Horsepower drives action at Shekinah's girls' camp

The Tribune Review

By Ron Paglia
Friday, July 17, 2009

 

Amanda Szerszen is no stranger to the Shekinah Western Ranch.

Which is why she feels right at home as a staff member at this week's Horse Crazy All Girls Camp at the unique complex in Twilight Borough.

"Many of our staff are former campers," the Rev. Tom Ravasio, founder of Shekinah, said. "They volunteer their time as instructors and helpers and in other capacities. Their experience and commitment to our goals and ideals is a valuable part of what we do."

Szerszen, a Fallowfield Township resident who will be a sophomore at Charleroi Area High School in the fall, said she looks forward to being at Shekinah each summer.

"I started coming here as a camper six years ago," Szerszen, 14, said as she helped this week's campers unsaddle their horses and lead them to the stables after a Tuesday morning session in the riding arena.

"The people here are very nice, very helpful and I knew I wanted to be part of the staff. I fell in love with the horses, so it's great having the opportunity work with the kids and also with the horses. And we get to ride later in the day when the sessions for the campers are completed."

Szerszen, who is in her fourth summer as a Shekinah helper, hopes to become a certified horse trainer after high school.

She and other staff are in good company in helping with activities this week.

Missy Nowakowski is a special guest trainer. Other guests trainers are Josh Lyons, Nathan Coffman and Blair Ferguson.

"(Missy) is excellent with the kids, very eager to help them learn and also very patient," Ravasio said. "We are certainly pleased that she is with us this summer."

Ravasio, who founded Shenikah Ranch seven years ago, said the Horse Crazy All Girls Camp is "our most popular camp for horse-loving gals."

He and Megan Patterra, assistant director, are guiding the staff and 32 campers through a variety of activities that include, in addition to horse riding, a paint ball course, creek walking, miniature golf, swimming, fishing in a stocked pond, night hikes and campfires.

Overnight campers are treated to home-cooked meals and Cowboy Chapel each morning.

In addition to those from the area, the girls, ages 8 through 16, also are from Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Maryland and other parts of Pennsylvania.

"We get the word out in a number of ways," Ravasio said. "We have a Web site, distribute fliers and visit horse expos to let people know what we're about. Word of mouth helps, too, and the response has been very favorable. Many of our campers have been here before."

Hannah McGee, 11, of Eighty-Four, is a repeat participant.

"I was here last year and it's so much fun," McGee said as she awaited her turn for a solo ride in the horse arena. "Everyone makes you feel at home. I've been to other (horse riding) camps, but I really loved it here."

Ravasio said that, while the camp is designed for fun, emphasis also is put on learning the proper techniques of riding and safety.

"We want them to understand they're not training for a rodeo," he said with a knowing smile. "Horse riding can be fun, but it's important for (riders) to understand the right way to ride, how to control the animals, and, most important, to do everything in a safe manner. All of the girls, as you can see, are wearing safety helmets."

The girls also learn to care for the horses. Directed by staff, they lead the animals back to the stables, remove saddles and other equipment and place them in the comfort of their stalls.

In addition to the formal activities of the overnight camp, the participants will be treated to horse demonstrations tonight, when Steve Meyer and his talented mustang, Sam, will be special guests. Meyer is a wild horse/burro specialist with the U.S. Department of Interior.

Tuition is involved for the Shekinah Ranch programs and it covers expenses incurred at the facility.

"The horses are here all year long," Ravasio said. "We have 21 stabled here and they go through a lot of hay and grain."

Ravasio said "scholarships" are available for campers who might have financial difficulties.

"Donors have come forth to help with the tuition," he said. "We always welcome and certainly appreciate any (financial) help. Our wish is to have every child go to camp, whether he or she can afford it or not."

In addition to the overnight camps, a day camp program has been added to the Shekinah lineup this summer. Amy Thomas is director of that program, which includes a petting zoo.

This year's programs will run through the third week of August. They include Shekinah Friends and Family Week, July 19-24; Dude's Camp, July 26-31; Mustang Camp, August 2-7; Pioneer Adventure Camp, August 9-14, and another Horse Crazy All Girls Camp, August 16-21.

Ravasio said the basic tenets that led him to start Shenikah Ranch continue to motivate him.

"We are deeply grateful to God for guiding us," he said. "The ranch has been a godsend to us and, more important, to the hundreds of children who have been here.

"They have fun, of course, but there are many 'life lessons' to be learned as they experience something truly unique. We want them to understand that God loves them, and we're here to help with that message."


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