Horse Camps
2023 Summer Camp Session Dates
Session 1: June 4-9
Session 2: June 11-16
Session 3: June 18-23
Session 4: June 25-30
Session 5: July 2-7
Session 6: July 9-14
Session 7: July 16-21
Session 8: July 23-28
Session 9: July 30-August 4
Circle K Ranch at YMCA Camp Kern is home to the most exciting equestrian programs around! With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find a summer ranch program that will help you create memories to last a lifetime. As a Rancher, you will get to know your assigned horse, learn more about riding and horse care, and meet other Ranchers who love horses just as much as you!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER camp
At Circle K Ranch, you'll spend a week immersed in the world of horses! Choose your seat, (we offer both English and Western riding) take group lessons with your fellow Ranchers, go for trail rides all over Camp Kern's 485 acres, and experience the fun of traditional summer camp activities. Whether you are an accomplished rider, or you are just interested in dipping your toe into the Equestrian world, Ranch Camp is the place to be!
As with all our programs, we strive to provide experiences that allow all campers to grow and learn, building self-resilience and problem-solving skills all while exercising those social skill muscles! Our Ranch counselors have a love of horses and experience with horses in a camp setting, and we spend time training them to deliver high quality lessons, while also taking care of campers' physical, social and emotional needs.
If you have any questions, please contact our Equestrian Director, Jessica Mullins This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 513-932-3756 x 1531
Day Camp Awesomeness!
Day Camp: Monday - Friday
Boots & Bits is an exciting day camp designed to help young ranchers build independence and horsemanship through hands on horse experience. Campers will learn the basics of horse care and horseback riding by participating in daily lessons on horse safety, grooming, tacking, leading horses, and riding. Boots & Bits Campers will also get the opportunity to try out camp activities such as swimming, rock climbing walls, and more. This program runs Monday - Friday with morning drop-off and evening pick-up each day.
Availability
- Session 1 (Sold Out)
- Session 2 (Sold Out)
- Session 3 (Sold Out)
- Session 4 (Sold Out)
- Session 5 (Sold Out)
- Session 6 (Sold Out)
- Session 7 (Sold Out)
- Session 8 (Sold Out)
- Session 9 (Sold Out)
$447
Our original and best overnight program!
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
Ranch Camp at Circle K is a great way for your camper to build confidence in themselves and others through horsemanship. Ranchers will spend most of their week learning to responsibly ride and care for their horses. In addition to horseback riding lessons and trail rides, campers will enjoy other challenges such as swimming, archery, and more! Ranchers will stay at Elk Lodge, right next to the horse pastures! All riding levels are welcome, and both English and Western riding styles are offered. Saddle up and join us for a week like no other!
Availability
- Session 1 (Sold Out)
- Session 2 (Sold Out)
- Session 3 (Sold Out)
- Session 4 (Sold Out)
- Session 5 (Sold Out)
- Session 6 (Co-ed)
- Session 7 (Sold Out)
- Session 8 (Co-ed)
- Session 9 (Sold Out)
$760
For experienced riders only
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
Circle K Ranch Advanced Horse Camp is designed to take the camper with previous Horse Camp experience to the next level.
Riders in this camp must know their diagonals, be able to trot without stirrups, know their correct leads and canter with control. This camp is open to both Western & English riders. A riding evaluation will be required prior to summer camp for those interested in Advanced Ranch camp. After registering, please email our Ranch Director, Jessica Mullins, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule your riding evaluation. If it is determined that Advanced Ranch camp might not be the best fit for your camper's skill level, we can move your camper to the main Ranch Camp group.
Hands-on Classes may include but not limited to Working Ranch Trail Horse Class, Designing Hunter & Jumping courses, Mounted Drill Team Maneuvers, Horse Liberty Workshop.
Ground Lessons may include but not limited to; Horse Health Science, Horse First Aid, Feed Management, Farrier Hot Shoeing Demonstration, Breeding Conformation, Horse Judging, and Equine Assisted Learning.
Session 4 (Coed) - All boys' spots sold out, waitlist available
Availability
- Session 1 (Sold Out)
- Session 2 (Girls Only)
- Session 3 (Girls Only)
- Session 4 (Co-ed)
- Session 5 (Girls Only)
- Session 6 (Co-ed)
- Session 7 (Girls Only)
- Session 8 (Co-ed)
- Session 9 (Girls Only)
$785
Fun All Weekend Long!
Want to experience the magic of camp for two weeks or more in a row? Stay the weekend in between at Kern! The weeks must be consecutive weeks at camp. All campers laundry is cleaned in between weeks. Only available to campers attending weeklong residential camp programs. Weekend Stayovers are not available for campers attending Kern Day Camp, First Camp, Taste of Kern, Boots & Bits Day Camp, or Frontier Village programs.
Space is limited!
The following Weekend Stayovers are planned for summer 2023 (main activity/attraction subject to change):
Sessions 2-3: King's Island trip SOLD OUT
Sessions 4-5: River Rafting w/Morgan's Outdoor Adventures SOLD OUT
Sessions 6-7: Cincinnati Reds game SOLD OUT
Sessions 8-9: Laser Tag
Availability
Free
2023 Summer Camp Sessions
Session 1: June 4-9
Session 2: June 11-16
Session 3: June 18-23
Session 4: June 25-30
Session 5: July 2-7
Session 6: July 9-14
Session 7: July 16-21
Session 8: July 23-28
Session 9: July 30-August 4