Hands and Hoofs

Hands and Hoofs

Spend a day of discovery with your child that you will remember forever!

A Day of Outdoor Adventure Connecting Horses, Nature, Art, Friendship, & Discovery

A Day of Outdoor Adventure Connecting Horses, Nature, Art, Friendship, & Discovery

OUR MISSION AND VISION

Hands & Hoofs Experience provides a safe place to support youth as they explore a new environment and merge with the spirit of the land and animals through equine facilitated learning and bonding with horses; engendering acceptance, trust, and self- esteem; focusing on respect for nature and the local El Dorado National Forest; and enhanced by artistic expression.

Providing a space for our youth to be open and honest with no judgment while connecting with horses in the natural beauty of the outdoors, and expressing themselves without limitations.

POSITIVE IMPACTS

The Hands and Hoofs outdoor day camp activities provides youth an opportunity to explore a new environment while connecting with others, making new friends, bonding with animals, exploring nature and expressing their creativity through art. Building confidence and self-esteem, enabling independence and self-expression while gaining inspiration and respect for nature and the outdoors are just some of the benefits your camper will experience.

PLAY WITH PURPOSE

OUTDOOR CAMP BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN

  • Builds Confidence and Self Esteem

  • Enables Independence and Self Expression

  • Encourages Connections with Nature and Animals

  • Teaches Respect for Nature and the Outdoors

  • Keeps Children Engaged

  • Nurtures New Friendships

  • Teaches Social Skills

  • Promotes Physical Activity and Exercise

  • Teaches Teamwork and Leadership Skills

  • Gain Inspiration and Understanding from Nature

  • Provides a Break from Screen Time

  • Builds Confidence and Self Esteem

  • Enables Independence and Self Expression

  • Encourages Connections with Nature and Animals

  • Teaches Respect for Nature and the Outdoors

  • Keeps Children Engaged

  • Nurtures New Friendships

  • Teaches Social Skills

  • Promotes Physical Activity and Exercise

  • Teaches Teamwork and Leadership Skills

  • Gain Inspiration and Understanding from Nature

  • Provides a Break from Screen Time

By visiting the links provided below, you can learn more about the benefits and positive Impacts of experiencing an outdoor camp for children.

By visiting the links provided below, you can learn more about the benefits and positive Impacts of experiencing an outdoor camp for children.

ABOUT THE CAMP

We are a non-profit day camp for kids ages 6-14, located at a 5-acre ranch in Pollock Pines California. We provide youth a day of outdoor adventure and fun group activities.

We provide this free program through donations and volunteers so that all are welcome, and everyone can be included.

The program activities which focus on Horses, Nature & Art, make for a very unique experience.

What Will Your Child Do At Camp?

ACTIVITES, FOCUS & ATTRACTIONS

The land here was once home to the Miwok Indian Tribe. The kids begin the day's activity here, playing with drums and other musical instruments, while making new friends.

One of the many attractions of the ranch is an authentic style Native American teepee.

HORSE PLAY MAKES FOR A VERY SPECIAL DAY

The animals are a major part of the day. There are 3 horses, a mini horse and a donkey who take part in the program. Starting with the basics, the children will learn about horse behavior, communication and safety before meeting the animals in person and the hands-on fun starts.

Getting to know the horses starts with learning to groom and gives everyone the chance to get to know the animals and allows everyone to feel comfortable being around them. Afterward, learn how to become confident in partnership while learning to lead them around the arena. When everyone has gained some experience, they will navigate the horses through an obstacle course full of fun and challenging objects.

Improved confidence and self-esteem, teamwork and leadership skills, as well as emotional and physical bonding are just some of the remarkable benefits evident through working with the animals.

The rewards for everything that has been accomplished during the horse sessions are vast and plentiful for the kids, but for the horses it ends with the sweet treat of Horse Kiss painting. The kids and the animals collaborate together watercolor painting using the apple slices and their lips as their paint brushes.

A BIT ABOUT THE HORSES, DONKEY &

LITTLE MAN THE LLAMA

I'm Smoke

I'm a Grey colored male Appaloosa. I am 23 years old.

I'm Dusty

I'm a Bay colored, female Mustang. I am 25 years old.

I'm Chango

I'm a Palomino colored, male quarter horse. I am 17 years old.

I'm Ella Bella

I'm a Sorrel colored female mini horse. I am 7 years old.

I'm Abbey

I'm a grey female donkey and I am 21 years old.

I'm Little Man

I'm a 11-year-old Llama. I don't play in the arena, but you meet me at the ranch.

CREATIVITY AND ART INSPIRED BY NATURE AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS

We love the great outdoors, and we believe the kids do too. We also find that being outdoors inspires their self-expression and creative freedom. This is where nature and art merge. The focus on this portion of the day is inspired by nature, art and outdoor adventure and discovery.

Journey down the nature trail with the group, explore the forest and connect with the benefits of being in the wilderness. Hike to the seasonal creek and walk the fallen tree bridge. Learn about the treasures the forest has to offer and decorate a stone and leave a message in the labyrinth for the next group to find.

Collect what inspires you during your hike and use some of the gifts from nature as building material for art projects on the deck afterwards. Don't forget to keep an eye out during your trek through the woods, you may receive a visit or catch a glimpse of Little Man, the Llama. He plays a special part in the herd and the camp day.

EVENTS

Event Disclaimer: Subject to Availability

MEET OUR TEAM

With a ratio of 1 handler for each child working with a horse, our experienced team is set to make your child's day fulfilling -- mentally AND spiritually -- and ensures they stay safe.

To learn more about our trusted staff, you can read our bios below!

Mary Georgis

Board President & Program Manager

I am co-owner of Painted Sky Serenity Ranch in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. I have a love of the land and the animals upon the land; both wild and domestic and have a heartfelt need to share this ranch experience with children. I have had firsthand experience with special needs children and have seen the impact interaction with animals and nature can have on their sense of wholeness and worthiness.

I know that my skills in organization, motivation, communication and relationship building will support the success of the Hands and Hoofs Project. I work with these loving animals every day and know that the children who come to our program are in for a life changing experience.

Rosey Gamez

Board Vice President & Fundraising Director

I began my affiliation with non-profit at my daughters parochial school in 1996, volunteering and at our church. By 1998 I was teaching at the school and I was on the school board. I was head of the technology department, where I created a 5 year technology plan and built an entire new addition, I was head of fundraising committee and in 1999 we raised over $36,000. for renovations and improvements. Over the years my family and I have participated in many fundraisers, causes, walks, & runs, but I felt it was time to get back to giving on a much deeper level. My philosophy in life, “it takes a village”. Only together can we accomplish change, innovation, growth and true meaning.

Monica DaCosta

Board Secretary & Art Facilitator

Monica DaCosta has been active in many volunteer activities over the years. Following college, she spent two years in Honduras as a volunteer for the Direct Relief Foundation, teaching organic vegetable gardening and cooking classes. When her 2 sons were young, she volunteered for 7 years as a Camp Fire Boys and Girls club leader and organized many day camps. She also served as the Youth Education Director at her church for nearly 30 years. Moving to El Dorado County in 2015, she now leads the Placerville chapter of Together Women Rise and has been a volunteer with Hands and Hoofs for the past 2 years facilitating our art program. She loves working with children and encouraging their creativity and is really enjoying leading the hikes and craft projects at the Hands and Hoofs programs!

Sherry Wynne

Board Advisor/Youth Facillitator

I have a great passion for nature and the intimate connection with all of life I have been in the healing arts for 40 years also I am an ordained minister, teacher and spiritual counselor. I am the novice in this group in relationship to horses and am in awe of the great gift of wellbeing and joy that occurs when I am with these incredible animal teachers. I am so delighted to be a part of this group and know that the children, families and everyone will benefit greatly in this beautiful setting where life slows down, we breathe a little deeper and soak in the goodness nature offers us.

Carrie Mitchell

Board Director

Carrie comes to Hands and Hoofs with a variety of leadership experiences spanning nearly three decades in PreK-Grade 6 education as a teacher and principal. She brings extensive experience from the private sector with leading curriculum development, designing professional learning, leadership coaching and mentorship, community engagement and development, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. Carrie has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles in organizations for children, including 4-H Community Club Leader, Girl Scouts Troop Leader, and AYSO Board of Directors. She is a Master Food Preserver with El Dorado County, serves as California State Fair Canning and Baking Competition Judge, and has been a judge for a variety of 4-H canning, baking, and home arts competitions. Her goal is always, in every way possible, to create environments in which children feel safe to take risks to learn and thrive.

Linda Lewis

Board Advisor

Since moving to California in 1982, I have been active in several non-profit organizations that aided animals one way or another. From 2009 through 2016, I became involved in a local horse rescue and served on its Board in various positions. During that time, I conducted orientation classes for new volunteers, was lead for several volunteer shifts during the week, served as Public Relations spokesperson and was the organization's representative at various social networking organizations. At the horse rescue, I helped nurse a young orphaned colt back to health and adopted him as my forever horse when I left the rescue. My childhood dream of owning my very own horse finally came true! Clayton is now with me and always will be. When I heard about Hands and Hoofs, I wanted to know more about the Day Camp for Kids. That was a year ago and since then, my affiliation with Hands & Hoofs has grown, primarily due to its co-founders and their dedication to the children who attend the camps. I have served on various committees within the organization and volunteer on camp days, as needed.

Pat Souza

Board Advisor

I had a 36 year career in public education as a teacher and administrator. My passion has always been kids and families; how to support them and help make their lives happier and more productive. I grew up around horses and know the power of the connection between humans and animals. Horses are wise teachers and ready for hands on experiences with humans, especially children. I am ‘all in’ to support children as they experience the wonder of connection with horses and ranch life through the Hands and Hoofs Project.

Julie Schultz

CEO & Senior Program Manager

I am co-owner of Painted Sky Serenity Ranch in the Sierra Mountains and Founder of Hands & Hoofs Experience. I worked as a crew manager for AT&T most of my career and am now retired. I have spent 22 years playing with horses and learning about myself through their eyes, I like to call it soul connection! Our herd of horses has been a blessing in our lives teaching us every day about ourselves by being a mirror of inner reflection. We are excited to share our herd with kids allowing them to interact & play while discovering something inside of them that reflects their inner selves.

GRATITUDE & APPRECIATION

We are Grateful to All Those Who Help Support Our Program

VOLUNTEER

We would like to offer a special thank you to the many members of our volunteer team who make the Hands and Hoofs program successful. The program is solely volunteer based, and possible only through the help of those willing to help and give of their time.

If you would like to volunteer and be part of our team, there are many ways to help get involved.

We are always in search of new volunteers to help in a number of ways.

Some areas of Volunteer opportunity include the following:

  • Horse and Animal Handling and Care

  • Art and crafts Assistance

  • Events

  • Grant Writing

  • Fund Raising

  • Ranch Maintenace

  • Volunteer Coordination

  • Youth Volunteers

  • ...and more!

  • Horse and Animal Handling and Care

  • Art and crafts Assistance

  • Events

  • Grant Writing

  • Fund Raising

  • Ranch Maintenace

  • Volunteer Coordination

  • Youth Volunteers

  • etc.....

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A PROGRAM VOLUNTEER, please CONTACT JULIE SCHULTZVIA EMAIL AT [email protected]

help keep our program free!

We are very proud to have been serving our community for the past three years with the support of our volunteers and donors. All donations are welcome, and no donation is too small.

All proceeds go directly to operating the program.

Hands & Hoofs is a 501c(3) and all donations are tax deductible to the full amount allowed by IRS law.

Current Sponsors and In-Kind Donors

  • Mekeel Foundation, Shelly and Tom Mekeel

  • Vicki Dobbs Wolf

  • Judy Vermason

  • Clara Pursley

  • Mekeel Foundation, Shelly and Tom Mekeel

  • Vicki Dobbs Wolf

  • Judy Vermason

  • Clara Pursley

  • Georgis-Schultz Trust; Painted Sky Serenity Ranch

  • Marilee Schultz

  • Amani Spiritual Center

  • Pat Souza

  • Georgis-Schultz Trust; Painted Sky Serenity Ranch

  • Marilee Schultz

  • Amani Spiritual Center

  • Pat Souza

Become A Hands and Hoofs Sponsor

By becoming a Hands & Hoof’s Partner you'll receive recognition on our website, in our press materials, and in our upcoming printed 2024 calendar...which means recognition all year long! Based on the size of your sponsorship, you'll also receive priority status for 1-4 participants at our camp for the current season.

Platinum $10,000

Receive VIP priority status for 4 participants for 2024 season.

Gold $5,000

Receive Gold priority for 2 participants for 2024 season.

Silver $1,000

Receive Silver priority for 1 participant for 2024 season.

For more information about becoming a Hands and Hoofs sponsor, please contact

Julie Schultz via email at [email protected]

SPONSORSHIP AND DONATIONS

Blog about sponsorship and donations and wish list.

INDIVIDUAL DONOR

As a fund of the El Dorado Community Foundation (TaxID: 68-0305421), Hands and Hoofs programs are made possible by the generosity of our donors. You can help children experience the wonder of HORSES and develop an appreciation for NATURE.

Donate Online

Donate by Mail

Mail Checks to:

Hands and Hoofs, c/o El Dorado Community Foundation, PO Box 1388 Placerville, CA 95667

CONTACT US

Have a question or have feedback for us? Please fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Hands & Hoofs is a non profit charitable 501c3 organization in good standing, Tax ID # 88-3545806

Hands & Hoofs is a non profit charitable 501c3 organization in good standing, Tax ID # 88-3545806