Swan Center Outreach, a unique educational organization located in Silverthorne, provided an exciting opportunity for 50 local kids this summer. The Swan Center partners previously abused and neglected animals (primarily horses) with youth for extraordinary educational opportunities. At the beginning of the summer, LUSH Cosmetics funded Swan Center Outreach to provide a one-day leadership camp for 50 local kids ages 8-18.

Swan Center partnered with Mountain Mentors, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and SPA (Summit Prevention Alliance) to register the children.

The camps have been a life-changing experience for the kids.

“I had fun getting on the horse, I overcame my fears to became a leader,” said Aileen Luna, 7, of Silverthorne. “I learned that I need to say what I mean to get what I want. It was really fun!”

Swan Center Outreach is looking for additional funding so these camps can be made available nine months out of the year for the youth in Summit County. The focus of these camps is character development, providing youth with a greater awareness of their own abilities, and to develop communication, partnership and leadership skills that will help them succeed in life. The horses provide a wonderful incentive to learn these skills because of their size, and they are only willing to do what you want when you show them you are a leader.

It can be a great experience for the team leaders as well.

“I had a great time,” said mentor Devyn Parnes. “The horses were all so calm, mild mannered and great with the kids. It was fun to help the kids understand horses and watch their interactions. I think the overall message about how to be a calm, happy relaxed leader is invaluable.”

New to horses

Most of the children who attended camp had never been close to a horse before, but they were excited about the prospect of touching and handling such a large and beautiful animal. Upon arriving, they sit down inside a 105 year-old log cabin and learn about animal communication, herd behavior and predator/prey relationships. They then learn how to walk like a leader so they can communicate properly with their horse using their body language and proper energy. Once they learn the skills they need to interact successfully with a horse, they prepare feed for 33 horses with a variety of diets and then halter and lead the horses into the feeding area. After feeding they practice by leading the horses over obstacles and even have races with them holding one and two horses at a time! The day culminates with a 45 minute trail ride on a 300-acre historic Colorado ranch.

By the end of the day, all of the fears and trepidations of interacting with such large animals has left and all you see is the joy in the kids eyes marveling at all they have accomplished in one day. The kids are welcome to return with their parents or mentors as volunteers on a feeding day (which takes place 365 days a year, Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving not withstanding).

Volunteers

The volunteers who assist with these camps also come daily, year-round to take care of these animals. They come to give their love, spirit and hard work doing what is necessary to keep 33 horses, four sheep, three llamas and one alpaca healthy and active participants of the Swan Center Outreach's programs.

“I was greatly impacted by the loving care and treatment of the horses because it is obvious the horses trusted us to care for them and lead them,” said volunteer Linda Rathburn. “What I learned about leadership will help me in many ways. It taught me to be dependable, and how to meet difficult challenges.”

Volunteer training and continuing education classes happen just about every month. Volunteers also earn “carrot reward points” for every day they volunteer. These carrot rewards can then be traded in for trail rides and riding lessons.

“The volunteer training class helped me recognize the power of intuition and how to use body language to communicate,“ said Nancy Spears. ”When you trust your intuition, it reduces fear and raises your confidence. When I am working with others, I will be more aware of how my “energy” impacts other people and how as a leader, kindness must be combined with strength and confidence. This was fantastic! You meet the best people in an organization like this one. (both leaders and volunteers)”

John Longhill is a executive director and lead instructor for Swan Center Outreach. He lives in Silverthorne with his wife, Rose, and their daughter Ashley.