Palomar Horse Camp

Horse Camp combines daily riding instruction with unmounted lessons about horse health, anatomy, equipment, and barn maintenance. Girls join one of three riding groups according to their previous experience. Lessons mainly use Western saddles and include mounted archery and quadrille, a coordinated riding activity. Caring for horses is part of the learning experience.

The wider camp program includes daily Bible studies, worship, games, campfires, and outdoor recreation. Pool time, ziplining, archery, and riflery complement the horse activities. These activities are scheduled by staff during the week, with eligibility requirements applying to particular options. Rest time in cabins and free time are also part of the daily rhythm.

Each week begins with Sunday afternoon drop-off and ends with a Friday showdeo, where girls demonstrate their skills before leaving with their families. Weeks are organized for different age bands, including ages 9–13, 13–17, and 11–15. Campers live in cabins, and families can request a cabinmate through the forms sent after registration. The program emphasizes Christian growth alongside horsemanship.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are part of the daily schedule. Most food allergies can be accommodated, along with dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets for campers without celiac disease. Families identify dietary needs when registering.

Girls stay in cabins with a counselor and a Wrangler in Training. Cabins are grouped by age. Families can request a cabinmate in the forms sent after registration and should bring bedding or a sleeping bag, a pillow, and towels.

All riders wear helmets. Horse wranglers hold Certified Horsemanship Association certification. Staff complete annual child-abuse prevention training and follow the Rule of Three: a staff member does not meet privately with a camper without another person accompanying them or remaining within sight. Two trained lifeguards supervise pool hours.

Staff hold First Aid, CPR, and AED certification, and an AED is available at the office. Camper medications are kept locked, administered by trained staff, and logged. Families hand medication over at Sunday arrival with the medication form. Prescriptions remain in pharmacy-labeled containers bearing the camper’s name; other medicines remain in their original containers. Parents are contacted immediately about a medical emergency.

Horse wranglers are Certified Horsemanship Association certified and teach in the arena and on trails. Seasonal and full-time staff undergo background checks, interviews, and three non-family reference checks. Counselors support cabin life and are trained to help campers with homesickness.

Camper calls home are limited to emergencies. Families can call or email the office to pass on a message. Prewritten letters or packages may be handed over at Sunday drop-off, labeled with the camper’s name, program, dates, and delivery day. Camp photos are posted online during the week. If an urgent fire or other situation arises, staff contact parents immediately.

Drop-off is Sunday from 3:30–5 p.m. The Friday showdeo begins at 2:30 p.m. in the upper parking lot, with pickup following. Registration closes at 11:45 p.m. on the Wednesday before each week. Fill up with fuel before driving up the mountain, take the S6 route, and avoid Nate Harrison Grade. Bring riding boots, suitable riding clothes, bedding, towels, and required medication paperwork. Camp helmets are available to borrow.