When is registration for camp; how do I register?

Registration will open for camper sessions on November 1st and Mother Daughter registration will open in January. You can register online here.

What are the dates for the sessions? And can campers stay more than one session?

Our session dates can be found here. Campers can stay for multiple sessions, and stay with us overnight between sessions, with the exception of Session 5 to Session 6 and Starter Camp to Mother Daughter.

Can my camper do laundry?

We offer laundry services to stayovers, this will be done on horseshow day between sessions, so please pack enough clothing to last them a full session. The laundry will be charged to your treat store account.

How much does it cost to come here? Are there any discounts?

Tuition fees and discount information can be found here.

What is the daily schedule?

Check out our daily schedule here, scroll to the bottom of the page to find it.

How does riding work? What group will my camper be in?

Riding lessons are every morning, for one hour and thirty minutes, all riding lessons are Western riding.  First year campers will fill out a First Year Rider Evaluation before they arrive at camp, and we will match them to a group according to the information on that.  We tend to start on the safe side and start them in a more beginner group if we can’t decide, but there is always the opportunity to move groups during sessions if we believe they are strong enough to move up.  The counselors evaluate their riders at the end of each session, so we know what group to put them in next year.  Each session has riders that range from beginners to advance, and horses to suit each level.

Will my camper get mail?

Mail is handed out every lunch time, and put on their cabin table, with the exception of Sunday, where there is no mail.  You can either send mail, or bring it on incoming day where there will be boxes, labelled by date, that you can put it in.

Can I see the menu?

A sample menu can be found here.

My camper has dietary requirements, what do I do?

Campers with food allergies or dietary issues should contact the food service manager at least one week in advance to ensure there is a plan in place to accommodate the campers needs.  Please contact our office about this.

What ages do you cater for?

We take girls 6-15; if you turn 15 before June 1st then you are eligible to start our CIT program the next year.

What do your horses do during winter?

During the winter, our horses either stay on property or are cared for here, or they go home with people.  We offer a program where you can take our horses home over the winter, please contact us for further information on this, we will put you in touch with our equine manager to find a suitable horse and ensure he is not already going home.  You must arrange your own transportation for the horse to and from camp, and be able to provide care and shelter for the duration of his stay with you.  Horses are great fun, but also expensive and require a lot of time and care, please consider this decision carefully before you make a commitment to take a horse home.

I am interested in taking a horse home.

Many of our horses go home to great homes over the winter and we are glad you are interested in taking one home; please contact us for further information on this, we will put you in touch with our equine manager to find a suitable horse and ensure he is not already going home.  You must arrange transport for the horse to and from camp, and be able to provide care and shelter for the duration of his stay.  Horses are great fun, but also expensive and require a lot of time and care, please consider this decision carefully before you make a commitment to take a horse home.

How many horses do you have?

We currently have 65 horses, ranging from ponies to drafts, of all ages and all levels.

How does incoming day work?

Incoming day starts at 2.30 and runs until 4.00.  Please arrive within this window so we can check your camper in and get her settled in her cabin before orientation begins.

My camper is flying in; can we arrange a pick up?

Yes, we can arrange a pick up as long as it is within a certain window.  There is a cost of $150 for this.  Campers can only be picked up between 8am and 12pm on the Sunday they are due to arrive at camp, and can only be dropped off on the day of their horseshow between 3pm and 6pm.  Any drop offs or pick-ups out with these windows will be an extra $100.  Please contact our office to arrange this.

What time is the horseshow?

Horse show starts at 10:00 am and usually ends around 12:00 pm.  Check out is open outside the treat store starting at 10 am.

How does treat store work?

Treat store is open during free time and also after night activity, each time your camper comes through they can get one drink and one snack.  Clothing and other larger items may only be bought on incoming and horseshow days.  The bill needs to be paid in either cash or check.  There is no need for your camper to bring any cash to camp.

How do I get a BR ring?

You can get a BR ring only by filling out a ring list (find the form here) or at the end of your first summer as a counselor.

I am interested in working for you, how do I apply?

If you are interested in working for us, please check our summer dates and ensure you are available for the full summer season.  For further information please contact brstaff@blackriverfarmandranch.com, please attach a resume if you have not worked with us in the past year.

My camper takes medicine, what do I do?

Please make sure the medicine comes with its prescription from the doctor and its original dosage directions. OTC medications must come with dosage instructions as well. All medicine must be kept in the infirmary with our health officers.