BGRA Summer Camps host both day and residential camps for riders interested in developing their horse and saddle seat riding skills. Beginners through advanced riders are welcome and are placed in riding groups according to their age and skill level. Participants may bring their own horse or use a school horse. Campers may register for 1 week or multiple weeks of camps. Campers live at the home of Dr. Sally Haydon, the owner/director of educational programs at the Academy. The maximum number of residential campers per week is limited to 12 campers.

During a typical day at camp, participants spend extended periods of time at the stables riding twice per day and learning practical horse skills and technical horse information. More scientific information is gained by campers through creative craft projects, games and activities. Some of the crafts, games and activities are centered on topics including horse care and health, horse anatomy, nutrition, conformation, management and history of the American Saddlebred.

Campers experience a real taste of the Kentucky horse industry by visiting renowned horse farms, horse shows and stables including American Saddlebred, Thoroughbred, Eventing and Dressage farms. Other sites visited while at camp include the Kentucky Horse Park, state of the art equine veterinary hospitals and equine therapeutic centers, breed associations, Churchill Downs and/or Keeneland Racecourse, and other equine businesses.

In addition to horse activities, riders are given time to relax at a local swimming pool and recreation center and participate in other recreational activities. Depending on the session the camper attends, the camper may have the opportunity to show their horse at a local horse show.

Campers ride everyday. Our accomplished and experienced instructors teach western and english. We have wonderful horses who can teach beginners who have never been on a horse or advanced riders who are looking for more of a challenge. We have a team of ten lesson horses who are all extremely well trained and mannerly. Unique games and arts and crafts add to the fun at Camp RHC. The camp is located at RHC Riding Academy.

Bear Creek Aquatic Camp is located on scenic Kentucky Lake, 45 minutes south of Paducah, KY. Our camp is just a boat ride away from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a popular destination for our adventure trips, overnights, backpacking and horseback riding programs.

Bear Creek features 200 acres of waterfront property and 2 miles of shoreline, creating the perfect setting for Kentucky’s only Girl Scout aquatic camp. Bear Creek’s bay has a large boating area that is ideal for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing. There is also a roped-off swimming area with a fun water slide and a great beach for building sand castles or burying camp counselors!

The property also includes a large meadow for games or a giant slip & slide, central shower house with private stalls and a newly renovated lodge which houses the dining hall, kitchen and health center.