Madi Williams mwilliams@blackfordcounty.org (765) 348-3411 For Immediate Release
High Riding Camp continues growth for sixth year
HARTFORD CITY For the sixth year, local students are attending High Riding Art and Equestrian Camp where they will be immersed in summer camp activities. From June 6-10 the camp took place at the Hurley-McCammon Farm and from June 13-17 will be at Blackford High School. Each year the camp has continued to grow. This years camp has nearly doubled in attendance with 28 campers, 16 Ball State University student instructors, and 20 other adult volunteers. Campers attend High Riding at no cost and receive a lunch from the Blackford High School cafeteria each day. The first week of camp at the Hurley-McCammon Farm campers participated in a range of activities that included art, science, sports, and horseback riding. The horses, riding assistants, and trainers are provided by Schuller Stables from Marion, Ind. When the camp moves to Blackford High School, the campers will continue many of the activities in addition to learning cooking skills. Ball State has provided a mobile classroom for campers to use during both weeks of camp. In the mobile classroom they participate in digital activities like watching movies or playing computer games. Also this year at High Riding, there is an ongoing research study through Ball State. The study will explore the effects that this kind of experience has on
undergraduate college students. The researchers use cameras to document the
interactions between the college students and campers. Ball State students from many different majors participate in High Riding as part of an Immersive Learning course. They create and lead the lessons and activities for the campers. Dr. Ruth Jefferson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at Ball State and leader of the Immersive Learning course, is director of the camp. She has been the catalyst behind the success of High Riding. For the past three years, Sam Keen, who graduated with a Special Education Degree from Ball State, has been Dr. Jeffersons assistant for the camp. This kind of camp requires support in many forms to allow campers to attend at no cost. Funds were provided by Discovery Womens Group from Ball State; Provosts Entrepreneurial and Immersive Learning Grant from Ball State; Ball State University FoundationAutism Grant; and the Blackford County Community Foundation. Volunteers and facilities were provided through the Hurley/McCammon family, Blackford County Schools, Kitchen Kemists, and Schuller Stables.