Malachi Acres is celebrating our 18th year of Summer Camp!! It’s that time of the year again when horse loving campers have the wonderful opportunity to be with other horse loving children and teens for part or all of their summer activities. Our campers range from ages 5 to 14. Thanks to Debbie Grahl who has been our Camp Director for the past 17 years. She has gone above and beyond to make Camp Malachi a very special experience.
It is so a joy to watch the “seasoned” teens mentoring the young beginners with patience and compassion, knowing they understand the excitement of that first experience with horses. After speaking to so many students/campers of all ages, it seems the friends the campers make are as important as riding their favorite horse. That tells me it’s a happy place to be thanks to our wonderful, attentive staff and of course the very special, kind horses. have We have carefully chosen staff members and horses to make camp and riding an enjoyable learning experience for campers and students of all ages. All counselors are campers who have been with Malachi for many years.
One of Malachi’s camp counselors, Samantha O’Hagen had this to say about her camp experience over the years. “My parents did not think that horse camp would be my thing, but they were sure wrong! After my first horse camp, I’m still using all the skills taught to me on that very first day; from basic horsemanship to how important teamwork is, whether it be with horses or humans. Malachi Acres has given me memories I will cherish forever along with life knowledge and goals that will help me in everyday life. I am so happy I am able to share those gifts I have learned with excited beginner horse lovers!” Samantha is away at college this year. We always look forward to her visits!
Other campers from our community had basically the same positive experiences as Samantha. Danielle Locrotondo said, “Camp at Malachi is so much fun! I go the entire summer and it has given me so many goals to achieve. I have been going to camp for several years now and I NEVER want to miss a camp day!” After many years as a camper, Danielle is now a counselor. We have many new students looking forward to their summer camp experience. They will learn new skills with the coaching of Danielle and the other counselors (with Ms. Deb at the helm) that will only enhance their riding experience. Danielle has also had wonderful year of showing the magnificent horse, “Jackson”. Danielle and counselor Carly Orenstein will demonstrate their advanced riding skills on their talented horses during summer camp. Who knows how their knowledge will inspire all riders to shoot for the stars, especially with horses!
One dad commented on a camp day at how impressed he was with the knowledge of safety the students showed while working with the horses. He noticed how each child, young and old, worked so well together in getting their day started. They seemed to understand that horses are serious business.
I hope this gives you a small idea of the magic that happens when horses and children safely interact with each other.
For more info see, www.malachiacres.com or call 954-464-1239
