We have had a very rewarding season at Camp Boggy Creek this fall during the Family Weekend sessions. I coordinate the horses and horse volunteers for the Camp during the fall/winter. We have had three events this fall and one coming up at the beginning of December.
Our horse volunteers trailer their tried and true horses to the Camp to share with the kids and provide rides for them. We have other horse volunteers who come to help fit helmets or walk beside the kids as they take their first horse ride. We also allow the kids to pet and groom some of the horses as they enter the barn. Our helpful horse savvy volunteers share knowledge with the kids about horses, answer their questions, and keep them safe.
Volunteers help to bring special activities and events to the Campers during these times and having horses there is one of the most popular activities.
I have been coordinating the horses and horse volunteers for several years now and am so appreciative of the wonderful group of people and horses who come to share their expertise and love of horses with the kids and their families.
Last weekend, our horse volunteer group gave rides to kids with Cancer. It was really heartwarming to see the kids’ faces light up when they interacted with the horses. The kids were able to ride different horses and get their pictures with their families all on horseback.
Camp Boggy Creek (located in central Florida) was established in 1996 and is a 232 acre Camp that serves children ages 7-16 with serious illnesses. The Camp provides a medically safe Camp experience for children throughout the state of Florida with Asthma, Cancer, Craniofacial disorders, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Heart, Hemophilia/bleeding disorders, Immune Deficiency, Gastrointestinal illnesses, Kidney, Sickle Cell, Spina Bifida, and Transplant.
It provides fellowship with other children and their families who are experiencing similar life events and creates life-long friendships.
It is amazing to see how the children connect quickly with the horses and how much they appreciate interacting with not only the horses, but the horse volunteers. I am so grateful to be a part of it.
-Danielle