Indiana, also known as the 'Hoosier State,' is an enchanted place teeming with vast golden cornfields, bustling cities, and serene lakes. It's also home to a unique group of kids, renowned far and wide for their unruly enthusiasm towards horseback riding. These Hoosier kiddos are a special breed, fearlessly hopping on the backs of their trusty steeds, galloping their way into thrilling adventures. Let me introduce you to Indiana's unofficial mascot, a peculiar yet delightful imaginary character named Gallivanting Giddyup Gary. With a cowboy hat perpetually perched on his head, a pair of shiny boots seemingly stuck to his feet, and a hilariously exaggerated Southern drawl, this animated scarecrow is Indiana's biggest horseback riding enthusiast. Gary is a downright funny fellow, always dishing out horse jokes that make you roll with laughter. "Why don't horses sit down to eat?" he'd ask, before chuckling, "Too hard to lift the chairs off their hooves!" His humor is as contagious as his love for horses. He's the cheerleader, coach, and biggest fan of the Hoosier horseback riders, cheering them on as they master their trot, canter and gallop. He dishes out wise advice, too. "Remember," he'd say, "Riding a horse ain't about speed, it's about forming a bond with your four-legged friend." Whether you're a seasoned rider, a beginner, or a nervous observer, Giddyup Gary's antics and encouragement are bound to win you over. He represents the spirit of Indiana's horse-loving kids - fearless, funny, and fervently in love with their equestrian partners. Together, they make Indiana the horseback riding capital of fun and laughter.
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Since its inception in 1946, RARA Recreation has remained the top provider of recreational services in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township. With a legacy of over 70 years, RARA Recreation has become synonymous with fun, fitness, and community spirit. Offering an incredible array of over 1,200 activities annually, RARA Recreation ensures that there's never a dull moment for you and your family. RARA Recreation is proud to offer a diverse range of programs designed to cater to the interests of all ages and abilities. From sports and day camps to dance and performing arts, the organization is committed to making fitness and recreation accessible and enjoyable. Events and activities are carefully planned to promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. For those seeking more specialized services, RARA Recreation also offers adaptive services, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy the benefits of recreation. Their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing an inclusive and supportive environment. Their focus is on building a sense of community and fostering a love of active living through their extensive offerings.
At the YMCA, we strive to provide meaningful experiences that put Christian principles into practice. We believe that when a child is engaged in activities that stimulate their spirit, mind, and body, they are better equipped to live a healthy and balanced life. Our facility is well-maintained, so that all your adventures can be enjoyed in a safe and secure environment. We are proud to offer a range of programs and services that will help your child build healthy spirit, mind, and body. In addition, we understand that every family has different financial circumstances, so we offer a 3 rate pricing structure with no additional paperwork required. We invite you to choose the price that best fits your budget when registering your child for a camp experience.

At Camp Palawopec, we strive to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere where kids can be themselves and enjoy the outdoors. Our rustic cabins, located on 120 acres of pristine woodlands, provide the perfect setting for children to explore and make lasting memories. We have a full program of activities including swimming, fishing, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, sports, and more. Plus, our experienced counselors are here to ensure that your child has the best camp experience possible. At Camp Palawopec, we are proud to offer a unique summer camp experience for boys and girls ages 8-15. Located in the picturesque hills of Brown County, Indiana, our 120-acre camp is conveniently located near the sleepy village of Nashville and Indiana’s beloved Brown County State Park. We focus on outdoor-oriented activities that encourage an appreciation of nature, while still providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Our experienced counselors ensure that each camper has the best possible experience as they explore our rustic cabins and participate in a variety of activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, and sports. For older campers, we also offer special adventure trips for an even more exciting summer camp experience. At Camp Palawopec, we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can make lasting memories and enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer.


Happy Hollow Children’s Camp is an accredited program through the American Camp Association, offering a wide variety of summer camp activities to economically disadvantaged children in the Indianapolis and surrounding counties. Since 1951, over 40,000 children have attended the camp, which now covers 900-acres in Brown County. The camp provides high-quality summer camp programming at minimal cost to families, allowing them to have a fun and memorable experience. Happy Hollow Children’s Camp provides campers with a variety of activities including swimming, fishing, nature hikes, canoeing, and more. These activities are tailored to meet the needs of the community, primarily those who are economically disadvantaged, have severe to moderate asthma, or are members of educational groups. The camp is dedicated to helping children have a positive and enriching summer experience, and has been doing so for the past 60 years. With the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations, the camp will continue to provide a safe and fun environment for children for years to come.