Blue Ridge Country May/June 2024 - 62
E
ight elementary schoolers giggle
nervously
as 53-year-old
Camp LIGHT founder and
president
Scott
Balsley ushers
them into a wide, sandy horse ring
where his wife, Cathy, holds the reigns of
a chestnut mare named Jenny. The children
get close then abruptly shy away -
and Balsley fans them into a huddle.
" You got this, guys, " he coaches as
Cathy flashes a thumbs-up. " Remember,
Jenny's as excited to meet you as you are
to meet her. "
The kids nod with renewed determination.
They tip-toe toward the horse
and, following Scott's lead, take turns
petting her neck and shoulder. Their
faces quickly plaster with grins.
" Most of our campers have never
been this close to a horse, much less been
asked to pet one, " says Scott. That's because
the nonprofit Waynesboro, Virginia,
summer day camp exclusively serves
62 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
children with special needs. But with
a little
" most kids open up pretty quick. "
Within 10 minutes all have volunteered
for bridle-led rides. Each returns
beaming and Scott helps them dismount
into a sea of high-fives and praise. When
it's over, he and Cathy lead a cheer for
overcoming fears and trying new things.
" That moment when their faces light
up and they realize they've done something
they used to think was impossible? "
he says. " Building that confidence is
what this is all about. "
At Camp LIGHT's 160-acre campus
kids learn about foodways and farm life
by helping with pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits,
horses, an organic vegetable garden
and more. They fish in stocked ponds,
try out archery, hike nature trails, swim
in the pool-and explore a replica 1950s
Main Street called Adaville.
The latter boasts a working diner, serkindness
and encouragement,
http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country May/June 2024
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country May/June 2024
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