News & Updates

See & read about what is going on in the Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center community

Gentle Feeling, Quiet Moments, Slowing Down

“I have learned more about being a person from a horse than I ever learned about being a rider. I wouldn’t be alive, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without them in my life,” says Stella (Warm Beach Horsemanship student and wrangler alumnae with autism). 

Imagine experiencing clanging symbols, flashing lights, and prickly textures all in what a neurotypical person would term an ordinary environment or scenario. For a person with autism, life can quickly go from peaceful and calm to an overwhelming sensory experience.  

Horses help counteract this. The larger-than-life presence of the horse allows for tangible and measurable positive responses. The big muscle movements of the horse help reregulate an overstimulated and emotionally dysregulated rider. While riding, heart rate and breathing slows. Physically touching the horse is a soft, pleasant experience. 

The warmth and texture of a horse’s hair on her hand helps Stella calm down. She loves to kiss the tip of their nose, where it’s especially soft, and feel their gentle breath. “I really like the gentle feeling. It’s a quiet moment and I feel like things slow down,” Stella said. “The world is just… a lot. When I’m with a horse and have a bond, the world doesn’t really matter. It’s just…us.” She continues, “being with a horse heals wounds that living in a world like this causes. It fills my soul.” 

The Lord created intelligent creatures who choose to partner with humans. Horses heal in ways unique to their own calling. They are authentic, sympathetic, and reflective. Through God’s provision, Warm Beach Horsemanship is blessed with responsive and dedicated equine partners in ministry. They engage with each client and make a difference with every encounter. 

-Ginger Reitz, Assistant Director
Warm Beach Horsemanship  

Storing Treasure

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." Matthew 6:19-21 NLT There was a time in life where Bev and I bid on abandoned storage units.  We did it with our good friends, Jim ...

Meet Warm Beach’s Intern, Jessica Graves

The internship program is back in full swing at Warm Beach Camp (WBC)! We are excited to welcome Jessica Graves (left) from Ferndale as a 2023-2024 WBC intern. Jessica has been coming to WBC since she was eight and has participated in summer camps and volunteer opportunities at The Lights of Christmas. “Years ago, my grandparents volunteered down here. And ever since I can remember, we’ve been coming down and helping with The Lights.” Jessica was looking for a job ...

Pony Club Rallies

Warm Beach Horsemanship proudly presents its pony clubbers with the opportunity to test their skills in the educational atmosphere of Pony Club rallies. Rallies are designed to foster young athletes in the areas, including but not limited to, showmanship, teamwork, horse care, and sportsmanship. Riders compete in a “horse show” environment where they are judged for their performance and evaluated for their skills in horse care, organization, grooming and turnout. The process is designed to thoroughly prepare competitors for the ...