Activities

Red Pine's Activities!

Individual activity programming is determined by abilities and interests, allowing campers to meet and interact with others outside of their cabin group. Campers are encouraged in a safe and supportive environment to enter wholeheartedly into the fun and spirit of daily life and adventure. Campers, along with their parents, select their own activities prior to arrival at camp and follow a daily schedule. The program encourages each girl to live and perform to the best of her ability - with consideration for others at all times.The balanced program affords rich opportunity to broaden interest and develop skills in a wide variety of activities. All activities are led by qualified instructors with well thought out lesson plans. Equipment is well-maintained and safety is a key consideration at all times.

Classes available at Red Pine include:

Archery
Arts & Crafts
Backpacking 
Biking
Canoeing & Tripping We have an expanded page on this activity--Please see below.
Dance
Drama
Fishing
Gymnastics
Horseback Riding (English) We have an expanded page on this actitivty--Please see below.
*Life Saving (Red Cross)
Sailing
*Swimming (Red Cross) We have an expanded page on this activity--Please see below.
Tennis We have an expanded page on this activity--Please see below.
Tripping 
Water Skiing We have an expanded page on this activity--Please see below.
Windsurfing

*All campers are evaluated on their first day at camp to check their proficiency in swimming. At that time, it is decided which waterfront activities will be best suited for their level of expertise.

**All campers are required to wear life vests at all times when on all boats and while water-skiing.

Waterfront Safety - Approved floatation devices are required for all waterfront activities both instructional and for leisure. Red Pine provides additional supervision from our patrol boats and our office. Waterfront activities are canceled immediately at the first sight of threatening weather.

Other activities include Berry Picking, Candlelight Service, Camp Fires, Canoe Trips, 8-Day Canadian Canoe Trip, 5-Day Canoe Trip, Capture the Flag, Dance Exhibitions, Drama Productions, Dreaming and Discovery Field Trips, Fishing Trips, Games, Hiking, Inter-camp Socials, International Celebrations, Overnight Camp-outs, Playaks, Pontoon Boat Trips, Red Cross 50 mile swim, Red Pine Walk, Sailing Regattas, Singing, Sports, Soccer,Stargazing, Tennis Matches and more!

 

Canoeing & Tripping 

Canoeing provides never ending adventure for all ages. Knowledge of proper technique, safety precautions, rescue procedures and proper use of equipment are part of the instruction for campers before they venture out to explore the extensive shoreline and intriguing bays of Clear Lake. Skills and physical conditioning ensure self confidence for trips on other lakes and rivers in northern Wisconsin or the ranger patrolled beautiful Sylvania area of Michigan.

Flexibility in the Red Pine program allows for other types of trips when interest and skills are evident - such as canoeing the Canadian Boundary Waters. All campers going out on trips are checked in and out by our camp nurses. The ratio of staff accompanying campers is at least one to four. Please scroll below for video.

Waterfront Safety - Approved floatation devices are required for all waterfront activities both instructional and for leisure. Red Pine provides additional supervision from our patrol boats and our office. Waterfront activities are canceled immediately at the first sight of threatening weather.

 

 

Horseback Riding 

The instructional program and curriculum for Red Pine Riding Program is based on the United States Pony Club Organization. The Red Pine Camp Horseback Riding Program provides a safe environment which each camper can develop her riding skills while having fun. A camper is placed in a class based upon her riding skill level, which we assess when she arrives at camp. We teach Balanced Seat riding at all levels, from Novice to Advanced. Balanced Seat translates well into other riding disciplines such as dressage, hunt seat, saddle seat, jumping and western. Each girl receives six hours of instruction each week. All riding groups participate in arena and trail riding.

Arena lessons are taught in small groups with a staff-to-camper ratio of two instructors per 4-5 riders. Trail rides have a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:3 and include trail safety instruction. Our staff is qualified to teach all skill levels, and all of our horses are well-suited for a camp riding program. Great care is taken to structure safe riding experiences so that each individual has the educational opportunities that make it possible to develop new skills each summer. Novice riders always have one-on-one instruction when they first begin to ride. Advanced riders have the option for jumping instruction when they meet the prerequisites and can choose to ride two class periods.

In addition to equitation instruction, all riders are taught about other aspects of equine sports. Instructional content varies by age and years of riding experience and includes: How to care for a horse, horse anatomy and behavior, saddle fitting for the horse and rider, how to care for riding equipment, and certain aspects of barn management.

There is an additional fee should your daughter elect to take riding. Red Pine's Required Riding Attire

 

Our Curriculum

Safety is our ultimate priority at RPC. From the first day, campers learn how to handle themselves around horses and keep themselves and their horses safe.  In order to be confident and capable on a horse’s back, campers must first be able to control and feel safe handling their horses on the ground. 

Each lesson begins with a “topic of the day: which is then followed up with "hands on" ground work with the horses and equipment in the barn.

Campers will learn how to lead, groom and tack (put equipment on the horse), about horse psychology, confirmation, colors & markings, identifying the parts of a horse, saddle, and bridle and other horse care.  These lessons serve not only to build camper's self confidence but provide them with a solid base of knowledge for a foundation for a lifetime of enjoyable horsemanship.

All campers begin riding in one of our four arenas and once they are proficient in the enclosed rings, they are allowed to ride on the trails.  Initial lessons will cover proper mounting, correct position in the saddle and riding control at a walk.  Further lessons progress to riding at a trot, and for the more advanced campers, the canter and jumping.

Our Staff

The only way to have a great camp is with a great staff.   Our instructors are not just enthusiastic, they're highly knowledgeable, safety conscious and skilled. Careful supervision helps provide a safe learning environment regardless of the camper’s level of experience. With a low student-to-instructor ratio, our campers have the kind of attention they deserve!

Trail Rides

Trail Riding at RPC is a wonderful experience! As soon as you depart from camp, you are on beautiful, tranquil grass covered paths. Whether we wind through thicket of trees or trot along a field of forget-me-not flowers, trail riding at RPC is the best!

Getting out of the riding ring helps eliminate boredom for our horses and our campers. Trail rides are guided and structured as a riding lesson. Campers learn how to ride safely in groups, control their horses outside an enclosed area, proper trail etiquette and much more.  Having fun picking leaves, ducking under trees, crossing puddles and hopping over trail obstacles just adds to the experience. Emergency packs and cell phone are carried on all trail rides.

Our Achievement Program

Upon arriving at camp, each camper is tested in equine knowledge and riding abilby.  Then, taking into consideration age, cabin assignment and horse experience,  they are placed into a class suitable for their level.  Periodic evaluations are made so that each camper has the opportunity to advance as their ability increases.  

As the campers become more proficient, the lessons they are offered become more advanced. Our most experienced campers are  placed in our highest levels where they can work on further developing their riding skills. At RPC “We really teach the campers to ride.”

Show Team

As a part of our riding lesson program, campers compete in a camp horse show per session.  All campers have the opportunity to compete in their classes and show off their newly acquired riding skills!  Advanced riders learn show ring techniques, how to bathe, braid and compete in the end of the season horse show. There are also games designed specifically for our campers’ levels of experience and ability.

 

Swimming 

The waterfront meets with the exacting standards of the American Red Cross, ACA and the Wisconsin State Board of Health both in supervision and physical setup. Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructors and Lifeguards give daily individualized instruction to campers in all Red Cross classifications (Beginners to Advanced Skills). All campers are evaluated on their first day at camp to check their proficiency in swimming. At that time, it is decided which waterfront activities will be best suited for their level of expertise. 

After attaining level VI a camper may elect to further her skills by taking Life Guarding (which includes CPR and First Aid) or expanding on personal interests that range from Competitive or Synchronized Swimming, Water Aerobics or the Red Cross 50 Mile Swim. Swimming is the only required activity at Red Pine as swimming ability is essential for participation in various waterfront activities.

Waterfront Safety

Approved floatation devices are required for all waterfront activities both instructional and for leisure. Red Pine provides additional supervision from our patrol boats and our office. Waterfront activities are canceled immediately at the first sight of threatening weather. 

 

Tennis 

High fences surround our three tennis courts, two of which have attached backboards for individual practice. Campers are classified according to ability and instruction is offered at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Emphasis is on knowledge of fundamentals, coordination of skills and employment of strategy as well as tennis etiquette. Red Pine belongs to the U.S. Tennis Association. All campers are eligible to try out for our tennis team which often competes in local tournaments or with other area camps.

 

Water Skiing

Our waterfront area, where motor boat traffic is at a minimum, provides a fine course. Four instructors, the finest of equipment and our requirements of necessary stamina and swimming qualifications are conducive to safety. Others elements for added safety are a cell phone in our ski boat and the fact that the waters of Clear Lake are often patrolled by the Department of Natural Resources. Rankings of Beginner through Expert are offered under the auspices of the National Water Ski Association. We now have a slalom course for those who want to hone their skills on one ski.