It's Week Two, so that means summer camp is well underway! We had an amazing week last week, watching kids experience adventure in the great outdoors here at the Ranch.

While there are many exciting activities for kids to try, this week we want to share a little bit about our horse program. Horses have always been an integral part of Birch Bay Ranch. They're our roots, sort of. Before there were ziplines out here, there were horses. They're what makes us a ranch, and their presence here has become such an important part of our camp culture.

We honestly can't say enough good things about our horses. They are patient and kind with new riders. When kids are scared, they stand quietly. When kids are brave and are ready to try jogging or loping, they do so with control, teaching the kids how to become better riders and teaching them how special it can be to bond with an animal. We are proud to say that we have no "problem horses" in our herd. They're all wonderful and ready to pack beginner riders around, day after day, week after week. 

According to this article on how horses make humans healthier, riding horses increases your strength and burns calories. Interacting with horses also increases your empathy, reduces stress, releases endorphins and improves your self esteem. Horses can even be used in PTSD recovery. We've definitely seen these benefits within our horse program.

We think our horses help teach life skills, like patience, perserverence and confidence. We also think they teach kids about God's love and faithfulness. We're so blessed to have them and to get to teach kids such important lessons. Horses can effect positive life change!

So here's to camp horses, everyone!