Finding new ways to relate to horses and to each other.
Cultural Exchange Camp “Where all are enriched!”
Day camp for Ages 5-9 or 10-14
These special camps use our relationship with horses to provide a fresh, new perspective on human interactions and learn from our differences.
3 groups of 4 campers (each group with a different background), will celebrate personal identity and respect for others.
Differences will include species (horse and human), and any three cultures. Examples: 3 nationalities, or 3 religions celebrating their differences through ethnic song, dance, drumming. Experience basic cultural practices for dress, eating, greetings, meeting others, entertaining, leisure time…
Would you like to develop a positive relationship with different nationalities or spiritualities in your region? We are open to suggestions!
Cultural Input
The parents, mentors and campers of each cultural group are tasked with presenting one afternoon session (2 hours) during the week, celebrating an aspect of their culture, and leading to participation by all.
Parents/Mentors are also welcome to participate during any part of the camp.
Cost
$250 per camper (5 days). Some bursaries are available on the recommendation of a social worker, spiritual leader or equivalent.
Details
Camps run 5-days, 9:15am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday, July and August, but need to be arranged well in advance!
Wednesdays offer an optional overnight camp-out, with tents and bonfire-cooking on our private island in the Ottawa River, or on the mainland.
Willowbank programs can be delivered in French, English and Body Language!
Come forward with an interested cultural group and choose a week!
Special Needs campers are welcome, accompanied as appropriate. First come, first serve!
Volunteers
We always need Volunteers (age 14 up) to assist with various components of the program. Free training is available. Negotiate a commitment that works for you! Visit the careers page for more information.
Daily Schedule- Cultural Exchange
9:15 Arrival & set-up
9:30 Horse care - stalls, feed, health check
9:45 Grooming
10:00 Ride Team 1
10:40 Ride Team 2
11:20 Ride Team 3
While not riding, the other two teams choose from: Ground work with horses, horse care, designing a horse training program, Canoeing, Nature Study, Craft with your own collection of natural objects, Gardening, Photography, Painting.
12:00 Care of Horses and Tack (All)
12:15 Swim (Pool)
12:45 Lunch and Free Time (Bring your own lunch!)
1:30 Cultural Program (presented by parents/mentors/camper group/staff)
3:30 Feedback, Wrap Up.
4:00 Departure (except Wednesday Camp-Out)
Contact us to discuss transportation, financial assistance, or further information.
Painting Horses
Horses & Art
Every spring, mid- June, Willowbank opens its door to horse and nature lovers. Horse lovers are invited to view and take part in riding demonstrations. Artists are invited to take advantage of the beautiful scenery as the flowers begin to bloom and the horses can once more enjoy the green grass in the fields. All types of plein air artists are invited: photographers, painters, sketch artists. Artists who attend are invited to bring a piece of artwork with the subject of horses to display in the viewing room where a tea room is set up to offer refreshments. An art gallery is set up in the granary main floor for this special event where artwork by one selected artist (featuring horses) is on display.
All ages, riding abilities and artistic abilities are welcome.
Reserve your spot! Notify us ahead of time if you are interested in being part of a riding or vaulting demonstration. If you are an artist interested in taking part or being a featured artist, send an email to "info@artbo.net".
For more information visit the Horses & Art blog.