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Give kids a week to earn real horsemanship and outdoor skills in the Wasatch Back. Young Wrangler Summer Camp is a small, hands-on day program for 8-12 year olds where every badge must be earned.
Give kids a week to earn real horsemanship and outdoor skills in the Wasatch Back. Young Wrangler Summer Camp is a small, hands-on day program for 8-12 year olds where every badge must be earned.
Book with Castle Gate Outfitters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Castle Gate Outfitters · Kamas, Utah
Young Wrangler Summer Camp in Kamas, Utah, plants kids in the middle of the Wasatch Back for five days of saddle time, skill-building, and earned independence. Designed for 8-12 year olds, this day camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM, and limits registration to ten campers per week so instructors can teach real horsemanship rather than herd children through basic rides. From the first morning, campers meet their horse, learn grooming and tack, and take a short trail ride that turns nervous curiosity into focused attention. The week moves quickly: obstacle courses and horsemanship drills on day two; a longer mountain ride on day three where kids read terrain, work as a team, and negotiate real singletrack and meadows; a full "Wrangler for a Day" experience on day four emphasizing ground work, responsibility, and leadership; and a final day of knot-tying, fire building, team challenges, and a graduation ceremony where badges are earned, not handed out. The setting is classic Wasatch Back country—rolling ridgelines, aspen pockets, high sage meadows, and glimpses of conifered drainages. Trails wind over mixed granite and loamy soil, and summer wildflowers and songbirds are reliable companions. That landscape matters: kids learn to read a horse’s responses to hills, footing, and wind, which teaches patience and clear cues in a way a gym never can. What makes this camp stand out is its clarity of expectation and small scale. Ten campers means instructors track progress daily, tailor challenges, and step in when a rider needs a technical tip or a confidence boost. The program pairs traditional ranch skills—saddling, grooming, tacking—with practical outdoor proficiencies: firecraft, map reading, knotwork, and crew leadership. Lunch is included and constructed by campers, a deliberate choice that adds responsibility to each day. Practical notes: ages 8-12, ten spots per week across five summer weeks; no prior riding experience required—staff meet beginners at their level. Arrival is 8:45-8:55 AM with pick-up at 3:00 PM. What to wear: helmet, hat, jeans, boots, t-shirt, light jacket, and sunscreen. Camp's cancellation policy: no refunds or cancellations are available, so book early. For parents and kids who want more than a scenic pony ride—who want measurable progress, stewardship of an animal, and a week's worth of earned pride—Young Wrangler Summer Camp delivers a focused, hands-on immersion in mountain horsemanship and outdoor skill that lasts far beyond Friday's graduation. Instructors are experienced riders and educators who emphasize safety, horse welfare, and progressive instruction; helmets are required, staff maintain low camper-to-instructor ratios, and each child receives individualized feedback so skills build steadily. The camp's focus on responsibility, repeated practice, and small-group coaching often produces visible gains in confidence by midweek and memories that stick around long.
Camp is designed for 8-12 year olds.
No prior experience is required; instructors meet beginners at their level and progress from basic skills.
Camp runs Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Arrival is 8:45-8:55 AM and pick-up is 3:00 PM.
Yes, lunch is included and campers participate in preparing their meals as part of the program.
No refunds or cancellations are available; be sure of dates before booking.
Groups are limited to ten campers per week so instructors can provide individualized feedback and tailored challenges.
Castle Gate Outfitters operates out of Kamas, Utah, offering guided outdoor rides that showcase the region's mountain scenery and river valleys. The outfitter runs three core experiences: a 4 Hour Trail Ride with a scenic route, expert guides, small personalized groups and a included lunch; a 1 Hour Trail Ride designed for beginners that highlights pristine mountain and river landscapes under guided supervision; and a 30-minute Sleigh/Wagon Ride through tranquil countryside that provides a cozy, family-friendly outing. Castle Gate Outfitters uses experienced guides and maintains emphasis on safety, personalized attention, and approachable rides for riders of varied skill levels. Riders receive direction on horse handling and trail etiquette before departure, and guides tailor pace and route to group ability. Trails pass through typical Wasatch Range terrain around Kamas, allowing clear views and a connection to nature without requiring special equipment beyond warm clothing for winter sleighs. Reservations are organized to keep groups small for a more intimate experience and individualized instruction. The outfitter also provides clear scheduling and meeting information for each activity, including the 4 Hour Trail Ride's included lunch and the brief, relaxing nature of the Sleigh/Wagon Ride. Booking information and seasonal availability are provided on request, and staff confirm group details before each departure to ensure a smooth, timely, and safe experience.
Book with Castle Gate Outfitters