or the first time, Camp Hawthorne Ridge in
Girard will offer a summer horseback-riding
program to campers. The camp, run by Girl
Scouts Western Pennsylvania (GSWPA), is
partnering with WLD Ranch to bring the
program to the camp.
“Like Girl Scouts, WLD Ranch is
committed to helping build confidence
and character in girls, so the partnership with them helps
our mission while providing memorable and meaningful
camp experiences,” says Dana Young, GSWPA Director of
Outdoor Program.
With four different sessions available, girls in grades two
to eight can register for a two- or four-night stay program
during the summer months. Camp Hawthorne will transport
the girls to WLD Ranch for riding lessons during their stay.
WLD Ranch is only three miles from the camp and will be
providing all the horses for the program.
WLD Ranch was established after Marvin and Pauline
Davis donated 50 acres of land in 1963 in memory of their
son, Wayne, to the Federated Church of East Springfield to
start a camp for kids. The
ranch has grown to offer
retreats, summer camps and
horseback riding lessons.
Anna Beall, Director
of Health and Safety and
Director of the Horse
Program at WLD Ranch,
says the program is
beneficial becaus e girls can
be themselves. “Horses
accept people for their
kindness, love and affection.
They respect you if you
respect them.”
Campers will learn western
riding, horse safety and horse
grooming and the program is
suited for all levels of riding
ability including those who have
never ridden before. When they aren’t riding, the girls
will participate in all the traditional fun camp activities
like crafts, games, group activities, campfires, archery and
swimming.
“The program focuses on beginners, helping girls build
confidence as they learn the basics of riding and horse care,”
says GSWPA Public Relations Manager Lisa Shade.
Besides horseback riding, Camp Hawthorne’s summer
program schedule offers options that focus on other
interests such as creative writing, arts and crafts, swimming,
superheroes, Harry Potter and even one that takes the girls to
Waldameer and Presque Isle.
Girls wishing to participate in programs do not have to
be a member of a Girl Scout troop. Anyone can register.
For girls in a troop, there are activities for every age group
from Daisies to Ambassadors and beyond, as well as
opportunities to train as a camp counselor.
Camp Hawthorne Ridge is a 200-acre camp off
Hawthorne Ridge Road in Fairview Township. The mostly
wooded property is home to a 200-foot gorge with a
waterfall and fossil caches that make it an idyllic setting for
camping and hiking.
In addition to the hiking
trails and gorge, Camp
Hawthorne Ridge has an
archery range, gaga pit,
arts and crafts center, and
swimming pool. There is a
range of accommodations
on the property, from
bigger lodges to cabins and
tents that are available for
rent, too.
For girls looking to
make lasting memories
this summer, especially
horse lovers, Camp Hawthorne
Ridge’s new horseback riding
program would be perfect
considering it’s close to home
and has all the amenities for the
quintessential summer camp
experience. n
“The program focuses on
beginners, helping girls build
confidence as they learn the
basics of riding and horse care.”
West County | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 11