun craft project throughout the week, making paper mache horse puppets under the guidance of local artist Christian Smith. Once the puppets dry, campers paint, clothe and decorate their creations. The puppets become just as individual as the campers themselves.
On the last day of camp, the horses are honored by painting a symbol of appreciation on them. The campers go on a trail ride during the day and learn how to handle their horse in a less structured situation. This is the culmination of a week's worth of interaction and bonding between the children and the horses.
Before leaving camp on Friday afternoon, campers share their dreams for their own lives moving forward with what they learned at camp. The last activity we do is the compliment game: Each person takes a turn sitting in the middle of the circle (kids and staff alike), and each person at camp says one thing they appreciate about them! Everyone likes this part of the day.
All of our campers come away with new skills to face challenges, make better life choices and celebrate who they are. We have a ratio of one volunteer for every one or two kids, with a capacity to serve eight kids per week. Be sure to reserve a place for your child early.
To see photos from previous Day Camp sessions, or to read quotes from past participants, please see our ANT Day Camp Stories page. Download our 2010 Day Camp Brochure for further information.
Participant Forms
Please print out, complete and submit all forms below for participation in ANT's Summer Day Camps. Be sure to note on the registration form the date(s) you are interested in reserving; have a parent/ guardian sign all forms; and complete the Scholarship Application if you are in need of financial assistance. Contact the office with any questions. Completed forms can be submitted by fax to 360-671-3509 or mailed/dropped off to ANT at 721 Van Wyck Road, Bellingham, WA 98226.
Windy Acres Summer Day Camp
