Ebony Horsewomen Equestrian Summer Day Camp

The camp features a full farm experience with over 5 species of live animals, certified therapeutic staffed in a people of color community serving youth who are underserved and deprived of access to unique experiences. To align with the district’s goals, the program will use four of the five pathways in the Connecticut Agricultural Science and Technology Education Standards of  (1) Animal Systems (CT-AS)—the study of animal systems, including life processes, health, nutrition, genetics, management and processing, through the study of small animals, livestock, dairy, horses and/or poultry, (2) Aquaculture (CT-AQ)-the study of aquatic organisms, including life processes, health, culture, management and processing including both fresh and salt water species. (3) Natural Resource Systems (CT-NRS)—the study of the management of soil, water, wildlife, forests and air as natural resources. (4) Plant Systems (CT-PS)—the study of plant life cycles, classifications, functions, structures, reproduction, media and nutrients, as well as growth and cultural practices, through the study of ,crops, turf grass, trees and shrubs and/or ornamental plants. Students will have access to live animals and hands-on activities. Horsemanship training will be conducted with our 14 horses and will focus on equestrian training, life empathy enhancement, concentration, core muscle strength, coordination and balance. This training can be conducted by mounted and un-mounted activities. Our summer program traditionally provides integrated cross-disciplinary student-centered learning projects requiring/enhancing academic skills in science, mathematics, language arts, and comparative critical thinking. Four major components combine to increase academic achievement through mentored STEM studies are: 1.) Youth Development through Veterinary Science Curriculum (DavisU) and related courses in Eco-systems Science; 2.) Development of student understanding/ appreciation of similarities and differences among different animal species and extension to those of humans (physical, cultural, ethnic, social, psychological) through comparative cognitive activities, facilitated discussion, and multicultural activities involving students, their peers, and their Instructors and Counselors 3.) Improvement of the physical, mental, and psychological health of youngsters by fostering positive behaviors, self-confidence, and self-/other-awareness using the principles of Horsemanship Training, Equine and Animal Assisted Growth and Learning, and Equine Assisted Therapy, with proven extended results in better quality of life, increased hope (and consequent life goals), and a greater resilience and ability to successfully negotiate future challenges; and 4.) Recreational activities through “Cowboy Cooking,” Gardening, that provide an additional avenue to engage with instructional materials (cookbooks, gardening manuals) to gain literacy understanding and application.

Ebony Horsewomen is Special Needs Accessible and Summer School Compatible.