My Nonprofit Reviews
mladkins1
Review for Lost Creek Ranch Camp Confidence, Beldenville, WI, USA
Never had I been more disappointed in a camp than I was in this one. The camp was run-down and filthy, the water main broke toward the end of the 5-day camp and there was no running water for 1 1/2 days. The one "biffie" was filled to the brim and was DISGUSTING - most likely a complete health hazard - not to mention the fact of no running water. The area set-aside for the kids to ride the horses was so dusty, my husband couldn't even take pictures at the end for fear of ruining his camera! Haven't they hard of spraying at least SOME water down on the dusty ground to minimize the dust when horses stomp on it??
Even though "Camp Confidence" touts itself as the kind of camp that builds confidence and self-esteem, it did nothing of the kind for my daughter. If my daughter approached Lynnette with the fact that she wasn't sure how to do something - Lynnette (and the other snotty girls) made fun of her, told her she should know how to do that, and didn't help her or teach her at all. So much for a teaching camp!
Even though the counselors touted that they watch movies in the bunkhouse every night (keep in mind the "bunkhouse" is a thrown-up "shed" that barely houses 6 bunk beds - no running fans - no open windows) - they watched "Saddle Club" one night out of the 4 nights. The main house on the property might as well be a crack house, for the sight of it. Completely run-down and not taken care of at all.
The campers sat on their iPhones during all the sessions - and Lynnette didn't do anything to stop them. The campers were encouraged (or at least, not discouraged by Lynette and the other counselor) to mock, tease, and act entirely like snotty, bratty children toward the other "not as financially able" campers. "You don't ride every day???" "You don't have your own horse???" Blah, blah, blah. They even mocked my child for actually wanting to spend time with her horse!!! What child wouldn't want to spend time with a horse - they are at A HORSE CAMP!!!!
Give me a break. I have no problem with the attitude of Lynnette and her counselors (and yearly campers) toward new-comers - BUT, to tout this camp as "Camp Confidence?" Give me a break!
Lynnette's own daughter has Down's Syndrome and was lost for hours playing "hide and seek." Not only was Lynnette not worried and not looking for her daughter, she came across (to my daughter) as completely unconcerned and uncaring. Luckily, she was eventually found!
The campers didn't do one single trail ride the entire week - which was very disappointing to my daughter - especially since it is touted, as well, in the literature.
This was certainly NOT a $750 5-day camp week.
The facilities are severely lacking, the teaching and training is demeaning to say the least.
The only good thing are the horses. The half shire/half quarter horse my daughter had was beautiful and outstanding. And well cared for.
I only wish Lynnette actually cared for her campers as much as she does for her horses.
Don't waste the money on this camp. There HAS to be better ones out there.
More Feedback
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make Lynnette stop touting this as "Camp Confidence," stop charging so dang much for a camp with so few facilities/amenities, and start treating her "less fortunately" customers with more dignity. Just because a person isn't filthy rich, doesn't mean they are less capable with a horse - and doesn't mean they don't deserve as much respect. They are paying JUST as much money as your other customers. Give them what they are paying for!!!!
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
None
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
No
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Badly
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
Reading this "review" saddens us as we strive to provide the best experience for all campers. Our facilities include a new barn with stalls, indoor covered/ well lit arena. outdoor fenced arena with lights for night riding, 20 acres of fenced paddocks, apple trees, shady hammock areas, sandy campfire pit with lots of seating and shaded picnic areas. Our bunkhouse sleeps 10 and has double doors on each end, 4 screened windows, electricity as well as heat and a/c. We are the areas only licensed horse camp and are inspected by the county multiple times each season to insure we meet all health and safety codes. Our staff are trained in first aid and responding to emergencies. In addition to the camp staff we are proud of our interns who are pre vet and equine science majors at UWRF and choose to spend their summers sharing their passion for horses with our campers. We have a strict anti bullying policy and throughout each camp session work on team building and play organized games to encourage new friendships and teamwork. Our campers come from a wide range of backgrounds- only a handful of the 120 campers we meet every summer actually are lucky enough to take regular riding lessons or have a horse of their own. Our campers are often first time riders and we welcome everyone of all abilities to join us! We have always been a camp who caters to horse crazy kids- some on scholarship, some paid- all happy to get to spend a week caring for and learning to ride their assigned horse. Cell phones and electronic devices of any kind are prohibited. We want kids to work on people skills, horse skills and teamwork and we find the best way to do that is to interact through games. lessons and working in teams to complete tasks at chore time. In the 12 years of Camp Confidence we have always taught lessons in a fenced arena- it is the safest way for new riders to learn. Trail rides have not been and will not be part of the camp experience as we take pride in our safety first attitude. We invite anyone to stop in and visit our ranch anytime. 2014 Camp Confidence dates are posted online and filling fast: http://www.lostcreekranch.info/
