The Calvin Center offers Recreational and Therapeutic Programs
to children and adults. This program will enhance the existing
programs offered by the camp
and conference
center and expand the reach of our ministry.
The Recreational and Therapeutic Riding Program offers the opportunity
for individuals and groups to learn more about themselves
and others through organized riding sessions under the direction
of professional and volunteer leaders.
Recreational
Calvin Center's recreational program is designed for camp participants
and groups who have made prior arrangements with the reservations
staff.
Guided
trail
rides
and group Lessons will be offered.
 Therapeutic Riding
Calvin Center's therapeutic program is designed for children
and adults with disabilities. Horseback riding offers the
student a new physical and visual perspective on the world.
Therapeutic riding participants experience the benefits of
riding in many ways: students
with cognitive or emotional disabilities are motivated to
increase their patience, concentration and self-control as
they learn to work with the horses, the instructors, and the
volunteers; individuals with mobility impairments find that
riding offers them the opportunity to move in new ways. The
gentle rhythmic motion of the horse's gait helps the rider's
muscles to loosen, increasing the flexibility and strength
of the participant. Balance and coordination are enhanced
when the riders learn to guide their horses with the reins
and to hold their bodies up 'straight and tall in the saddle.'
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED
As a Participant:
Our mission is to provide a safe and enriching experience for
all of our participants and to foster a greater sense of appreciation
for and enjoyment of the world
in which we live and for which we give thanks in a decidedly Christian environment.
Our goal is for our participants to learn and develop horsemanship skills
to the best of their ability while having the experience of a
partnership with
a truly remarkable creature - the horse. While there are definite
therapeutic benefits
for our participants, our program is primarily instructional and recreational.
Participants are evaluated individually and are put in classes where they
can develop their skills within a group. Lessons are geared to
individual needs
as well as general skills. Applications are available from
the Calvin Center Office.
 As
a Volunteer:
We depend upon the support of our Volunteers. Volunteers help take
care of the horses, the equipment and facilities, and also assist
in the riding classes by
serving as "leaders" - whose primary responsibility is the behavior
of the horse - and as "sidewalkers" - whose primary responsibility
is the safety of the participant. Volunteers also support the program by providing
other important services, such as clerical assistance, construction and maintenance
assistance, fund-raising assistance, grant writing assistance, trail development,
etc. Volunteer training sessions are scheduled throughout the year. Contact the
Calvin Center Office for information regarding the next scheduled volunteer training
session. Volunteer applications may by completed onsite at the time of training.
As
a Sponsor/Donor:
Most of our participants are in need of financial assistance. Your tax-exempt
donation of $200 will sponsor a rider's participation for a fall or spring
quarter.
Further information regarding financial and in kind needs for the program
will gladly be provided by the Calvin Center. Checks should be made payable
to the
Calvin Center for the Therapeutic Riding Program.
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