Shekinah Western Ranch Camp

Christian-based camp provides real horse sense

By Christie Campbell
Aug 19, 2005

CHARLEROI – Six-year-old Hunter Vittone looked small standing next to the dappled gray horse known as Amazing Grace. But Hunter had no fear when it was time to climb on the animal and ride it around the corral.

Vittone is one of 20 children taking part this week in an equestrian camp in Twilight Borough. The day camp is designed to teach the basics of horse handling to children ages 6 to 11.

The Shekinah Western Ranch Camp has been in operation for only three years, but attendance has jumped from 54 campers the first year to more than 200 this summer. It has benefited from many supporters who, like its creator Pastor Tom Ravasio, want to see children learn about horses in an outdoor, Christian environment.

The equestrian camp, said Ravasio, is designed to serve two purposes: to give ranchers an awesome encounter with God and help them have a great experience on a horse.

Since he was a child Ravasio has loved horses. "I'd miss the bus just to stay home and watch 'My Friend Flicka,'" he joked.

On Monday, Ravasio and his assistants were showing the children entry level skills in horse training. Those included learning the correct way to lead a horse, how to turn the animal around and basic riding skills.

Ravasio, who most recently served as interim pastor for Connellsville Church of God, has devised seven games to teach the children horse habits. For example, in "the friendly game," students wave a soft rope known as a carrot stick over the horse. The movement simulates that of horse in a herd as they wave their tails over one another.

"What you're doing is becoming the horse's buddy. Those horses are saying, 'Wow, this is so cool!'" Ravasio said.

The growth of the camp and construction of its new facilities – including eight cabins – is due to sponsors and friends Shekinah Ranch has made, said Ravasio. For example, Waste Management of Pennsylvania underwrote the cost of 30 campers to attend this summer. Lou Mussi of Monongahela volunteered his time to serve as barn manager, and Linus and Joyce Mayernik oversaw the renovation of a building into a western town hall.

Ravasio's vision extends far beyond Shekinah's 22 acres. More than 170 acres adjoining Mingo Creek County Park have been donated to the ranch and eventually the camp will move there, making it possible to double the number of children it can accommodate.