Horsing Around at Girl Scout Camp

Why Choose a Camp with Horseback Riding?

At Girl Scout camps, horseback riding is so much more than just hopping in the saddle. It’s about building trust, confidence, and a meaningful connection with one of nature’s most powerful (and sensitive) animals. It’s a chance for girls to challenge themselves, overcome fears, and grow in ways they never imagined, which are experiences at the very core of the Girl Scout mission.

Girls don’t just ride the horses. Instead, they learn horses. They explore horse body language, develop balance and posture, practice holding the reins, and understand how to guide a horse’s speed and direction. Plus, they pick up essential horse care skills, like where to stand around a horse, using safety gear, and yes—even mucking out a stall (it’s not glamorous, but it’s an essential part of horsewomanship!).

And it’s not just about the physical skills. Working with horses encourages empathy, patience, and resilience which are traits that stay with girls far beyond camp.

Want a peek behind the barn doors? Check out our YouTube page for an inside look at how we feed and train our horses.

Horses: The Perfect Therapy Partners

Did you know horses are often used for fitness and therapy? Horses have a special way of mirroring human emotions, creating a non-judgmental space that fosters trust and connection. Interacting with horses can help campers explore their own feelings. For those dealing with anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD, horses are known for providing therapeutic benefits.

Horses aren't just good for the heart and mind — they're also great for the body! In fact, the American Heart Association highlights horseback riding as a heart-healthy activity. A horse’s rhythmic movements mimic human walking patterns, which helps stimulate muscle development, improve balance, and boost motor skills. Whether riding or simply working alongside these animals, girls stay active while building strength, coordination, and confidence.

Girl Scouts Can Saddle Up to Earn Badges

Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors can incorporate their equine experiences into earning badges. These include badges like:

Older girls can also work toward earning the CIT 1 and CIT 2 pins through the Counselor in Training (CIT) horse-specific sessions.

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Summer Camps

When you decide on horseback riding at Camp Misty Mountain or Camp Meriwether, your Girl Scout will have the summer of her life. While horseback is the mane attraction, there’s even more in store.

Camp Misty Mountain

Camp Misty Mountain, nestled at the base of the Appalachian Mountains in Armuchee, Georgia, offers a range of horse-related activities. There's no shortage of adventure through offerings like:

Western Riding
Barrel Racing
Drill Team
Roping
Equine Care
Exploring equine careers through the CIT and Wrangler-in-Training (WIT) programs.

When your Girl Scout isn’t at the barn, she can explore the 100-acre Lake Marvin by sailing or kayaking, try her hand on our challenge course, hike, and enjoy a variety of accommodations, including air-conditioned cabins.

Camp Meriwether

Camp Meriwether is located on 270 acres of rolling hills, shady woods, two lakes, and open fields in Luthersville, Georgia. Less than an hour from Atlanta, it specializes in:

English Riding
English Showmanship
Career exploration through CIT and WIT programs.

Girl Scouts and campers can also enjoy archery, canoeing, environmental education, improve their outdoor skills, and hiking, then retire with their friends to accommodations like air conditionedair-conditioned cabins or two troop houses.

Something magical has happened at Girl Scout Camp Meriwether! A brand-new foal was born, right around Valentine’s Day!

Named Fiddle by our Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta members from across our council, she's already trotting her way into our hearts. She's still too young to be ridden for the 2025 summer camp season, but Fiddle is already an important part of the camp day, giving girls a front-row seat to what it takes to raise and care for a young horse.

Her arrival is the perfect moment to celebrate all things horses at Girl Scout camps. Interested in learning more? Summer camp registration is open for the 2025 season!

Horses and Girl Scouts: A Long-Standing Tradition

Horses have been integral to Girl Scouting since its inception. The original 1916 Girl Scout handbook featured a Horsemanship Badge, requiring skills such as walking, trotting, galloping, grooming, and tacking.

Girl Scout founger, Juliette Gordon Low, affectionately known as "Daisy," had a deep passion for horses from a young age. Her grandparents gifted her a horse named Fire, whom she adored and diligently cared for.

An avid rider, Juliette's spirited nature was evident when she was seen riding bareback, causing quite a stir in her community.

Her enthusiasm for equestrian activities significantly influenced the inclusion of horseback riding in Girl Scout programs, fostering a tradition that continues to this day.

Adopt a Horse Program through the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

Still craving more horse action? Your troop, family or business can join the Adopt a Horse program! In exchange for a donation, the troop receives a photo and bio sheet of "their" horse, a symbolic adoption certificate, a limited-edition patch, and more.

Donations help cover the cost of food, grooming, and veterinary visits, and your troop will have discounted opportunities to visit their adopted horse during special camp events.

Taking the Reins

Whether your Girl Scout is learning the ropes or refining her riding skills, our Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta camps offer more than just time in the saddle. From building confidence and creating lifelong memories to caring for these majestic creatures, it’s an adventure that will leave them with a smile (and maybe a little hay in their hair).

So, saddle up and get her ready for a ride she’ll never forget!