Where is Hidden Valley Equestrian Center?
Hidden Valley Equestrian Center is in beautiful central Maine.
1 hour 45 min to PWM Portland International Airport
1 hour 10 min to BGR Bangor International Airport
1 hour 20 min to Brunswick Amtrak Downeaster
55 min to Augusta our state capital
35 min to Waterville
Areas of interest:
2 hours 40 min to Quebec City, Quebec Canada
1 hour 45 min to Boothbay Harbor
2 hours to Popham Beach State Park
1 hour 50 min to Reid State Park

What's it like at Hidden Valley Equestrian Center?
The 25-acre property includes a main house, camp kitchen, recreation room, an office, two bunkrooms, a 34-stall barn, an in ground swimming pool, a large 70x140 indoor riding arena, an outdoor riding arena.

Is transportation to camp provided?
We provide transportation to and from the airport or train station. Transportation also is available from the Portland and Bangor areas on the first and last day of camp. Otherwise, campers carpool or are driven by their families.

When should my daughter check in?
Campers arriving by car are asked not to arrive at the farm until after 1 p.m. so that everything can be ready for their arrival.

Where do the counselors come from? What kind of training do they have?
Members of our family make up the camp's senior staff and come with a lifetime of experience with horses. We also choose instructors and staff from among former campers and area professionals.

How much time is spent with the horses? Our focus here at Hidden Valley Equestrian Center Camp is horses! We are designed to accommodate girls that are passionate about horses! Our days are filled with equine learning experiences and fun! Riding lessons are part of every day's schedule, but campers can spend as much — or as little — time with the horses as they choose. Although most of our campers come to Hidden Valley Equestrian Center for the riding, all of them are encouraged to take part in the many other activities we offer in order to have a well-rounded camp experience.

How many horses are at Hidden Valley Equestrian Center? Can campers bring their own? Unlike horses at other camps, Hidden Valley Equestrian Center horses live with us year-round. There are more than enough to accommodate riders at every level. Campers are welcome to bring their own horses if they come with current Coggins and health forms, there will be an additional fee of $50.00 to cover the hay and bedding, the horses grain, any supplements and feeding instructions should come with the horse.

How much riding experience do Hidden Valley Equestrian Center campers need to have? Hidden Valley Equestrian Center is designed to accommodate beginning, intermediate and advanced riders. We will provide the right horses and instruction to increase their skills.

Do campers go to horse shows?
Campers who are interested in competing may enter horse shows both on and off the farm. There are additional fees for off-site horse shows. Girls who don't feel ready to show may assist at events.

Where do campers stay?
Campers stay in two different bunkrooms. There is a bathroom that has a sink, hot shower and flush toilet.

How's the food?
We pride ourselves on the wholesome meals cooked in our kitchen and served buffet-style three times a day. Menus are planned for the week so that each day's meals can be different. Among the choices are bacon and eggs, pancakes, cereal, bagels, pizza, macaroni and cheese, chicken, hamburgers, lemonade and iced tea. Healthful salads are served at both lunch and dinner. Fresh fruit is in the dining room at all times. Dinner is followed by dessert. The kitchen staff is prepared to serve campers with food allergies and dietary restrictions.

Why can't food be sent to campers?
Food sent to campers can spoil their appetites and attract insects and other unwelcome creatures to the bunkhouses. Any food packages sent from home will be kept by the staff in the kitchen to be shared with the entire camp.

What about homesickness?
Staff members do their best to make sure everyone feels busy and included — especially first-time campers. Parents are asked not to visit the camp except on Parents' Day and the last day of camp so that the girls have a chance to settle in on their own.

What if my child has a birthday during camp?
Please feel free to call your daughter on her birthday. Dinner time (5:30 – 6 p.m.) is a great time to reach her on that day. We also celebrate with a home-baked cake, ice cream and gifts.

Will I be able to phone, text or email my daughter?
Electronic devices with internet access have no place at summer camp. They are an unnecessary distraction for campers, whose full attention is needed when they are riding or working with horses. In our experience, irresponsible use of such devices has been a negative experience not only for individual campers, but also for the camp as a whole. Campers are required to leave their cell phones, tablets and laptops with a staff member in the office when they check in. These items are safely stored and returned to campers when the session is over. Messages also can be left on the main house phone, where calls from home can be returned.

How will I know how she's doing?
Updates and pictures of your child, as well as general camp news, will be sent to you weekly from Heather Blodgett, who also publishes the camp blog. Please make sure that you are able to receive emails from Heather@HidVal.com.

What if a camper feels ill or has an accident?
If camper requires hospitalization, Redington Fairview Hospital, a critical care facility, is located 4.8 miles from Camp in Skowhegan, approximately a 10 minute drive, and we are also on the local 911 Emergency Medical System. Parents are notified as soon as emergency procedures are put into action. If a camper needs medical attention, her parents are contacted immediately and are put directly in touch with the doctors and nurses who are treating their child. We also see that campers talk to their parents as soon as possible.

What if my child needs to take medication?
Prescription and first aid medications are kept in the main house and given in the presence of a counselor.