Great Oak summer camp and other horse programs see spirits soar

Great Oak, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is an organization that provides summer camp opportunities to children of all abilities with the support of the community. The camp offers equine-assisted activities that aim to enhance the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of individuals with disabilities. From age 4 to 95, people with various abilities can participate in these activities, which are designed to promote personal growth and awareness.

Eva Finnan, the program director and lead instructor at Great Oak, expresses her passion for the work they do at the camp. She emphasizes the dynamic nature of their activities, as they work with both animals and people, adjusting to meet the needs of each individual, including the horses. Participants learn valuable skills such as grooming, feeding, tacking up, horse care, and riding, all while building confidence and developing relationships with the animals.

The programs at Great Oak serve as a catalyst for personal growth and self-awareness, teaching valuable lessons in patience, kindness, resilience, and bravery to both staff and volunteers. The goal of the organization is to empower individuals and their families by sharing knowledge and providing a supportive environment for learning and growth.

Despite most campers receiving scholarships to attend, Great Oak relies on donations and fundraisers to sustain their programs. One such fundraiser, the Great Cowboy Horsemanship Show and cookout, is scheduled for November 2 at their Aiken location. This event will help support the organization in maintaining their facility, caring for the horses, and providing scholarships for their students.

One camper, eleven-year-old Simon Carter, shares his love for riding horses and the positive experiences he has had at Great Oak. He appreciates the opportunity to interact with the horses and engage in various activities like art projects. Finnan highlights the remarkable progress she witnesses in participants, noting how the horses help strengthen muscles and improve mobility for individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy or those recovering from a stroke.

Great Oak’s commitment to serving individuals of all abilities through equine-assisted activities is evident in the transformative experiences they provide. By offering a supportive and inclusive environment, the organization helps individuals build confidence, develop skills, and form meaningful connections with both animals and fellow participants. For more information on Great Oak and their upcoming events, visit their website at https://greatoakeap.org/.