Choosing a Summer Camp 2026

talesoftori
Mar 18
3 min read

How to Choose the Right Summer Camp for Your Child

Summer camp should be one of the most fun and memorable parts of a child’s year. It’s a chance to get outdoors, spend time away from screens, connect with animals, and build confidence in a healthy, active environment.

At The Traditional Equitation School (TES), summer camp combines fun, creativity, and hands-on STEM learning into one unique experience centered around horses.

Each morning, campers rotate through three core activities:

• Riding – Learning to ride and build confidence on horseback

• Horsemanship – Understanding horse care, behavior, and basic veterinary concepts

• A creative horse-themed craft – A fun and engaging way to express creativity

This structure ensures that every child is engaged in something physical, educational, and creative each day.

After lunch, campers return to the barn to help feed the horses, followed by additional activities such as water play and games, making each afternoon just as fun and engaging as the morning.

Almost every session of TES Summer Camp has sold out each year for the past decade, so we encourage families not to wait to register.

What to Look for in a Great Summer Camp

1. Low Staff-to-Camper Ratio

A lower staff-to-camper ratio means your child will receive more personal attention, better supervision, and a safer environment.

At TES Summer Camp, we maintain an excellent ratio of 7 staff members for 30 campers, ensuring each child gets individualized guidance and support throughout the day.

2. Qualified & Trained Staff

Safety is a top priority, and a well-trained staff makes all the difference.

At TES, all camp staff members are trained in CPR and First Aid, helping ensure they are prepared to respond appropriately in the event of an emergency.

3. An Educational Component

A great summer camp should be more than just fun—it should also be a learning experience.

At TES Summer Camp, we incorporate hands-on learning into every day:

Horsemanship Lessons include:

• Horse colors & breeds

• Horse nutrition & care

• Grooming and tacking

Basic Veterinary Concepts include:

• Listening to a horse’s heartbeat and gut sounds

• Checking temperature and pulse

• Understanding how to keep a horse healthy

By the end of camp, kids not only gain confidence riding but also develop a deeper understanding of horses.

4. A Great Fit for Beginners

TES Summer Camp is perfect for children with little to no riding experience, and many campers ride for the very first time at camp. Our program is designed to help beginners feel safe, confident, and successful.

5. A Comfortable, Shaded Environment

When choosing a summer camp, it’s important to consider how the program manages heat and sun exposure.

At TES, most activities take place in comfortable, shaded environments, including:

• Shade structures

• A shaded patio

• Under sycamore and oak trees on the front lawn

• An air-conditioned classroom

While some activities take place in the sun, the majority of the day is spent in shaded or cool areas.

In addition, our barn is equipped with 30 fans, helping keep both horses and riders comfortable.

6. Flexible Scheduling for Families

We offer 11 weeks of summer camp starting June 1st, giving families flexibility throughout the summer.

We also provide:

• Before care starting at 8:00 AM

• After care until 5:00 PM

For riders who want additional time in the saddle, we offer private riding lessons after camp Tuesday through Friday, limited to 4 students per day.

Why TES Summer Camp?

TES Summer Camp offers a rare combination of outdoor activity, animal interaction, learning, and creativity in a structured and supportive environment.

TES is proud to be the Official Riding School of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center and a USHJA Certified Riding School, providing a safe, high-quality program for every camper.