Frequently Asked Questions

Here are frequently asked questions (and answers) about Allegheny Riding Camp:

 

What kinds of girls attend Allegheny Riding Camp?

Campers at Allegheny Riding Camp are usually girls who have had enough experience with horses to know they love horses and want to learn more. Some campers take riding lessons during the school year, but the typical camper does not own her own horse (yet). At Allegheny Riding Camp, we have lessons for beginners, advanced beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders. Campers of any age can be placed in each ability level.

 

How do I know if I qualify for the Show Camper Program?

If you have been competing in horse shows for at least one year, you probably qualify for the show camper program. If you don’t have a year of horse show experience yet, but your trainer thinks you are ready for this, then we’d be happy to talk with you or your trainer for program suitability. All campers who register for the show camper program will be contacted by the riding director to determine if the program is a good fit for the camper.

 

Where do campers come from?

While most campers are from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New York, and New Jersey; last summer, campers represented 18 different states and 6 foreign countries. A handful of Grier School students attend our summer program, but the majority of campers are not students at the Grier School during the school year.

Is there a religious emphasis at Grier Summer?

No, there is not a religious emphasis at Grier Summer. Campers represent a variety of religious backgrounds, and we do not have group prayer at Grier Summer.  The “Golden Rule” is practiced and reinforced at camp. We emphasize respect for every individual.

 

What happens in a typical day?

Morning includes breakfast and 2 individual activity periods. In the afternoon, the camper has a rest hour, free swim, and 3 more individual activity periods. After dinner, there is another unit activity, followed by canteen, and a large group evening program.

 

How often can campers go horseback riding?

Every camper at Allegheny Riding Camp rides twice a day. Campers are scheduled for two horseback riding lessons and one period of equine studies each day. Since campers are responsible for tacking their horses for lessons, we usually assign more than one camper per horse in beginner lessons until campers demonstrate proficiency in this skill.

 

I've never ridden a horse before. What if I don't like it?

At Allegheny Riding Camp, we want everyone to have a positive experience. If you are hesitant to ride a horse for any reason, we will not force you to do so. Often, after observing a few riding lessons, reluctant campers choose to ride. Campers are also allowed to choose other camp activities instead of horseback riding.

 

I really  want to go to your camp, but my best friend is not interested in riding. Can she still come to camp with me?

Yes! Your friend can register for our creative arts camp and still be your roommate. She would choose five other camp activities. We have plenty of great choices, including art, dance, theatre, sports, and swimming. Other great programs at Grier Summer are the AP Art Portfolio program and the Dance Intensive.

 

What are the living arrangements?

Grier Summer features dormitory-style housing. Campers are housed in units according to age and experience at camp. We attempt to blend new campers with returning campers, so that no one feels like an "outsider". Two girls share each dormitory room, and a bathroom connects every two rooms.

 

Am I allowed to choose my roommate?

Yes. On our registration form, just indicate your roommate request in the space provided. If you're near the same age, you're attending camp at the same time, and the request is mutual, we will place you together as roommates.

 

What is your staff ratio?

We maintain a 1:4 ratio of childcare staff to campers across camp at all times. There are two counselors assigned to every unit. The youngest units are limited to six campers, often allowing for a 1:3 ratio.

 

Who are the staff?

Most of our seasonal summer staff members are college-aged women or college graduates. Many are pursuing degrees or careers in the fields of education or human services. We sometimes hire assistant staff members who are graduates of our CIT program and are entering their senior year of high school.

 

When can parents visit?

Parents are permitted to visit anytime, with advanced notice. We encourage parents to attend the horse show, dance recital, and other performances at the end of the session.

 

Are campers allowed to use the telephone?

Campers who are staying more than one session are permitted to use the pay phones or personal cellular phones to call home on the weekend between sessions. C.I.T.'s have phone privleges. All other phone calls must be placed through the camp office, with special permission from the camp director. Parents are welcome to call at any time to receive an update on the camper's progress. Parents are encouraged to write letters and send emails. Campers are not allowed to carry cell phones at camp.

 

What do you do about homesickness?

When a camper is homesick, we make every attempt to keep her busy participating in activities and concentrating on the aspects of camp that she considers fun. If the homesickness persists, camp staff will call the camper's parents to make her parents aware of the situation, and ask for suggestions for making the camper more comfortable.

 

What happens if a camper becomes ill or injured?

A licensed, practical nurse is on duty at camp at all times. All seasonal staff are certified in First Aid and CPR, and emergency medical services are less than 10 minutes away. Camp staff will telephone parents or the designated emergency contact person if a camper experiences a medical condition that prevents her from participating in camp activities for more than 24 hours, or if the camper must see a physician for any reason.

 

What is your refund policy?

Parents can receive a full refund of the camp deposit if the camper cancels before May 1, for any reason. We do not issue tuition refunds if a camper is required to leave camp early due to uncooperative behavior, or if a parent chooses to take the camper home early due to homesickness.

 

What happens between sessions?

Campers who are registered for six weeks attend an overnight trip to Hersheypark during the weekend between sessions. Campers depart after the horse show on Friday morning, spend the night in a hotel near Harrisburg, and return to Grier Saturday night, after a full day at the amusement park.

 

When is the registration deadline?

We do not have a registration deadline. We recommend registering by the end of March in order to assure ample time for paperwork and other preparation.

 

Do you give discounts?

We give early registration discounts to campers who send deposits in the fall. We also give a 10% discount each time a camper refers a new camper to Grier Summer. There is a 10% sibling discount as well.

 

What should campers bring?

Upon registering for camp, campers receive a packing list detailing what to bring. Allegheny Riding Camp does not have a uniform, but we do expect campers to dress in a white shirt and riding breeches for the horse show. Campers should pack comfortable clothes and specialized activity equipment such as a riding helmet, riding boots, tennis racquet, and dance shoes (if she plans to participate in those activities). Campers are NOT allowed to have cellular phones, televisions, computers, or pagers. We do not recommend bringing valuable jewelry, expensive clothing, or stereo equipment.

 

How do we get to Allegheny Riding Camp?

For complete travel information please click here.