Woodson YMCA - Aspirus Branch

Ranch Camp

Ages 8-12

Let's Ride!

Whether your camper is new to working with horses or is a seasoned rider, Camp Sturtevant’s Ranch Camp at the Aspirus Branch has something to offer everybody. Beginners and advanced riders are welcome.

Campers will be able to ride at least once a day, usually two times per day if weather is appropriate. The earlier weeks will focus on beginner riding/safety. As each camper becomes more experienced, they will be able to increase their speed and participate in more riding activities. 

  • Camp provides breakfast, lunch and snacks every day
  • Ranch Camp runs weekly, the same as Day Camp
  • Ranch camp is not available Week 5, July 3-7
  • No busing is available for Ranch Camp.

Ranch Camp Features

  • Wednesdays or Fridays of each week will feature a demonstration clinic relating to the theme of the week.
  • Thursdays will feature a group art activity relating to the theme of week.
  • Fridays will be a half day for ranch camp, campers will go swimming for the second half of the day.

Ranch Camp Weekly Fee
Member: $271
Non-Member: $301 

Location: Ranch Camp at the Aspirus Branch
3402 Howland Ave., Weston, WI, 54476

715-849-2267

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Ranch Camp Daily Schedule

6:30 am
Pre-Care at Pavilion

9:00 - 10:00 am 
Ice Breaker Games (Mondays)

9:00 - 12:00 am 
New Campers: Go Over Safety/Brushing/Saddling (Mondays)

9:00 - 12:00 am 
Returning Campers: Brush/Saddle/Ride and Outdoor Activities

12:00 - 1:00 pm LUNCH

1:00 - 3:00 pm 
Ride, Outdoor Activities

3:00 - 4:00 pm
Brush/Bathe Horses (weather permitting), Stall Cleaning

4:00 - 6:00 pm 
Post-Care at the Pavilion

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Horses

Ranch Camp Themes

Beginner Week 1  |  June 5 - 9
Register by: May 22

Campers will learn the very basics of brushing, saddling, caring for, and riding horses. The goal of this week is to make sure each child feels safe and comfortable on and around horses. 

Safety Week 2  |  June 12 - 16
Register by: May 29

Campers will focus on safety on and around horses. Having fun with horses goes hand in hand with being safe around them! This week will feature a trailering demonstration and many activities relating to safety. 

Horse Care Week 3  |  June 19 - 23
Register by: June 5

Campers will learn more advanced details about caring for horses. We will focus on common illnesses, horse first aid kits and common body/saddle parts. We will also include a horse care mini clinic and activities relating to horse care. 

4-H Week 4  |  June 26 - 30
Register by: June 12

Campers will learn about 4-H activities and the different horse events that go along with it: halter, horsemanship, and showmanship. Our other activities will include blanket making, churning butter, and designing mini barn quilts.

Week 5  | July 3 - 7 - NO RANCH CAMP

Gymkhana Week 6  |  July 10 - 14
Register by: June 26

Campers will learn about the four events of a gymkhana show: barrel racing, pole bending, plug race and flag race. Learning these events will help campers gain confidence and feel more comfortable with steering their horses through obstacles.

Rodeo Week 7 - Timed Events  |  July 17 - 21
Register by: July 3

Campers will learn all about the timed events at rodeos. These events include barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, bull dogging and roping (team, calf, and breakaway). This week will also feature an off the horse roping clinic.

Rodeo Week 8 - Rough Stock  |  July 24 - 28
Register by: July 10

Campers will learn about rough stock events at rodeos including: bronc riding, bareback riding, and bull riding. Campers will not participate in any of these events, but we will have a clinic that explains each event and practice on stick horses or exercise balls.

Trail Riding Week 9  |  July 31 - August 4
Register by: July 17

Campers will learn all about riding horses on trails and what to do in case of emergencies when you are not in an arena. This week will also feature a farrier clinic where campers will learn how a farrier trims the horses’ hooves.

Roping/Goat Tying Week 10  |  August 7 - 11
Register by: July 24

Campers will learn more in depth about roping and goat tying. We will have practice dummies to rope and tie and we will feature a goat tying clinic so campers can fine tune their skills.

Horse Spa Week 11  |  August 14 - 18
Register by: July 31

Campers will learn all about spoiling horses. We will feature a dental clinic where campers can learn about horse mouth care, and we will also make home made horse treats.

Horse Camping Week 12  |  August 21 - 15
Register by: August 7

Campers will learn all about camping with horses. We will learn how to properly pack a trailer for camping and how to prepare the horses. Monday night or Thursday night campers will have the opportunity to spend the night at horse camp in tents.

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Spend the Summer with Horses

Ranch Camp is an incredible experience, working with horses, learning how to ride and to care for the animals.

Riding technique and safety will always be taught while riding to further camper knowledge but the main goal of horse camp is to have fun.

Campers will not ride if it is raining or if it is too hot/humid for the horses. We will have many off the horse activities to do on those days.