Black River Farm and Ranch

Summer Horse Ranch * Girls 7-15
Girls who love horses and horseback riding have come to Black River Farm and Ranch since 1962 for a worry-free summer experience of relaxation and rejuvenation. Set away from the hustle and bustle of civilization, Black River caters to a wide variety of interests by offering a range of activities in addition to its excellent horseback riding program.

Black River Farm and Ranch is licensed by the State of Michigan, approved by the State Health Department, and Accredited by the American Camping Association.

A charming 160 year old ranch house centers all of the other buildings on the 360 acre farm and ranch just 80 miles north of Detroit and 20 miles north of Port Huron. The west boundary of the ranch is more than 2 miles of the Black River. A stream wandering through the valley, a five-acre lake, natural woodlands and the fields of the River Bend farm combine to create a perfect setting for girls out on a horseback ride.

The Black River Farm and Ranch opens its doors to a small group of girls and offers riding instruction and constant adult supervision but also the freedom to run and romp.

Staff:
Lois Donovan - Black River Farm and Ranch is Mrs. D's lifelong dream. Along with her husband Mr. D (who passed away in 2000), she has held every position that the ranch offers. Mrs. D's love of children and horses has kept her active in the day to day operations of the ranch since 1962.

Mike Ciferri - Originally from Millbrook, NY. BR's Executive Director Mr. C is a 1971 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He has been an active part of the BR since 1977. He owns and operates Donovan Enterprises, Inc. and puts his vast business experience to use at the BR.

Renee Ciferri - Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D, Renee has grown up at the BR. She is a 1973 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a degree in home economics education. The mother of four has spent her summers at the BR and is proud that her daughters are joining the family in running the ranch.

Pam Todd - Has lived in Croswell, MI most of her life. Our Business Manager has been married for 31 years and is the mother of two, one of who is a long time BR girl. She has been at the BR since 1989.

Tara Bricker - Originally from Ithaca, NY. BR's Equine Manager is a graduate of Cornell University. During the school year she manages an after school program. She has been at the BR since 1974. She has been a camper, CIT, AC, counselor, and director. She lives in Ithica with her dog and horses.

Danielle Meira - The Staff Manger is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Degree in Recreation Programming. During the winter she resides in Palm City, Florida with her husband Hank and son's Troy, Jake, and Luke.

Katy Scott - Our Camper Parent Liaison is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a BS in Business Administration. She was a camper for 11 years, and has been on staff since 1998. She has grown up at the BR and now resides in Palm City, Florida with her husband Brian and son's Davis & Bennett.

Jessica Ciferri - BR's Activity Director is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a BS in Business Administration. She was a camper for 12 years, and has been on staff since 1995. She has grown up at the BR and now resides in Palm City, Florida where she teaches Middle School Social Studies.

Gina Ciferri - Our Office Assistant is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University. She has been a part of the BR since 1999. She now resides in Palm City, Florida with her husband Michael, son Michael, and dog Stuart.

Activites

Basics Horsemanship
•Grooming
•Handling
•Saddling
•Bridling
•Health Care
•Basic Training
Horseback Riding Skills
•Basic Saddle
•Advanced Saddle
•Bareback
•Drill Team
•Western Games
•Western Patterns
•Trail Riding & Obstacles
•Vaulting
Water Sports
•Swimming
•Row Boating
•Kayaking
•Paddle Boats
Other Activities
•Tennis
•Crafts
•Field Games
•Trampoline
•Camp Fires
•Cookouts
•Farm Animals
•Horse Trails
•Ropes Course


Some of the night
activities are as follows:
•Counselor Hunt
•Dutch Auction
•Counselor Beauty Pageant
•Carnival
•Airband
•Beach Party
•What's Your Bag
•Treasure Hunt
•Line Dancing
•Talent Show
•Movie Night

Schedual

Typical Day at BRTime Activity
8:00 Flag Raising
8:05 Breakfast
9:00 Riding Begins
10:30 Riding groups switch
12:15 Lunch
1:00 Rest Hour
2:00 Free Time
5:25 Flag Lowering
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Night Activity
8:00 Treat Store
8:30-10:00 Bedtime depending on age