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Equestrian Programs
Learn about horses and riding in a fun and safe atmosphere
In our state of the art equestrian facilities, campers learn empathy, leadership, listening, and awareness as they grow in confidence as a rider, care for their horse, all while making new friends. Accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association and the American Camp Association, there is no safer place to ride.
Mission
Character building on horseback
Building character in the equestrian program starts with the relationship between horse and rider. Every horse in our herd has its own personality and preferences, as does every camper. By tapping into this unique relationship, we teach our campers how to read and respond to non-verbal feedback, how to understand the ways actions and behavior affects others, and how to build a successful partnership with those different than you. The equestrian program strives to teach the following values: listening, empathy, leadership, and awareness.
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01
Listening
90% of human communication is non-verbal. Learning to read a horse’s non-verbal cues provides excellent practice for campers striving to communicate more effectively with people.
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02
Leadership
Great leaders help others succeed. As campers learn to read a horse’s honest feedback, they learn when to be assertive, when to back off, and how to lead their horse through a successful ride.
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03
Empathy
Is the horse scared, excited, bored, or hungry? Understanding how a horse is feeling goes a long way towards understanding a horse’s behavior. Learning to empathize doesn’t just help us build better relationships with horses. It helps us build better relationships with people.
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04
Awareness
Riders must constantly be aware of their environment to ensure both the rider and the horse stays safe. Tuning into these environmental factors and looking out for the safety of their horse give campers practice thinking beyond themselves.
Safety
There’s no safer place to ride a horse
With rigorous safety protocols and certifications from trusted organizations, Camp Tecumseh provides a safe environment to stretch beyond your comfort zone, learn new skills and techniques, and enjoy riding.
Safety gear
Every rider wears an ASTM/SEI certified helmet no older than 5 years of age that properly fits their head in addition to long pants and closed-toe shoes.
Safety checks
Before every ride, a proper safety check is performed that checks the rider, the horse, tack, the environment, and the horse/rider relationship.
Expert instructors
Our director is a Certified Horseman’s Association instructor. In addition, all of our counselors and instructors go through a week long training modeled after CHA’s instructor certification training.
Certifications
Camp Tecumseh is proud to be certified by the American Camp Association (ACA) and the Certified Horseman’s Association (CHA). Our site and safety practices meet all ACA and CHA guidelines.
Equestrian Camp
For boys and girls ages 11 – 15 who love horses
A partner to our Overnight Camp program, Equestrian Camp helps campers grow in faith, trust, friendship, joy, responsibility through a mix of equestrian programs and traditional overnight camp programs. With both Western & English lessons, equestrian campers ride every day according to their skill level, learn to care for their horses, all the while making new friends. Girls attending Equestrian Camp live in one of our female equestrian cabins. Boys attending Equestrian Camp are mixed in with traditional overnight cabins.
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The right horse
Camp Tecumseh’s stable includes over 60 horses, and our expert staff knows each and every one of them. Every camper is paired with a horse that is compatible with their personality, ensuring success for both the rider and the horse. In addition, each camper is intentionally placed with the instructor that fits their personality best.
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English & Western
Equestrian Camp features lessons for both western riders and English riders. For campers staying two-weeks, campers may choose to ride one style the first week, then switch styles the following week. Riders will choose their preferred style when talking to the Equestrian directors at the beginning of the week.
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Incredible lessons
All of our talented instructors, in addition to equestrian experience, go through a rigorous week long training modeled after CHA’s certified instructor training. With a 1:4 ratio in classes and lessons campers receive lots of individual attention while lessons plans based on riding level help each camper grow at their own pace.
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Overnight Camp
In addition to equestrian activities, equestrian campers are an important part of the overnight camp experience. Equestrian campers get to take part in chapels, aquatics time, meal times, evening programs, campfires, and devotions, while making friends and taking part in activities with campers in overnight camp cabins.
Mornings on horseback
Levels Program
Camp Tecumseh’s levels program helps pair campers to lessons best suited to their riding ability. Upon arriving at Camp, campers are interviewed by one of the equestrian directors to gauge the child’s riding ability. There are six different levels ranging from brand new riders to riders who regularly show and ride at home. In addition to riding ability, each level includes instruction on parts of the horse, general horse knowledge, and understanding horses’ non-verbal signals.
After passing both a written and riding portion of a skills check, equestrian campers receive a bolo tie signifying that they have mastered the skills at that level and are ready to move to the next level.
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Colt
Understands basic practice of leading a horse. Can describe a safety check. Can mount with assistance. Can ride confidently at the walk.
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Yearling
Can perform a safety check. Mounts and rides the horse with balance and basic control while walking and trotting.
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Mustang
Shows increased independence in executing basic horse care procedures. Demonstrates control and effectiveness while trotting and is beginning to produce a canter.
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Bronco
Shows increasing independence in executing basic horse care procedures. Demonstrates leadership in assisting other campers. Shows increased balance and control while trotting. Can produce and maintain a canter at will and on the correct lead.
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Junior Wrangler & Wrangler
Shows initiative in assisting staff. Shows balance and control while walking, trotting, and cantering. Is familiar with the purpose and use of lateral suppling aids and uses them to make positive improvements in the horses’s way of going, while maintaining balance and an independent seat.
Afternoon Clinics
In addition to mornings at the barn, every equestrian camper spends two afternoons at the barn taking part in clinics. Representing some of the most creative riding experiences available, clinics provide kids with an opportunity to meet new friends, try new things, and experience the possibilities of what horses can do beyond traditional events like jumping and reining. Campers choose four clinics each week. Camper favorites like driving put kids behind the wheel of a cart pulled by a mini horse. Medieval archery allows kids to fire bow and arrows from horseback, and broom polo pits teams against each other as they work together to push a yoga ball across the arena to score points. Additional clinics include bathing, cowboy mounted shooting, broom polo, race relays, pony club games, and pony round up, and more. *Not all clinics are available every week and not all clinics are listed
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Driving
Grab the reins of a horse cart pulled by one of Camp’s miniature horses.
Driving
Grab the reins of a horse cart pulled by one of Camp’s miniature horses.
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Medieval Games
Transform into a medieval knight with activities like jousting and mounted archery (with foam toys).
Medieval Games
Transform into a medieval knight with activities like jousting and mounted archery (with foam toys).
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Bareback
Learn to ride a horse without using a saddle.
Bareback
Learn to ride a horse without using a saddle.
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Clipping/Braiding
Care for and dress up a horse’s mane and tail.
Clipping/Braiding
Care for and dress up a horse’s mane and tail.
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Drill Team
Learn to march in time and in line with a team of riders.
Drill Team
Learn to march in time and in line with a team of riders.
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Mounted Trail Obstacles
Learn to ride a horse through an obstacle course.
Mounted Trail Obstacles
Learn to ride a horse through an obstacle course.
Horsemanship
For overnight campers who want more time with horses
Horsemanship is the perfect option for campers who love overnight camp but want to spend time with horses. Taking up one clinic period during the mornings, horsemanship allows campers to choose two other morning clinics and take part in all afternoon and evening overnight camp activities. Upon arriving at the barn, campers will be fitted with a helmet, receive a ground lesson, and head out to the arena for a riding lesson where their horse will be tacked up and ready to go. Horsemanship campers go on an extended trail ride through the pine forest led by our qualified barn staff. On Saturday at check-out, families are welcome at the barn to meet the camper’s horse.
Horsemanship Levels Program
Camp Tecumseh’s levels program helps pair campers to lesson plans best suited to their riding ability. Upon arriving at Camp, campers are interviewed by one of the equestrian directors to gauge the child’s riding ability. There are four different levels ranging from brand new riders to riders who regularly show and ride at home.
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Nighthawk
Independently walk, stop, and guide the horse.
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Ranch Hand
Begin trotting their horses, learn to sit and post the trot, learn to steer their horses at a faster gait.
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Trail Guide
Adds the challenge of cantering our horses and learning the diagonals at the posting trot while fine tuning steering through arena figures.
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Trail Master
Shows increasing independence in executing basic horse care procedures. Demonstrates leadership in assisting other campers. Shows increased balance and control while trotting. Can produce and maintain a canter at will and on the correct lead.
Trail Rides
Get a taste of life on horseback
A relaxing ride through the pine forest, trail rides are a great first-time riding experience and a great way to see Camp in a different light. A nice walk on a flat gravel trail led by Tecumseh staff provides a memorable experience. Trail rides during the summer cost $12 and are deducted from a camper’s trading post account.
Affording Camp
We recognize that our families have differing abilities to pay, so Camp Tecumseh YMCA has instituted a voluntary 2-tier pricing program for our Summer Overnight and Equestrian programs. All campers will have the same experience regardless of which tier a family has chosen. The selected tier is confidential. This system allows us to continue offering an incredible camp experience with exceptional staff, activities, and facilities while making camp accessible to as many families as possible.
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Tier A$1,100
This is the cost to provide a week of camp at Camp Tecumseh. If you are able to pay this amount we ask that you do so. Thank you!
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Tier B$950
This is a partially subsidized rate made possible by the generous donations of friends of Camp Tecumseh, through our annual fund, endowment, and our Tecumseh Society. If you choose this tier, you will receive this automatic subsidized rate.
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Additional Financial Assistance
Additional financial assistance, greater than the subsidized rate above, will be available through our Campership Application. On September 18, please register your child first using Tier B, and pay the $100 deposit. Afterward, you will need to complete the short Campership Application that will be linked in the application.
DATES & AVAILABILITY
Your Camp Tecumseh adventure is right around the corner.
Next summer is closer than you think. Browse our calendar to learn more about session dates, session availability, and current pricing. If a session is available, we have a spot for your child! If it is waitlisted, it has already filled. However, join our waitlist and you’ll be notified of availability as spots open up. If you wish to join our waitlist, please fill out our registration form. We can’t guarantee spots will become available for campers on the waitlist.
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost Tier: A/B |
| Boys Overnight Camp Week 1 | June 13 - 19 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Boys Overnight Camp Week 2 | June 20 - 26 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Boys Overnight Camp Week 3 | June 27 - July 3 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Boys Overnight Camp Week 4 | July 4 - 10 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Boys Overnight Camp Week 5 | July 11 - 17 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Boys Overnight Camp Week 6 | July 18 - 24 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Boys Overnight Camp Week 7 | July 25 - 31 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Boys Overnight Camp Week 8 | August 1 - 7 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Boys Overnight Camp Week 9 | August 8 - 14 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost Tier: A/B |
| Girls Overnight Camp Week 1 | June 13 - 19 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Girls Overnight Camp Week 2 | June 20 - 26 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Girls Overnight Camp Week 3 | June 27 - July 3 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Girls Overnight Camp Week 4 | July 4 - 10 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Girls Overnight Camp Week 5 | July 11 - 17 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Girls Overnight Camp Week 6 | July 18 - 24 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Girls Overnight Camp Week 7 | July 25 - 31 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Girls Overnight Camp Week 8 | August 1 - 7 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
| Girls Overnight Camp Week 9 | August 8 - 14 | Opening in October | $1,100/$910 |
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,100/$910
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost Tier: A/B |
| Boys Equestrian Camp Week 1 | June 13 - 19 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Boys Equestrian Camp Week 2 | June 20 - 26 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Boys Equestrian Camp Week 3 | June 27 - July 3 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Boys Equestrian Camp Week 4 | July 4 - 10 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Boys Equestrian Camp Week 5 | July 11 - 17 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Boys Equestrian Camp Week 6 | July 18 - 24 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Boys Equestrian Camp Week 7 | July 25 - 31 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Boys Equestrian Camp Week 8 | August 1 - 7 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost Tier: A/B |
| Girls Equestrian Camp Week 1 | June 13 - 19 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Girls Equestrian Camp Week 2 | June 20 - 26 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Girls Equestrian Camp Week 3 | June 27 - July 3 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Girls Equestrian Camp Week 4 | July 4 - 10 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Girls Equestrian Camp Week 5 | July 11 - 17 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Girls Equestrian Camp Week 6 | July 18 - 24 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Girls Equestrian Camp Week 7 | July 25 - 31 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
| Girls Equestrian Camp Week 8 | August 1 - 7 | Opening in October | $1,200/$1,010 |
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,200/$1,010
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost Tier: A/B |
| Boys CILT Session 1 | June 13 - 26 | CILT Lottery Sept. 2! | $2,200/$1,970 |
| Boys CILT Session 2 | June 27 - July 10 | CILT Lottery Sept. 2! | $2,200/$1,970 |
| Boys CILT Session 3 | July 11 - 24 | CILT Lottery Sept. 2! | $2,200/$1,970 |
| Boys CILT Session 4 | July 25 - August 7 | CILT Lottery Sept. 2! | $2,200/$1,970 |
- Status:CILT Lottery Sept. 2!
- Cost Tier (A/B):$2,200/$1,970
- Status:CILT Lottery Sept. 2!
- Cost Tier (A/B):$2,200/$1,970
- Status:CILT Lottery Sept. 2!
- Cost Tier (A/B):$2,200/$1,970
- Status:CILT Lottery Sept. 2!
- Cost Tier (A/B):$2,200/$1,970
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost Tier: A/B |
| Girls CILT Session 1 | June 13 - 26 | CILT Lottery Sept. 2! | $2,200/$1,970 |
| Girls CILT Session 2 | June 27 - July 10 | CILT Lottery Sept. 2! | $2,200/$1,970 |
| Girls CILT Session 3 | July 11 - 24 | CILT Lottery Sept. 2! | $2,200/$1,970 |
| Girls CILT Session 4 | July 25 - August 7 | CILT Lottery Sept. 2! | $2,200/$1,970 |
- Status:CILT Lottery Sept. 2!
- Cost Tier (A/B):$2,200/$1,970
- Status:CILT Lottery Sept. 2!
- Cost Tier (A/B):$2,200/$1,970
- Status:CILT Lottery Sept. 2!
- Cost Tier (A/B):$2,200/$1,970
- Status:CILT Lottery Sept. 2!
- Cost Tier (A/B):$2,200/$1,970
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost Tier: A/B |
| Whitewater Rafting 1 | June 27 - July 3 | Opening in October | $1,475/n/a |
| Whitewater Rafting 2 | July 11 - 17 | Opening in October | $1,475/n/a |
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,475/n/a
- Status:Opening in October
- Cost Tier (A/B):$1,475/n/a
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost Tier: A/B |
| Day Camp Week 1 | June 14 - 18 | Coming March 2027 | TBD/n/a |
| Day Camp Week 2 | June 21 - 25 | Coming March 2027 | TBD/n/a |
| Day Camp Week 3 | June 28 - July 2 | Coming March 2027 | TBD/n/a |
| Day Camp Week 4 | July 5 - 9 | Coming March 2027 | TBD/n/a |
| Day Camp Week 5 | July 12 - 16 | Coming March 2027 | TBD/n/a |
| Day Camp Week 6 | July 19 - 23 | Coming March 2027 | TBD/n/a |
| Day Camp Week 7 | July 26 - 30 | Coming March 2027 | TBD/n/a |
| Day Camp Week 8 | August 2 - 6 | Coming March 2027 | TBD/n/a |
- Status:Coming March 2027
- Cost Tier (A/B):TBD/n/a
- Status:Coming March 2027
- Cost Tier (A/B):TBD/n/a
- Status:Coming March 2027
- Cost Tier (A/B):TBD/n/a
- Status:Coming March 2027
- Cost Tier (A/B):TBD/n/a
- Status:Coming March 2027
- Cost Tier (A/B):TBD/n/a
- Status:Coming March 2027
- Cost Tier (A/B):TBD/n/a
- Status:Coming March 2027
- Cost Tier (A/B):TBD/n/a
- Status:Coming March 2027
- Cost Tier (A/B):TBD/n/a
Sign up and get ready for Equestrian Camp
Equestrian Camp: $890/week Horsemanship: $85/week (in addition to Overnight Camp fee)
Register for Equestrian CampPrepare for Camp
From registration forms, to packing lists, to check-in day, there is a lot to get ready. Don’t worry though, we make it as easy as possible to prepare for your child’s week at camp.
Prepare