Bar JO Ranch Summer Camps

Bar JO Ranch Summer Camps: Fresh Air and Fun Summer Memories!

It starts with exciting days and the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. But it continues with responsibility, community, empathy, and confidence! These are Bar JO Ranch summer camps, and they are just what your kids need! Time spent outside with horses offers so many benefits and is never wasted. Could your kids use some fun outdoor play and happy memories? Bar JO Ranch will literally be a breath of fresh air this summer!

Bar JO Ranch is located about 20 minutes west of Cochrane, in the Rocky Mountain foothills. It’s run by the same family that has operated the Griffin Valley Ranch trail riding and summer camps since 2009. They offer a safe, positive environment for children, youth, and families to experience the benefit of riding and working with horses. Getting outside and off technology allows kids to discover who they really are and what they can accomplish. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to experience new adventures with friends and family, creating special memories!

No experience is necessary at Bar JO Ranch. Kids will learn horse safety and how to behave around horses, how to mount and ride, and more. Camps are available for children as young as 5 years and up to 18 years. Bussing from Calgary and area is included in the camp fees, with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations at Central Memorial High School, Norma Bush Hockey Arena, Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre, and Cochrane High School.

Summer Horse Camps Ages 5 – 7
Your little horse-lovers will be thrilled with these ‘Pony Sense’ day camps. Children will learn how to interact with ponies, the difference between a halter and a bridle, and how to groom and saddle a pony. They’ll learn how to correctly mount, steer, and stop a pony, too. It will be a camp filled with outdoor fun and new skills!

Summer Horse Camps Ages 8 – 18
Kids need to be 8 years old by the start of this camp, and campers will be grouped by age, size, and skill level. Campers will learn safety, horse care, and riding fundamentals. Activities will include arena exercises, riding drills, and games on horseback. Kids will enjoy gymkhana races and scenic trail rides. Each camper is assigned a horse for the whole week, so they can build a bond and learn how to work together. They’ll have a meaningful, active week, filled with summer fun!

The benefits of working with horses are far-reaching and relevant to every part of life. There are physical benefits, of course, like coordination, balance, and increasing muscle. But there are also personal, emotional, and mental benefits. Besides safety, basic riding skills, and overall common sense interaction with a horse, kids learn responsibility and empathy. Caring for horses teaches patience and problem-solving, plus kids can find like-minded friends and learn to work as a team as they develop the confidence that will support every area of their lives.

All this personal growth, fresh air, and outdoor fun sound good, right?! Make some 4-legged friends this year with Bar JO Ranch summer camps. Check out the details today and discover new excitement and calming encounters!