MENTOR PROGRAM
The Mentor Program at EIHPC stemmed from the original Jr. Instructor Program in its 4-H days and has been developed over the years. The goal of the EIHPC Mentor Program is to help youth become future leaders in not only our equine industry but also their own communities. Open to those that are between 16 and 20 years old, those in the EIHPC Mentor Program will have the opportunity to develop and build on their communication and leadership skills. Experiences in the Mentor Program can be parlayed into future educational and professional opportunities such as scholarship applications and internship and/or job interviews. Being an EIHPC Mentor is also a great volunteer experience!
MENTOR REGISTRATION
Mentor applications open on the last Sunday in January each year at 8:00am and will be collected until February 15. Applications will then be reviewed by the EIHPC Board of Directors to choose the current year’s EIHPC Mentor Team. Applicants will be notified of their application status no later than March 10.
The Mentor Program at EIHPC stemmed from the original Jr. Instructor Program in its 4-H days and has been developed over the years. The goal of the EIHPC Mentor Program is to help youth become future leaders in not only our equine industry but also their own communities. Open to those that are between 16 and 20 years old, those in the EIHPC Mentor Program will have the opportunity to develop and build on their communication and leadership skills. Experiences in the Mentor Program can be parlayed into future educational and professional opportunities such as scholarship applications and internship and/or job interviews. Being an EIHPC Mentor is also a great volunteer experience!
MENTOR REGISTRATION
Mentor applications open on the last Sunday in January each year at 8:00am and will be collected until February 15. Applications will then be reviewed by the EIHPC Board of Directors to choose the current year’s EIHPC Mentor Team. Applicants will be notified of their application status no later than March 10.
ACCOMODATIONS
Female mentors will stay in a separate room in the Berndes Center and the male mentors will stay in the Equestrian Building. Both buildings are air conditioned. Mentors will need to provide all bedding and a single cot or single air mattress to sleep on.
For mentors wishing to bring their horse, a box stall and/or paneled gate stall in a covered barn at the fairgrounds may be available. Mentors are responsible for bringing all of their horse’s bedding and feed for the week. They will also be responsible for feeding, watering, and cleaning their horse’s stall each day.
ACCOMODATIONS
Female mentors will stay in a separate room in the Berndes Center and the male mentors will stay in the Equestrian Building. Both buildings are air conditioned. Mentors will need to provide all bedding and a single cot or single air mattress to sleep on.
For mentors wishing to bring their horse, a box stall and/or paneled gate stall in a covered barn at the fairgrounds may be available. Mentors are responsible for bringing all of their horse’s bedding and feed for the week. They will also be responsible for feeding, watering, and cleaning their horse’s stall each day.
PRIOR TO CAMP & OTHER PREPARATIONS
Mentors will be added to a “Mentor Email List” so that we can communicate important information with you. Some emails you’ll receive prior to camp include information and links to forms that need to be completed, such as:
Additional Waivers and Releases
- Camp Photo Order Information
- Mentor Supply List
- Camp Check-in Procedures
- Check and clean tack. Be sure tack is in good working order, is safe, and fits the horse properly.
- Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. All horses, ponies and mules will need to have a health certificate dated within 30 days of camp.
- Have your horse, pony, or mule trimmed and/or shod three (3) to four (4) weeks prior to camp by a professional farrier. We strongly recommend not waiting to have this completed the week prior to camp.
- Begin to condition your horse, pony, or mule to be ready for camp.
Mentors that have previously been to camp, be sure to locate your camp paddle and bring it with you. Mentors earn brands too!
PRIOR TO CAMP & OTHER PREPARATIONS
Mentors will be added to a “Mentor Email List” so that we can communicate important information with you. Some emails you’ll receive prior to camp include information and links to forms that need to be completed, such as:
Additional Waivers and Releases
- Camp Photo Order Information
- Mentor Supply List
- Camp Check-in Procedures
- Check and clean tack. Be sure tack is in good working order, is safe, and fits the horse properly.
- Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. All horses, ponies and mules will need to have a health certificate dated within 30 days of camp.
- Have your horse, pony, or mule trimmed and/or shod three (3) to four (4) weeks prior to camp by a professional farrier. We strongly recommend not waiting to have this completed the week prior to camp.
- Begin to condition your horse, pony, or mule to be ready for camp.
Mentors that have previously been to camp, be sure to locate your camp paddle and bring it with you. Mentors earn brands too!
SATURDAY SET-UP PRIOR TO CAMP & SATURDAY CLEAN UP AFTER CAMP
Mentors are required to be available for either Saturday set-up prior to camp or Saturday clean-up after camp. It’s greatly appreciated by all if mentors are able to assist on both Saturdays. Those helping on Saturday set-up will be able to check-in that day and stay the evening. Times will be posted as camp draws closer.
SATURDAY SET-UP PRIOR TO CAMP & SATURDAY CLEAN UP AFTER CAMP
Mentors are required to be available for either Saturday set-up prior to camp or Saturday clean-up after camp. It’s greatly appreciated by all if mentors are able to assist on both Saturdays. Those helping on Saturday set-up will be able to check-in that day and stay the evening. Times will be posted as camp draws closer.
CAMP WEEK
Mentors will be assigned to individual riding groups at the beginning of the week. You will be responsible to ensure all of the campers in your riding group are:
- Ready for riding lessons. Horses are saddled, bridled, and saddles are checked for tightness for each lesson. All campers have boots and helmets on.
- Attend and are on time for each E-cademy session.
- Supervised for their scheduled KP Duty
- Supervised for their scheduled Dorms/Grounds Clean Up activity.
- Either lead, instructor or assist with Electives.
Mentors will be assisting instructors during their camper’s riding lessons each day. They will also be attending the E-cademy sessions with their campers to ensure everything runs smoothly and provide assistance where needed. Mentors are responsible for making sure their camper stalls are being cleaned properly, the horses have adequate water, and the water buckets are clean.
CAMP WEEK
Mentors will be assigned to individual riding groups at the beginning of the week. You will be responsible to ensure all of the campers in your riding group are:
- Ready for riding lessons. Horses are saddled, bridled, and saddles are checked for tightness for each lesson. All campers have boots and helmets on.
- Attend and are on time for each E-cademy session.
- Supervised for their scheduled KP Duty
- Supervised for their scheduled Dorms/Grounds Clean Up activity.
- Either lead, instructor or assist with Electives.
Mentors will be assisting instructors during their camper’s riding lessons each day. They will also be attending the E-cademy sessions with their campers to ensure everything runs smoothly and provide assistance where needed. Mentors are responsible for making sure their camper stalls are being cleaned properly, the horses have adequate water, and the water buckets are clean.
