Frequently Asked Questions: Cevalo Camp

Have questions about Cevalo's camp programs? You've come to the right place! Click the links below to find answers to the questions we receive most. If you don't find the information you need here, send us a message!

Why did you partner with the YMCA?
Are you offering mini-camps this year?
How much do the camps cost?
What is the ratio of campers to camp counselors?
How do you select your camp counselors?
How many campers/counselors return each year?
Do you offer arts and crafts activities, swimming, or other non-horsey activities?
What are the camp hours?
I have lots of experience and want a summer job working with horses, are you hiring camp counselors?
How do I sign my child up for camp?
Do you have to be a Cevalo member to attend camp?
Can I sign up for Jump Camp if I don't take lessons at Cevalo?

What do the campers do during camp?
What clothing and equipment does my child need for camp?

Are you offering mini-camps this year?

Because our sessions through the Northwest YMCA are open to 1st through 6th graders, we have not scheduled separate mini-camps this year. This means that 6 and 7 year olds can ride for the whole week!

What is the ratio of campers to camp counselors?

The camper to counselor ratio is 4:1. (An instructor and two counselors for 12 campers.) For sessions with a majority of younger or first-time riders, we also have assistants on hand to provide additional one-on-one help during lessons.

How do you select your camp counselors?

Cevalo's camp staff is made up entirely of current or former Cevalo students who have been hand-picked by our head instructor, Diana Disney. To be considered, counselors must have been a Cevalo member for at least one year and have demonstrated not only excellent horsemanship and riding skills, but a high level of maturity, a positive attitude, and a talent for sharing their knowledge. All counselors attend a mandatory training clinic prior to the start of camp to review the camp activities and schedule, Cevalo policies and procedures, and basic first aid response. The minimum age for camp counselors is 16 and we always have at least one adult staff member on site. (Student assistants under the age of 16 might also be present and must meet the above criteria, but due to their age are not included in the camper to counselor ratio.) To be selected as a lead counselor (instructor), the individual must have previous experience as a counselor for Cevalo camps or horse discoveries, have taught beginning riders under the direct supervision of our head instructor, and demonstrated a thorough understanding of all of the topics covered in the camp sessions.

How many campers/counselors return each year?

Each year, about 50% of our camp participants are repeat campers or current students. Because most of our counselors start out as student assistants, over 80% have previous experience helping with Cevalo camps and most have helped with special events and horse discoveries throughout the year.

Do you offer arts and crafts activities, swimming, or other non-horsey activities?

No, Cevalo's camp sessions are 100% focused on horses and horsemanship.

Can I sign up for Jump Camp if I don't take lessons at Cevalo?

All riders need instructor approval to participate to ensure that they have the skills necessary to be succeed without holding back the rest of the participants. This is an advanced camp, and riders can expect to be challenged and need to be willing to go for it! If you do not currently ride at Cevalo, contact us at 408-227-3529 to schedule an approval lesson (regular fees apply).

What are the camp hours?

For the YMCA Camps, drop-off is 7:00 AM - 8:45 AM, the camp hours are 8:45 AM - 4:30 PM, and pick-up is 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM. (Monday through Friday). Campers spend approximately 4 hours per day at Cevalo.

Cevalo's Jump Camps generally run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Friday, but please confirm the daily schedule with the instructor prior to camp.

How much do the camps cost?

The fee for the equestrian camps through the Northwest YMCA is $430 for Facility members and $447 for Program members. Register by April 18th, and you could win a free week of camp! See the Northwest YMCA website for details.

The total fee for Cevalo's Jump Camps is $375--a $195 deposit to Cevalo with the balance due ($180) payable directly to Diana Disney.

Why did you partner with the YMCA?

Partnering with the YMCA enables us to offer a full-day camp program, which makes it easier for a lot of parents to arrange summer child care. The YMCA also provides daily transportation to the stables, which will eliminate the need for so many individual trips to our new facility in Morgan Hill.

We understand this is a big change for our long-time campers. If you have any problems or concerns with the new arrangements, please let us know! If for any reason you aren't able to make the YMCA sessions work, we would be happy to arrange custom lesson packages instead!

I have lots of experience and want a summer job working with horses, are you hiring camp counselors?

All Cevalo counselors must be current or former students. This helps ensure that our counselors are familiar with the Cevalo horses, facilities, and policies. We do have volunteer opportunities for non-students. For more information, see the Volunteer page.

How do I register my child for a camp session?

Do you have to be a Cevalo member to attend camp?

No, Cevalo membership is not required for campers. Membership is only required for participants in our year-round lesson program.

What do the campers do during camp?

Campers groom and tack their horses and ride in a 1 hour lesson each day. After their lesson, they untack and take care of the horses' needs, which might include graining, watering, turn-out, and mucking. Once the horses are taken care of, the campers participate in a variety of horse-related activities, such as learning about what horses eat and what it takes to keep them healthy and happy, how to work with a horse in the round pen and how a horse responds to body language, how to give a horse a bath, how to identify and care for tack and equipment, and how to identify different horse breeds, colors, and markings and name the different parts of a horse's anatomy. Special demonstrations and activities are scheduled when possible and might include observing a farrier or vet in action, watching a jumping demonstration, or participating in a vaulting exercise. On the last day, campers are given extra time to groom and primp their horses and show family and friends their new riding skills.

What clothing and equipment does my child need for camp?

Campers should wear comfortable long pants and sturdy, close-toed shoes or boots with a 1" heel. (If your child already has a pair of Western boots, those are just fine, English riding boots are not required.) Cevalo provides loaner helmets for each camper, but riders are welcome to bring their own ASTM/SEI-certified equestrian helmet. (Bike helmets do not offer adequate protection and are not permitted.) If you are interested in purchasing a helmet, boots, riding pants, or other gear, check out the special camp packages offered by our partner, The Equine Clothesline.