The deadline to apply for the Harness Horse Youth Foundation summer programs is May 15.
Complete five-day schedule information, along with applications for the Foundation’s Youth Camps and one- and two-day introductory events, is available here.
HHYF’s popular five-day overnight camps, for students 12-14, will be held June 20-24 at Harrington Raceway, in Delaware; July 7-11 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, in Pennsylvania; and July 14-18 at Vernon Downs in New York; and a five-day non-overnight camp at Gaitway Farm in New Jersey, July 27-31. These camps culminate with a driving exhibition on Hambletonian Day at The Meadowlands on August 8. All HHYF events feature hands-on experiences, including driving the organization’s stable of Trottingbred horses.
Shorter introductory programs for children ages 11 and up are scheduled for Running Aces in Minnesota on June 8-9; Nappanee Raceway in Indiana on June 15; Ocean Downs in Maryland on June 26; and at Scioto Downs in Ohio on August 11.
“Our sponsors help us keep our fees quite reasonable compared to other camps of any kind -- $150 for a five-day camp is really pretty amazing,” said HHYF project manager Keith Gisser. “There is not a youth equine program anywhere that gives you value. But regardless of cost there is no better way to introduce youngsters to the business and sport of harness racing. Remember applications need to be postmarked by May 15.”
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is a charitable 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing young people and their families educational opportunities with harness horses, in order to foster the next generation of participants and fans. The Foundation has been making a difference in young people’s lives since 1976, and its programs include interactive learning experiences with these versatile animals, scholarship programs, and creation and distribution of educational materials. For more information on opportunities through HHYF, or to support its mission, go to www.hhyf.org.
(With files from HHYF)