Since its inception in 1940, several generations of Girl Scouts have grown up with horse camp at Camp Azalea Trails.
Most of the girls who attend the camp don't have any other access to horses. Twenty percent of them are foster children for whom the horses are an invaluable form of therapy. The relationships they build with these beautiful creatures helps them to overcome their shyness and uncertainty and mature into confident, responsible young women.
Unlike private luxury camps, where it's just about putting on a saddle and going for a ride, the girls at Camp Azalea Trails must care for each horse's needs, from feeding and grooming to mucking and raking. They learn what it is like to be completely responsible for the well-being of these animals on a much deeper level. It's a unique experience they carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Thirty-four-year-old Meridith Rhea attended her first horse camp at Azalea Trails when she was in 5th grade.
"I was crazy about horses," said Meridith, "but had no opportunity to be around them. I had no pets of my own, so horse camp was my first time being responsible for an animal. I had to learn about my horse's needs and care for him on every level. The bond we formed was just incredible."
Her favorite memory is a camp trail ride where the girls actually got to sleep overnight with the horses on the trail. "It gave us all a sense of independence we had never had before. We weren't just a bunch of kids anymore. We were like real cowgirls looking after the animals, the land and each other. It felt amazing."
Today Meridith is a professional in the field of necropsy and works closely with the California racing board. She diagnoses illnesses and injuries suffered by racehorses and works to prevent them from spreading to others. Eleven years ago, she bought a large draft horse named Quincy, her best friend and a much loved member of her family.
Earlier this year, Meridith's own daughter Kiley attended horse camp at Azalea Trails for the very first time. "She really loved it. Quincy is such a big boy that it was fun for Kiley to get to know smaller horses that were more at her level. She's hooked and can't wait to go back."
For the Rhea family, horse camp is an unforgettable rite of passage they wish every girl could experience. "Everything about camp feels more intimate. You've bonded so closely that you can can't help but cry and feel sad to leave. And the next year you always look for that old horse friend."
by Juno Kughler Carlson
jcarlson@gssgc.org
Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio builds girls of courage, confidence and character who help make the world a better place. To find out how you can get involved with Girl Scouts, call 1-800-400-GIRL (4475) or visit us online at http://gssgc.org.
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