Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Children's Adventure Camps:

This program has been designed with the Abnaki and Kennebec Girl Scout Councils to offer a place where young women who love horse and aspire to the ideals of the Girl Scouts can learn safe horsemanship and camping skills under certified riding instructors.

These instructors are trained in safety and provide a learning experience that creates a bond between horses and humans, builds self confidence and self esteem for the riders , develops responsibility, helps with social skills and allows each girl to learn new skills at their own speed. Our teaching program is based on the standards of the United States Pony Club, an international horse organization where many Olympic riders learned to ride.

The girls camp out at our private camp ground at the farm in Dover-Foxcroft. We provide all the tents food, and staff. Girls need to bring personal items and their own sleeping bags.

Our ADVANCED and INTERMEDIATE camp is for girls at a level in their riding where they canter and are ready to learn to jump. This week includes an overnight sleep out with the horses.

Our beginners camp is for young girls with little or no experience with horses, who have an intense interest in being with horses and learning to ride.

Each girl has their own horse for the week and are responsible for helping with the complete care of the horse as well as helping with all the chores related to owning a horse.

Students may choose to ride either English or Western. Our horses range in size from ponies to large horses. Most have previous competition experience and are well trained and gentle. They also double as horses for our Therapeutic Riding Program and are safe on the trail.

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Adventure Camp Information:

To the Parent or Guardian...

The purpose of this information is to help the camp staff know and understand the young people who have been entrusted to their care. Please be frank and comment fully, supplying whatever additional information we might need. It is of particular importance that we know of any health restrictions or emotional challenges. Attach an additional sheet if needed. For high school age campers, please comment as appropriate.

Thank you!

Please give us the following information:

Participant's Full Name:
Date of Birth:
Any Nickname?
Current Grade:

1. What do you want your daughter to get out of her camp experience?

2. Is she looking forward to her camp experience?

Yes
No
Somewhat
Unsure

3. Does you child have any special needs that we need to be aware of?

Yes
No

ie:

[learning disability, visual or hearing impairment, physically or mentally challenged]

4. Has anything occurred in here life in the past year or so that may be a challenge to her, or that may affect her behavior in a group environment? [Such as the death of a near relative, divorce, school problems, the loss of a favored pet, etc.] If yes, what kind of support has been helpful?

5. Age and sex of any other children in the home?

6. Has she ever been away from home without here parent[s] -guardian?

Yes
No

7. Is she usually:

happy
nervous
irritable
sullen
easy-going
full of energy
lacking pep
over-active
picked on
gets into arguments easily
may bully others

8. Does she?

tire easily
have nightmares
cry easily
have temper tantrums
get constipated
vomit easily
wet the bed
gets car sick

9. Is she afraid of:

the dark
animals
water
lightning
thunder
trying new skills
dealing with groups
other fears

10. Is she:

vegetarian
picky eater
restricted from eating certain foods

11. What are her favorite foods?

12. What kind of responsibility does she have at home and how does she handle it?

13. Please describe her usual behavior:

14. If she gets out of hand or misbehaves, what response would you prefer be taken?

15. Can your child:

read
use scissors
use a jackknife
write her name

16. Please describe any talent she has:

17. What are her favorite activities and pastimes?

18. Is she more likely to be a:

Leader
Follower
Both

19. Does she have any allergies, health or medical conditions we should be aware of in interest of her safety and well-being? [Please describe any special instructions]

20. Is there any additional confidential information you would like to share with us?

Parent[s]/Guardian[s]

Signature [s]

Signature [s]

Date Signed:

PLEASE RETURN THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR FEE.

THANK YOU!

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To make your stay with us the most fun, you will need to bring the following items:

A warm sleeping bag
extra blanket and Pillow
sleeping mat
canteen and mess kit
Three large towels

Personal Items:

Biodegradable soap and shampoo
Riding clothes
Loose fitting pants, (not tight jeans)
Riding footwear:
Either a tie shoe with a heel or boots
No Sneakers for riding
Shorts and casual wear for evenings
swim suit
Approved riding helmet (Must say SEI )
We do have some helmets available
Rain gear including footwear
Full length poncho or rain coats
Sun hat, Sun glasses, Sun screen.
Insect repellent
Camera
Books
Musical instrument if desired

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Equine Adventure Challenge Program:

Our Equine Challenge Programs combine unconditional love from the horse with the peace and tranquility of the Maine Wilderness.

Our classrooms are the pristine mountain views, deep blue lakes and meadows where God's creatures and wild flowers abound. This escape into the world of peaceful solitude is a time to relax the body and heal the soul.

A relationship with a horse changes lives. In a dynamic learning environment, horses empower people to develop life skills such as conflict resolution, increased self-esteem, communication skills, team and leadership skills. Based on the Resiliency Model, we strive to help youth develop internal traits that will help them grow to strong, healthy adults.

With mental health professionals such as school counselors or therapists, and a therapeutic riding instructor, committed adults' help our students set safe boundaries and participate in safe risk- taking challenges. We hold youth to a high standard of behavior and help them understand and take responsibility for their behavior. We combine lessons and trail riding with camping out to practice healthy life skills in a physically and emotionally safe environment.













The programs are designed to be progressive in degree of risk. Each person's success is directly related to their willingness to follow directions and to challenge their pre-conceived ideas about themselves. The first day starts with learning about horses, progresses to preparing the horse for riding, continues with riding, and finishes with caring for the horse and equipment after riding. Each child is assigned its own horse for the length of the trip to help establish trust and begin learning how to build a relationship with an animal.

The first day consists of lessons all day long, with processing in the morning before we begin, after the morning session, and at the end of the day over the campfire. We discuss successes, frustrations and fears and allow each person to have input into how the next day will progress. We feel this is an important piece of each adventure so that each child has ownership of the program and remains committed to meeting the challenges of each new day. Typically, we review the first day's lessons in the morning and hit the trail for the afternoon. The two-three hour trail ride gives the staff an indication of the strengths and weaknesses of the participants, and allows us to plan a days adventure that is both challenging yet successful for each person. The third day we encourage riders to challenge themselves as we head out on the trail for a days riding adventure into more remote and difficult areas. The degree of risk is totally dependent on the skill level attained by the riders. Safety is our primary concern. All of our adventures are based on the ability of the least experienced rider.

Equine Integrated Studies Program:

This program is in its second year and is designed for adolescents that have been identified as high risk and are non-motivated learners. In conjunction with School Administrative District#41 a group of 6 children from the fifth grade are chosen to participate. They study about horses at school and spend a total of 15 hours each grading period at Northern Maine Riding Adventures where they learn to gain confidence around horses, learn basic grooming and tacking skills, overcome fear and adversity, learn team building and cooperation skills that they can use in relationship with their peers, and progress to basic riding skills.

The program ends with independent riding on the trail. Twice a week during the academic day children, work on special research projects about horses. During this time, areas of studies include language arts, reading, computer skills, science, and community integration by visiting various stores that sell Equine products, and a visit with a farrier. The students put together a visual arts presentation, which they present to their family members at the school. This program is funded in part by a grant from United Way and Maine Healthy Communities, and SAD. #41 thru money titled the Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Adventure Based Learning with Horses and the Resiliency Model:

Adventure Based learning is an experiential model that uses an unknown environment with an unknown activity to build self-awareness and develop life skills. Through this group experience the person learns social skills and working with others, safe risk taking, anger management and responsibility for their own actions. Because this activity takes place in a totally unfamiliar environment, the person has to learn skills that have not been needed in their lives prior to the activity and must learn to develop trust with both their human partner and their horse.

Researchers have found that students make gains in six major categories: Leadership, self-concept, academics, personality, interpersonal, and adventure orientation. The theme underlying the greatest effects related to self-control and especially included independence, confidence, self-understanding, assertiveness, internal locus of control, and decision-making, all critical resiliency traits.

Northern Maine Riding Adventure's Adventure Programs are based on the Outward Bound Model of wilderness, nature, and of course, the Healing Power of Horses. Most of our students in the "Adventure" programs have little or no experience with horses or spending time in nature. They are usually in Crisis Residential treatment centers that have recreational therapy programs or have been in the foster care system many years. Some of our programs are young adults who have been aged out of the foster care system.

The National Center for Student Aspirations have identified eight conditions that make a difference for kids. Northern Maine Riding Adventures programs include the resiliency model and foster these eight conditions.

What is Therapeutic Riding ?

Excerpts reprinted from material from NARHA: The first centers for therapeutic riding in North America began operation in the 1960's. NARHA, formed in 1969, consisted of four member centers and 60 individual members during its founding year. Today, the number of NARHA-affiliated centers and members has drastically increased to more than 500 centers and 2,500 individual members. There are more than 26,000 riders who take part in NARHA programs with the help of 1,100 instructors, 20,000 volunteers, 600 licensed therapists and 4,000 therapy horses.

Individuals of all ages, with a wide range of physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities benefit from therapeutic horseback riding and other equine activities. The types of disabilities and conditions served include: - Amputations - Autism - Brain Injuries - Cardiovascular Accident/Stroke - Cerebral Palsy - Down Syndrome - Emotional Disabilities - Hearing Impairments - Learning Disabilities - Mental Retardation - Multiple Sclerosis - Muscular Dystrophy - Post Polio Speech Impairments - Spina Bifida - Spinal Cord Injuries - Visual Impairments.

Before participating in therapeutic horseback riding activities, individuals need to consult with their physicians. NARHA riding centers require each prospective rider to present a complete medical history and physician's statement signed by their physician prior to a therapeutic riding session.

The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions served. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.

For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The sense of independence found on horseback benefits all who ride. The therapeutic qualities of horseback riding are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Medical Benefits:

Dr. Louis Wagner, Retired, Chest and Vascular Surgeon, Franklin, PA: A horse's walking action mimics your body action. So, when you put somebody on a horse, in order to keep their balance, they have to move their trunk, arms, shoulders, head and the rest of their body. Only a live creature can make happen what is so beneficial. Nautilus and other exercise machines work only one group of muscles at a time. They don't require you to respond to them with natural body movements. A horse makes your whole body respond in a smoothly rhythmic, progressive way.

Dr. Walter Bobechko, Director of Humana Advanced Surgical Institute, Orthopedic Center of Dallas, TX: "Therapeutic riding is extremely effective with: - adult stroke patients - adults or children with brain injuries - children with cerebral palsy. "In addition to the physical benefits, therapeutic riding offers psychological benefits because riders feel a sense of achievement and control. Therapeutic riding requires balance and muscular control that often enhances or expedites recovery. The slow, continuous, rhythmic motion of the gait of the horse is therapeutic and helps develop the muscles around the spine."

Dr. Peter Moskovitz, Orthopedic Surgeon, George Washington University Hospital, Washington, D.C.: "Horseback riding is an effective means of therapeutic treatment, especially among patients with neuromuscular-related problems or disabilities."Psychological functions such as improved self-image, perceptions of mastery and improved confidence appear to result from equestrian therapy.

"Young people with cerebrospastic neuromuscular disorders who participate in therapeutic riding show better range of hip and knee motion, improved sitting balance and ambulatory capacities. They have a more positive and cooperative attitude toward their regular physical therapy."

Robert T. Kramer, Chief, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor University Medical Center, Children's Medical Center, Presbyterian Medical Center, Dallas, TX: "Therapeutic riding transcends traditional therapeutic methods and provides people with the joy of participating in a program that offers social, athletic and personal rewards, while providing benefits as well.

Staffing:

Head Instructor Judy Cross-Strehlke is a certified Advanced Level Clinician and Instructor in the discipline of "Centered Riding", one of only 15 in the United States at this level. She holds an Instructors Certificate from the Cheff Center for the Handicapped in Augusta, Michigan. She has a B.S. in Equine Animal Sciences. Judy has been teaching and training horses professionally since 1973 in the disciplines of dressage and combined training where she and her students compete regularly. She is a Licensed Master Guide for the State of Maine and along with her husband Bob Strehlke, also a Maine Guide, have been running wilderness adventures on horseback since 1980. Bob and Judy are certified by the Horsemanship Safety Association as Trail Guides. Judy has been the Coach of the University of Maine's Equestrian Team since 1996 when she helped the University start a Team.

Judy and Bob have been leading Equine Adventure Programs since 1996. NMRA has worked with mental health organizations throughout Maine including Kid's Peace New England, New Beginnings of Lewiston, Maine, Community Health and Counseling, Care and Development, and Families and Children Together, In addition, Judy works with children in the Foster Care System, teaching Equine Experiential Learning Programs for children with learning challenges. Other programs Judy offers are "Hooked on Horses" a program for adolescent substance abusers and an Equine Integrated Studies Program with fifth graders from MSAD #41 who are identified as non-motivated students from high-risk backgrounds.

Judy is on the staff at the national Horses and Healing conference where she helps other therapeutic riding facilities develop mental health programs. She also presents her unique programs to others in the Equine Facilitated Mental Health field.

The riding instructors almost always get "a foot in the door" with respect to impacting and guiding children who have hidden disabilities that come from abusive and dysfunctional backgrounds. Their role is to teach children how to be around horses safely and to learn how to understand animal behavior, a non-verbal body language not unlike their own, as well as develop actual riding skills. This helps the growth of social skills, improves the ability to follow directions, encourages group interaction, and involves the student in a positive relationship with an animal. True to the Resiliency Model, the instructor is a caring and committed adult who provides the role of mentor

Rehab workers are extremely important to the success of each individual child's program. They help with the actual hands on skills and with the help of the instructor, may be needed to lead the rider until they gain the confidence to ride independently. This sharing of the riding lesson builds a level of trust between the student and the rehab worker that takes much longer in traditional settings. Both student and rehab worker are learning a new skill, which provide common interests and the sharing of both successes and mistakes. In addition, rehab workers are expected to assist with any necessary behavioral controls to ensure group and personal safety.

NMRA has a large group of volunteers that work in the stable and are trained in horsemanship, safety, and to be aware of the issues facing the participants in the animal assisted therapy. Many of these are students at NMRA and belong to our " Peer Helper " program, which involves high school students as teaching assistants in the stable and in the ring.

The role of the Therapist, or Mental Health professional is to facilitate the treatment plan by appropriate intervention as behavioral patterns are manifested throughout the lesson. The goal is not to necessarily to have the lesson run smoothly, but to see each reaction as part of the therapy process and to provide guidance when necessary. The therapist also leads the group processing.

Everyone involved in each program signs on for the entire program in order to make each student feel as safe as possible.

NMRA provides a staff training for all the members of the organization that will be directly involved with program. They will run through an entire day of programming, participating as though they were the student in order to understand the impact horse will have, what their role is during the riding time, and what to expect from the horses.

Prior to starting the program students should visit the stable to meet the staff, the horses, and to learn the safety rules. This helps to answer any questions and reduces some of the fear students may have.

Liability Insurance:

Northern Maine Riding Adventures holds extensive liability insurance through The North American Horseman's Association. This policy covers ALL activities provided by NMRA, either at our main facilities in Dover-Foxcroft, at our wilderness bases in the Katahdin Iron Works area, at Packard's Camps, and at shows. Included are disabled riders, all camp programs, all trail rides and all who participate in lessons.

Because NMRA rides on land owned by private landowners, we provide an "additional insured" rider that covers anyone that gives us permission to use their land.

By the very nature of the horse industry and the risk of horseback riding our own insurance regulations of safety standards are extremely thorough. We must follow the prescribed "risk reduction" policies or we cannot be insured. Safety is our number one priority. All adventure programs are designed for the least experienced rider. We reserve the right to stop any activity that we feel is not safe.

Northern Maine Riding Adventures has been proud to receive a Safety Award for the last six years for running an "injury free" horse program. Safety issues are our biggest concern and all our programs stress safety for the horse as well as the rider.

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