Foxlair West Camp FAQs:
Q- What is your refund policy?
A- The camp fee includes a 25% per session non-refundable/non-transferable deposit. For any cancellation received 30 days prior to the start date of camp, the camp fee will be refunded minus the non-refundable deposit. In order to provide the highest quality horse program we must plan well in advance based on confirmed reservations. For that reason, within the 30-day window of your camper’s start date, no refunds will be issued for cancellations.
Q- What is your dismissal policy?
A- The camp reserves the right to dismiss, at its sole discretion, any camper whose condition, conduct, influence, or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or detrimental to the best interest of the Camp or her/his fellow campers or who violates Camp rules and regulations, in which case no refunds will be made.
Q- How do you hire the counselors?
A- Each lead counselor is an experienced rider/trainer/instructor over the age of 18. Each counselor has an assistant who is also an experienced rider over the age of 16.
Q- What is the Camper to Counselor ratio?
A- The ratio varies with age group. Each week of camp is limited to 10 campers for safety of the campers and maintaining a moderate workload on the horses. Each lead counselor (plus assistant) will have a group of no more than 5 campers. There will be junior counselors – also experienced riders - assigned to each group to insure a 1:1 ratio for beginner riders, while handling/riding horses. There will be enough staff on hand to provided one-on-one attention for those kids that are younger, inexperienced, or nervous as needed.
Q- Are your horses safe?
A- Safety is our top priority. You can get hurt on a “safe horse”. We minimize this by teaching safety first and good horsemanship. We use very suitable/experienced horses for our programs.
Q- What should Campers bring and not bring to camp?
£ Liability release form if not completed online in advance
£ If you own riding equipment (helmet/boots/half-chaps) bring it; if not, the basics are provided
o You must ride in long pants, you may bring shorts to change into
o You must ride in boots/hard soled shoes. If you do not have any, we have loaners
o You must ride in an approved riding helmet, we have loaners for those as well.
£ Sunscreen
£ Lunch and snack (we will have bottled water and snacks as well)
£ Change of clothes – on hot days kids like to change into shorts after riding. There are also days when the kids will get wet, washing horses, etc. There will be a bin where they can leave a change of clothes for the week if you desire.
£ Cell phones are allowed for emergencies or contacting parents as needed.
Q- Are families allowed to visit at camp?
A- Of course, although we suggest you do not stay and hang-out with your child during camp. We have found this disrupts your child’s camp experience and the camp in general. On Friday (for full-week camps) we have a Camp Fun Show & party, this is a good day for parents to come and watch campers ride and take part in the party. On short-week or holiday camps we have an abbreviated version of fun-day!
Q- Does this camp accept children with disabilities?
A- We recognize that riders with special needs need to be individually assessed. We offer an assessment for camp applicants whose disability may potentially prohibit him/her from fully and safely participating in this camp. Some riders with disabilities require a specific safety and curriculum structure to fulfill their needs. For children with these types of disabilities we encourage you to please contact a program that specializes in therapeutic riding. For safety reasons, you must disclose any disabilities your child has.
Q- Do campers need any special equipment?
A- Boots are strongly suggested, closed toe full shoes are acceptable. Riding helmets that meet ASTM/SEI requirements are provided. Bicycle or non-ASTM/SEI approved helmets are not permitted.
Q- If I’m in after care do I get to ride more?
A- No. After care is a service provided for parents/caregivers that need a little extra time before picking up their camper. Our camp staff is done working at the end of camp, as many of our instructors need to come back and give lessons again later in the day. Our after care is essentially babysitting and provides activities such as crafts, games, watching movies. IF one of the qualified staff/instructors are still on site, it is possible that the aftercare kids may get to groom or do something with the horses, but this is not a guarantee.