Horsemanship Camp
Horses teach, camp inspires- confidence follows
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Overview
Horsemanship Camp offers a unique blend of equestrian learning and classic camp fun for youth entering grades 3–10. Campers will spend their mornings at the Lasting Strides Ranch with trained instructors, building confidence and skills in horse care, etiquette, and riding. Interactions with horses naturally encourage growth in social skills such as reading non-verbal cues, problem-solving, teamwork, and managing emotions. After a morning of horsemanship, campers return to Amicus Day Camp for an afternoon filled with exciting activities like sports, art, games and more. These experiences create an unforgettable camp journey that fosters friendships, personal growth and social skill development in a natural and engaging way.
Horsemanship Camp at a Glance
- Ages: Entering Grades 3–10
- Location: Mornings at Lasting Strides Ranch; afternoons at Foothills Academy
- Dates & Duration: 1-week sessions Monday to Friday; 9:00 am–4:00 pm
- Focus/Goal: Learn to ride and care for your horse while developing social skills and having fun!
- Activities: Horsemanship, riding, sports games, art and more
- Transportation: Drop-off and pick-up at Foothills Academy. Bussing to the ranch is provided
- Intake Criteria: Completion of the Intake Process is required for new campers. Details below
- Cost: $865- Financial assistance is available. Eligible for FSCD funding. Details below
PROGRAM STATUS:
- Horsemanship 1 - Full
- Horsemanship 2 - Full
- Horsemanship 3 - Full
- Horsemanship 4 - Full
- Horsemanship 5 - Full
- Horsemanship 6 - Full
- Horsemanship 7 - Full
About the Horsemanship Program
A Day in the Life at Horsemanship Camp
Morning: Campers are dropped off at Foothills Academy and transported to Lasting Strides Ranch. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, campers learn horse care, grooming, and riding skills tailored to their individual levels. Working with horses provides unique opportunities for developing social skills, such as learning to read non-verbal signals from their horse, building trust and patience, and practicing effective communication. Counsellors help campers reflect on these interactions, highlighting how these skills can be applied to relationships and teamwork.
Afternoon: Campers return to Foothills Academy to join the Day Camp activities. They choose from a variety of options such as art, sports, science, and games, tailoring their experience to match their interests
Why Horses?
Horses are excellent teachers for youth with social challenges, offering immediate, honest feedback through their actions and responses. By caring for and interacting with horses, campers learn to interpret body language, regulate their emotions, and build confidence in their ability to communicate effectively
Social Skills Integration
While the focus of this program is on horsemanship and recreation, social skills are seamlessly woven into the camp experience. During the horsemanship sessions, campers practice patience, empathy, and problem-solving as they care for their horse and respond to its cues. Counsellors guide campers to make connections between these lessons and their interactions with peers. Social skills coaching continues throughout the afternoon activities, ensuring that campers build on their progress in a variety of settings.
Registration and Intake Process
Campers with ADHD and/ or Learning Disabilities within the accepted grade/ age range are eligible.
New Campers: Complete the Intake Process to determine eligibility. Eligible families will receive registration details.
Returning Campers: Families will receive a direct registration link. A $100 deposit secures your child’s spot.
**Once approved, you do not need to re-complete the intake process for subsequent camps or programs. This is only for first-time families.
Financial Accessibility
Camp Amicus is eligible for FSCD funding, and we can bill FSCD directly for camp fees. Families needing additional financial assistance can visit our Financial Accessibility page for support.
Horsemanship
Jana has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary, and is registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers. She has a history of working with children, youth, and families, and is passionate about early intervention, prevention, and meeting children’s social, emotional, and developmental needs. Jana is trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Traning, and the Nurturing Parenting Program Curriculum. She utilizes a trauma-informed and strength-based approach in her social work practice, aimed at mitigating the effects of trauma, strengthening family resilience, increasing natural supports, and building on existing strengths.
Intake Criteria
Check our Intake Criteria to ensure that we can meet the needs of your child.
New Campers
Intake approval is needed prior to registration. Please complete the Intake Form to begin the process.
Returning Campers:
