Welcome BR Parents!

Parents, we know that choosing a summer camp for your child can be difficult because it is a big step, and we know you want the best summer camp for girls. This section of the website will give you some information on why you should choose Black River Farm and Ranch. It will also help you and your daughter prepare for summer camp.

It is important to make an informed decision when choosing a camp. Black River is accredited by the American Camping Association, Licensed by the State of Michigan and inspected by the Health Department & Fire Marshall. All of our inspections are public record and you can contact the individual agencies for more information.

Our promise to you is that the BR staff will do its best to make sure campers are safe and having fun. Thank you for considering Black River Farm and Ranch!

– The BR Leadership Team

Why you should choose BR

Although our facilities are top notch and the location is beautiful it is really our staff and the “BR Spirit” that sets us apart. There is something special about BR, a connection that campers, staff, alumni, and sometimes even families feel about the BR. It is a difficult thing to explain, but once you are a BR girl you will know how extraordinary it is. The BR is a place that will become special to you, a place you will think about throughout the year, and a place where you will meet friends you will keep in touch with for life. We often say that the girls come the first year for the horses, but return to be with their friends!
We are lucky to have our counselors and staff. Lots of them have been with us for many years and most are BR girls themselves. Our campers come back as staff members, which creates a unique environment where our staff not only knows what it is like to be a camper, they know what it is like to be a camper at BR. It creates an inclusive, family-like environment.

It is simple “Be Safe & Have Fun!” That is our motto and as owners and directors we take that mission very seriously. We strive to provide an environment that encourages personal growth and the ultimate summer camp experience.

Our goals for the BR summer camp experience:
• To provide a safe and fun atmosphere in a stress free environment
• To increase each camper’s knowledge and skills in horsemanship and riding
• To foster the love and caring for of animals
• To provide opportunities that increase and or stimulate the camper’s self-esteem.
• To help each camper appreciate their natural surroundings.
• To help each camper respect others.
• To encourage campers to make responsible choices.
• To allow each child to experience group living

Camp Preparation Timeline

REGISTRATION – General Registration for camper sessions opens in November. Use the link below register your camper.
FORMS – complete the necessary health and camper forms by May 1st.
1. Physical Form – Remember that this form must be signed by a physician. Your camper must have had a physical within 1 year of the start date of their session and the physician must sign that she is in good health to participate in camp activities. This does not mean that she needs a new physical it just means that they will sign off on her having had a physical. A generic sports physical can be attached to our form. You can download a Camper Physical Form from our Application and Forms Section and one will be sent to you in the spring.
2. Health History – this is an online form that will become available on March 1st in the registration portal. Each camper must have a form submitted.
3. Rider Profile Form – This form will help us place your camper in the appropriate riding group and level. Please remember to be modest in your answers because it is much easier to move a camper up than it is to move her down a level.
4. About Me & My Camper – This form is optional but very helpful for our camp staff. It is intended to be completed by the camper and by the parent or guardian. Answering these questions will help us learn a little bit about you.
ZOOM – In March, our team will host a New Parent Orientation Zoom. During this meeting we will review what you need to do as a parent to be prepared for camp. You will also be given the opportunity to ask questions and connect with other new campers. We will email the information to all new parents prior to the event.
MAIL CALL – Keep an eye on your mail box in mid-spring for the BR Parents Guide. All the information you need to know! This Parents guide as answers to your questions such as: what to pack for camp, how to contact your camper when at camp, how to contact our office, camp policies, food service, and much more.
TUITION – All tuition for camper sessions is due by June 1st.
PACKING – You’re almost done, we promise. All that’s left is to pack for camp! If you need help with what to bring please use the packing list linked below. You know your camper better than we do; this list is just a suggestion. The only mandatory items are long pants for riding, Riding Helmet (you can rent or buy at BR), and Riding boots.
1. Remember they are going to have to repack their belongings at the end of camp and it will not be as neatly as you have packed it. Please leave extra room so that they can jam it all back into the luggage and laundry bags. Don’t worry you’ll have to wash everything anyway, Kids + Camp + Horses = Fun & Lots of Dirty Clothes!
2. We do not provide laundry services during a session. If campers are registered for more than one session we can send out their laundry in between sessions.

Yeehaw, you’re ready to go! Whew, now put those feet up and grab a good book or plan your week while they are at camp!

As your campers session approaches, please keep an eye on your email as that is our main form of communication.

Welcome BR Parents!

Why you should choose BR

Camp Preparation Timeline

Resources to help prepare for camp

For Parents

For Campers

Online Sources

Summer Camp

REGISTER FOR CAMP!

Session Dates & Rates

Parental Access

American Camp Association

Certified Horsemanship Association

Black River General Store

Our Horse Camp

Preparing for Camp

Contact Info

Phone

Email

Address