Young horse enthusiasts sought for Y ranch camp
Youths learn about, ride and work with equines
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer

At the YMCA's Diamond M Ranch sleep-away camp, youths are assigned to a horse of their own for the entire two-week camp stay.

UPPER FREEHOLD - Youths will get a horse of their own to take care of if they spend part of their summer with the YMCA.

YMCA Camp Ralph S. Mason has announced that enrollment for this summer's 2007 Diamond M Ranch Camp is now under way. The YMCA is looking for first-time campers, according to camp director Wes Supper.

The Diamond M Ranch is the YMCA's specialty sleep-away camp designed for boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 16 who are interested in learning or enhancing equestrian skills and spending significant time this summer riding and working with horses, according to Supper.

"Under the very successful Y program, which was launched in 1985, youngsters are each assigned to a horse of their own for the entire two-week camp stay," he said.

Not only do campers spend their days riding and practicing Western horsemanship skills, but they are also responsible for the horses' feeding, grooming, health care and tack maintenance. Campers also take part in barn care during their stay, Supper said.

"The instructional program is progressive so that campers who have never ridden before and those with fairly extensive experience can all participate and benefit from the program," Supper said.

Ranch campers bunk together at Camp Mason, which is on 600 wooded acres adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The camp has been serving area youngsters since 1900.

Its campus, which borders the Dela-ware River and the Appalachian Trail, includes more than 40 buildings, two lakes, an Olympic-size swimming pool, two riding stables and facilities for sports, crafts and outdoor activities.

During half of each day, ranch campers can choose to participate in traditional camp activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, sports and crafts. There are 34 different daily electives available, according to Supper.

"The goal of the program is to give campers a fun experience while also learning new skills and developing self-confidence and a sense of responsibility," Supper said.

The entire ranch program is "strongly grounded in teaching children the YMCA character trait objectives of honesty, caring, responsibility and respect," Supper said.

He suggests that families interested in Diamond M Ranch Camp begin the process of registering as soon as possible.

"At this point, with so many returning campers from last year already enrolled, we will shortly be running out of space for new participants," he said.

Anyone interested in learning more about the sleep-away camp can call (908) 362-8217 or visit the Internet Web site www.CampMason.org.