Campers must wear a boot with hard sole and small heel (paddock boot is the general term if doing an online search). Hiking boots, rain boots, and sneakers are NOT suitable or safe for horseback riding. RCPHC has a limited supply of used paddock boots for use and/or exchange. If you have paddock boots in good condition that you want to donate or exchange, please bring them cleaned and polished in a clear plastic bag with shoe size marked on the bag.
Campers should bring or wear long pants for riding, and a change of clothes for other activities if desired (lightweight long pants are encouraged rather than shorts to protect against ticks, cuts from grasses, hay, and branches, etc.). Counselors will let you know about bringing a bathing suit or change of clothes for days when there will be water activities.
All campers need to bring their own water bottles (no glass of any kind is allowed, even when covered in rubber/plastic). Day campers need to bring lunch and a snack (especially if attending Extended Care). No refrigeration or microwave is available for campers.
Cell phones need to be kept in backpacks during the day. They are a distraction and a potential safety issue.
All clothing, helmets, backpacks and any other belongings should be labeled with the camper’s name. We encourage campers not to bring other valuables to camp.
Many campers have not been exposed to common allergens at a horse barn (horse hair, hay, hay dust), so campers and families are surprised when it happens, typically on Monday morning! Sometimes campers develop itchy eyes, sometimes more severe reactions occur. At the first sign, we will remove the camper from the activity, bring them into the classroom, wash they face and hands, and apply cold compresses. We will call the parent/emergency number to let you know and expect that you’ll arrange pick up. Sometimes it works for the camper to get a single dose of an allergy medication, but you need to know that we cannot administer any medications. We’ll work with your camper as best we can through the week, but if the allergic reaction continues the camper may not want to return.
Summer Camp registration is partially refundable for any reason if made within 30 days of registration (e.g, by March 1 if registration is made on February 1). However, no refunds will be made for any registration made after April 30. except medical refunds. A 20% administrative fee will be charged for each session from which a camper withdraws. No credits will be given for future classes at RCPHC.
Medical refunds must be requested at least two weeks in advance of the camp session in which you are registered. A 20% administrative fee will be charged for each camp session from which you withdraw. Immediate family emergencies will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. No credits will be given for future classes at RCPHC.
Registrations are not transferable. Registrations made by one person cannot be sold or traded. We will work to accommodate transfers to a different session if space permits. There is no charge for a transfer.
We will evaluate weather situations and plan activities accordingly. Appropriate alternative activities will be substituted at the discretion of the camp director (Day Camp and/or Ponies & Friends Camp). There are no refunds or make-up days for inclement weather.
There will be plenty of time to have fun with new and old friends. Campers are however placed in riding groups based on experience. All campers are evaluated on their riding skills on the first day of each session in order to be placed into an appropriate level riding group for the week. (If requested, we will evaluate a camper’s riding level for future reference at Rock Creek; the evaluation will be kept on file for one year to be used should a student seek placement in one of our group lessons, a benefit valued at $50 if requested outside the camp venue.)