Okeechobee 4-H Horse Day Camp
4-H & Youth
Courtney Davis
EXTENSION AGENT I
Okeechobee
Abstract
Okeechobee 4-H Horse Day Camp, also known as “Just Horsing Around” is a series of week long day camp that are conducted three weeks during different months of June and July. The camps are open to all youth ages eight to 18. Each week is different, but activities all three weeks focus on youth and horses with the goal to provide meaningful educational experiences for youth. The day camps provided for a continuance of learning opportunities during the summer months as well as motivation to be physically active in a safe supervised venue. Young people are introduced to many different aspects of the horse program. “Hands-on” activities, as well as classroom activities, followed the experiential model for effective teaching and learning experiences. The goal is to increase the equine activity level of at least 250 Okeechobee youth in three years of the Okeechobee 4-H Horse Day by giving youth positive alternative activities as measured by pre- and post-test. Youth did increase their knowledge and skill levels of equine safety and activities through participation in the Okeechobee 4-H Horse Day Camp. 100% of the youth participants, even experience riders, increased their knowledge and skill levels by 92% as indicated by observation and parent testimony. 100% of the 264 youth participants reported and/or demonstrated an increase in some equine skill level of at least 75% as a result of their participation in the 4-H Horse Day Camp.
Authors: Davis, C.
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Davis, C. Extension Agent I, Okeechobee County, Florida, 34972