Spirits ride high through Great Oak summer camp, other horse programs
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Great Oak provides summer camp to kids of all abilities through the of the community.
The organization’s equine-assisted activities are intended to promote the physical, emotional and psychological health of people with disabilities.
The camp provides equine-assisted activities for people with disabilities from age 4 up to 95.
“It’s my ion, so I really love it,” Eva Finnan, program director and lead instructor said. “It’s different every day. We’re working with animals and people, so we meet everyone where they are, including the horses, so if they are not in the right mood, we have to adjust. If the kids are having a hard time we have to adjust.”
How parents and kids are getting prepared for new school year
Students in Aiken and Edgefield counties head back to the classroom Monday, so several events are being held to get students and parents ready.
The camp is open to people of all abilities who learn to groom, feed, tack up, horse care and ride, among other skills.
The programs are the catalyst for unbridled personal growth and awareness, according to organizers.
“I think they teach all of our staff and volunteers something every day … being patient, being kind, being tough, being resilient, and brave,” Finnan said.
The goal is to share knowledge to empower individuals and their families.
With most kids on a scholarship for camp, the nonprofit relies on donations and fundraisers to its programs. Toward that end, it has a big fundraiser coming up.
Although Thursday was the last day of camp, enrollment will soon open for the group’s “Lessons Program” for all ages, kids and adults.
Eleven-year-old Simon Carter says he enjoys riding horses.
“They’re nice and I love all the horses,” he said.
Campers also have the opportunity to take part in various art projects like sand art.
Finnan says watching the improvements people make through their programs is phenomenal.
“Our students go from not being able to correctly walk up the ramp because of their gait whether it’s cerebral palsy, or maybe an older person who had a stroke, to coming off the horse and walking by themselves down the ramp because that horse has exercised the same muscles as if they had walked for half an hour,” she said.
Great Oak is a non-profit, so they rely heavily on donations to maintain their facility, care for the horses and provide scholarships for their students.
A large fundraiser in of Great Oak, the Great Cowboy Horsemanship Show and cookout will take place on Nov. 2 at their Aiken location.
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