Hundreds of children usually gather at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds every summer to live in the frontier days.
During Cowboy Camp, kids are taught how to ride and wrangle horses and learn what life was like in the Old West through activities forming the backdrop for faith-based character building.
The horses, games and frontier days are back again this year, but with new surroundings. Due to COVID-19, organizers are transforming the weeklong event into smaller free outdoor day camps throughout the year at Calvary Baptist Church. The first camp is set for 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the church, which sits at U.S. 231 and C.R. 400S (Airport Road).
“We still have that Cowboy Camp vibe,” said Randy Glenn, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist and the director of Haven and Hope Ministries, which sponsors the event.
Glenn and his wife, Kristi, started the camp after working at a western-style children’s day camp in Fountain County. Nearly 400 campers in grades 1 through 5 registered last year, and up to 70 volunteers are expected to be on hand.
The camp has expanded across the country. Glenn recently returned from Tennessee and another camp soon kicks off in Ohio.
Campers must pre-register at www.havenofhopeministries.com or at the door, but online sign-up is preferred.
Three other dates will be scheduled into the fall as weather permits, Glenn said.
Throughout the year, the ministry offers riding lessons and provides one-on-one support for at-risk teens.
