Aaron's Acres campers have chance to "horse around" at GMTRC

"Describing the emotional connection between a horse and a human is hard to verbalize, but it's easy to witness," said Jennifer Rummel, executive director at Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center (GMTRC), who has spent time as a buddy to visiting Aaron's Acres campers. "A horse's non-judgmental nature, its ability to communicate without language, and its therapeutic movement are inviting to people with special needs."

Most summers since July of 2011, a partnership between Aaron's Acres, an organization that provides socialization and recreation for children and young adults with special needs ages 5 to 21 through a summer camp, has brought campers to the GMTRC facility in Leola to experience that unique connection with a therapy horse. During the visits, campers ride horses and learn about equine care to engage in sensory processing activities.

Working with volunteers and staff members, campers also have the opportunity to lead a horse through an obstacle course. "Volunteers and staff for both Aaron's Acres and GMTRC work with the campers to help them with the obstacle course as well as other activities," said Rummel, who noted that activities include a scavenger hunt, a painting activity, equine grooming and care, and on-lead adaptive horseback riding. "(The activities are) based on each camper's individual abilities and needs," noted Rummel, who added that GMTRC will use about 10 volunteers to prepare for and carry out each of the six visits planned during the months of June and July. In 2022, more than 20 volunteers gave nearly 200 total hours to GMTRC during Aaron's Acres' visits. Aaron's Acres also brings volunteers, along with program staff members and others to assist the campers.

According to Rummel, there is something "magical" about experiencing the interaction between a child with unique abilities and a horse. She described watching a camper mount a horse named Violet for the first time. "(The camper) felt the connection instantly," she recalled. "What made this moment even more special is that this camper's brother, who also is different-abled, was there to witness that moment."

Elaine Burnett, program director with Aaron's Acres, said the organization is excited to partner with GMTRC again, noting, "The program staff and volunteers at GMTRC have patience and understanding, which help them to support our participants where their needs are." She added, During our time together, both the Aaron's Acres staff and GMTRC volunteers bring smiles to the participants' faces."

Both Aaron's Acres and GMTRC are nonprofit organizations that accept donations to offer opportunities and services. More information about GMTRC may be found at http://www.greystonemanortrc.org. More about Aaron's Acres may be learned at http://www.aaronsacres.org.