Spirited Fun For Kids At Horseback Riding Camp

There's no reason for a child to spend their summers home, alone and bored. With the number of different specialty camps available in most communities and nearby, the options are almost unlimited. Equine lovers, for example, tend to delight in the type of fun horseback riding camps deliver.

These camps can be found in just about any community where horses are also at home. The options for horseback riding camps range from overnight venues or even daytime programs for those who live nearby. The extent of offerings at these camps will vary from location to locations, but some generalizations can be made.

Whether a child is flown out to a camp in the Wild West to enjoy intense riding training or they visit a ranch at home, the following activities are generally included in horseback riding camps:

* Basic horse handling. To ride a horse, a child needs to understand the standard tack, how it works and the proper techniques for handling and working with the gentle giants. By the end of most camp sessions, youth fully understand how to prepare a horse for riding and how to take care of the equipment involved.

* Basic riding lessons. Beginners often flourish in these hands-on camps that offer lots of basic instruction through direct riding. Youth typically learn the basic commands, riding postures and more. This is generally done in a fun, but controlled and disciplined, environment.

* Novice, advanced lessons. Youth who know their way around horses can still benefit from these camps. Many offer different levels of training so the more advanced riders don't feel too far ahead of the pack. These lessons might include more complex riding maneuvers, such as jumping, racing and more.

* Basic horse care. Part of taking care of a horse involves work. Kids will notescape this aspect, as it is important for ensuring a steed is well cared for and remains healthy. Lessons here might include such things as grooming, basic animal behavior, basic first aid and even stall cleaning. Make sure the kids understand a few "chores" likely will go along with the deal.

* Teamwork. To truly ride a horse and do it correctly, children will learn the importance of working together with each other and the horses they are assigned to perform tasks and learn the tricks of the trade as far as riding is concerned.

* Other camp fun. While horses are the main attraction, these camps often offer much more than just riding and cleaning out stalls. Other activities often include sports, swimming, arts and crafts, hiking and more. There's no reason to think the entire trip will be spent on the back of a horse or in the barns. Yes, this will be a big part of it, but that's not all, especially at overnight camps where a whole host of fun programs tend to take place after the sun goes down.

Horseback riding camps are ideal locations for children who have a passion for these animals. Teaching them more about proper handling, riding technique and care, these camps can be found from coast to coast.

Joshua Conway - About the Author:

Want to find out about pet tortoise and dangerous pets? Get tips from the Pet Ideas website.

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15 Free, Fun Things to Do with Your Kids This Summer

When our kids are home full time, it's easy to start shelling out too much for matinees and meals out. But you don't have to blow your entertainment budget just because the kids are home with you.

Here are 15 unique ideas for no-cost summer fun the whole family will enjoy.

1. Help your kids create a scavenger hunt for their siblings. The prize at the end can be something simple: a coupon to get out of a chore, for example.

2. Decide on a charitable organization you all want to help as a family. Then make a plan to raise money as a group.

3. Help your ‘tween or teen come up with a new business idea and help them get started. They may want to mow lawns, or maybe they want to create something to sell locally or online.

4. Help your kids plant a vegetable or flower garden.

5. Take advantage of your public library's summer reading program. In addition to weekly story times, many communities have excellent programs, complete with incentives, prizes, and contests, that encourage kids to read. After you visit the library, invite a few neighbor kids over for a read aloud. Everyone has a chance to read a short book to the group. Then serve popsicles.

6. See if there are any websites in your area that catalog free or low cost events: children's plays, concerts, art experiences, or museum tours. Look in the newspaper, visit your chamber of commerce and do an internet search for more activities and events that are specific to your town or city.

7. Find out when the free admission days are for your local zoo, museum, and historical attractions. Mark these free days on your calendar and plan the rest of your summer fun accordingly.

8. Get some neighbor kids together to write, cast, and stage a short play or a series of skits.

9. Help your children start a daily journal. Summertime is great for those little projects there isn't enough time to do during the school year.

10. Bring simple art supplies on a hike. When you reach your destination, everyone sits down on a blanket and draws a wildflower or the view from the top of a hill.

11. Go geocaching.

12. Make a silly video and send it to the grandparents.

13. Volunteer, as a family, with a local organization or cause that is particularly meaningful to you. Maybe you'll clean hiking trails, join or start a recycling initiative, or walk dogs at a local shelter.

14. Ask each member of the family to take a turn teaching everyone else how to do something.

15. Make an obstacle course that goes around your block. This can be as simple as making symbols on the sidewalk with chalk that represent traditional obstacle-course moves: tire runs, jumping on one foot, running backward, and so on.

Jamie Jefferson - About the Author:

Jamie Jefferson saves her readers money at both Susie Coupon and Which Diet Plan.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/15-free-fun-things-to-do-with-your-kids-this-summer-4940036.html

Dog Obedience Training - Fun and Games

For the majority of people, the main reason for getting a dog is for companionship and it follows then that you should complete a dog obedience training course and strive to build a really good, fun relationship with your canine companion.

In all the basic obedience dog training courses I instruct I insist the handlers use the "F" word as much as physically possible, right through the whole training course. The word I mean is of course "FUN".

Dog ownership is not all about obedience training the dog. It is also about teaching the dog some fun things to do from a simple paw shake to riding a skate board. You can and should have some fun with your dog.

Using the click and treat system you can teach your dog to do all sorts of interesting little tricks. Every one you teach your dog means you are interacting and creating a bond with the dog.

One of the best things I teach my students is teaching the dog to tug,
simply because it is the start of a whole lot of other things you can do with your dog.

If you teach the dog to tug a piece of rope, you can use this to teach the dog to retrieve. Once he is a retrieving dog, you will be able to use this as an exercise to tire the dog before leaving it alone when you go to work so it does not become a problem barker.

If you can throw the retrieve toy into a river, dam or swimming pool or even into the waves at a safe beach, and have the dog retrieve the toy, you will not need to spend as much time exercising him, and you will end up with a very healthy and fit animal.

There are lots and lots of books available that show you the dozens of fun things you can teach your dog to do. Using the click and treat system will ensure that the dog learns to use his brain and there is nothing nicer than seeing an animal displaying intelligence that you have developed in them.

Teaching your dog to roll over and to shake with the left paw to left hand and right paw to right hand will amuse your friends. Crawling on his tummy or standing up high on his rear legs will build muscles that might not otherwise get enough exercise.

I have seen the "bang" exercise used by an agility competitor whose dog would not lie down on an agility table.

I have taught my own agility dogs to spin left or right on command and use this fun game to both limber them up prior to running a course and to direct them whilst running the agility course.

And once you have him sitting and begging, it is not hard to have him drop his head between his front legs and say his prayers. After saying his prayers it would be nice if he put himself to bed and pulled his blanket over himself.

You can teach a dog to sneeze or talk on command, or ask you for his dinner or sit and wait for the command to tuck in.

Riding a skate board is really quite hard for a dog and riding a surf board even harder, but both can be achieved and can be fun activities for both of you.

All of these tricks however have their roots firmly embedded in the exercises that a good dog obedience training course would supply. So find a local dog club or training group and start building that fun relationship.

Nev Allen - About the Author:

Nev Allen is a dog trainer with 30 years of experience and he is now sharing this experience to help you make your puppy a good, happy and well trained obedient dog. Visit my blog for more detailed dog obedience training and clicker training articles.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-obedience-training-fun-and-games-1663079.html

Frugal Summer Fun for the Family

Summer is in full swing and you want to make sure your kids enjoy it. Besides hitting the pools and playing at the park here are a few frugal ideas to keep kids of all ages happy.

Spend an afternoon at the library. Besides getting a welcome reprieve from the heat you can check out free books for the kids. Our local library offers offers free videos for rent as well as story hour and other activities.

While at the library be sure to check the bulletin board for other free activities being offered in the area. You may find lots of fun, frugal activities that were not listed in your local newspaper.

Take a trip to the SPCA. You can stop by to visit the animals and volunteer to walk them and play with them. Not only will the dogs and cats get some well deserved TLC but you and your children will feel great doing it.

Do you have a garden? Whether it is a vegetable garden or flower garden this is a great learning experience for your children. Get them involved and they may actually be willing to try some of the produce that they helped tend to. If you are limited on space you could try container gardening. Check online or your local library for more information.

Whether or not you have a garden you should visit your local farmers market. Not only will you find great buys but they often have free entertainment for the family.

Check out any free concerts in your area. Again this is a great activity for you and the kids.

These are just a few frugal ideas for making Summer fun for kids of all ages.

Judy Turner - About the Author:

Judy Turner is a work at home mom who is always looking for ways to cut expenses. For work at home resources visit http://www.wahmonabudget.com . For frugal recipes and money saving tips visit http://www.eatingonabudget.com

http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/frugal-summer-fun-for-the-family-180016.html

"Safety First" Tips For Water Fun

There may be few better ways to spend a hot day than at the beach, lake, water park or swimming pool but amid all the fun and games it is important to put safety first.

Learning to swim and be safe in and around the water are important survival skills. Accidents only take a few seconds to occur, but they can often be prevented by ensuring your loved ones follow simple water safety guidelines.

Pioneers in swimming instruction and water safety, the nation's YMCAs are celebrating 100 years of group swimming instruction to children and adults. The YMCA offers these tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe in and around the water during the summer and at any time of year:

•  Make sure children are supervised by an adult at all times.
•  No one, not even adults, should ever swim alone.
•  Be prepared in an emergency by learning lifesaving, first aid and CPR techniques.
•  Always have a stocked first aid kit, phone, emergency numbers and sunscreen close at hand.
•  Follow the posted rules in any water environment. 
•  Backyard pools should have posted rules, ring buoy and security fences with self-closing gates and childproof locks.
• If you have an above-ground pool, secure and lock the steps or remove them completely when not in use.
•  Be aware of water depth, incline and any underwater obstructions before diving. Never dive in water less than nine feet deep.
• Children should use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Avoid inflatable toys including armbands or "swimmies"-they can be dangerous, giving a false sense of confidence.
• And finally, everyone should learn swimming and basic water safety skills. The YMCA offers swimming classes for all ages and levels.

M4W

J.ana - About the Author:

Hey, My name is Joana and i am an internet marketer,article author, and a devoted article submitter.:)


Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/safety-first-tips-for-water-fun-3917170.html

Fun Tattoo Facts

Tattoos have been around since the the biblical times and have been popping up everywhere since then. However, in today’s society tattoos have become a lot more popular and a little less taboo as they once were. Although the acceptance of tattoosis still a little shaky and a lot of work still needs to be done in this area.

Here are a few fun tattoo facts, tips and statistics that you may or may not have known.

Even after your new tattoo is healed it is still susceptible to the sun’s rays. So be extra careful to avoid direct sunlight and always wear an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your tattoo.There are at least a 100 different colors of a tattoo ink out there so you are not limited to you colors.




As of 2006 36% of people from the age of 18 to 29 had at least one tattoo.

In 2002 a poll was conducted that 1 out of 8 people have at least onetattoo. However, with the increasing number of young people out there getting tattoos, its sure to have gone up since then.

In 1991, a 5,000 year-old frozen man was discovered and scientists found a total of 57 different tattoos on his well preserved body.

The tattooing machine is based on the design of the modern doorbell.

In the late 19th and early 20th century tattoos were very fashionable among the aristocrats, which included women, to be tattooed. During this time, tattoos were very expensive and people paid large sums for their designs. However, the cost of tattoos were reduced and tattooing became adopted by lower class people and the tattoo soon became trashy.

Your Tattoo Friend

Ashley

Ashley Ford - About the Author:

Ashley enjoys writing on her Tattoo themed blog at http://infinitetattoos.wordpress.com please stop by and drop a comment. For more information and access to over 15,000 tattoo designs online, check out Ashley's sponsor at Infinite Tattoo Designs

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/fun-tattoo-facts-831830.html

Interesting and Fun Facts About Dolphins

With so much to know about dolphins, it is often the fun facts that people really enjoy. For example, do you want to know how dolphins sleep? The fact is dolphins cannot actually sleep because they need to be conscious to breathe. Instead of going into a deep sleep where they would suffocate themselves, they often left half of their brain sleep at one time and then the other half at another time. In this way, dolphins are able to “sleep” about eight hours per day. Here are more interesting facts about dolphins.

Dolphins as we know are predators when it comes to fish and other foods. But how much do they really eat per day? That really depends on the season and how much food is available in the area in which they live. If they are in an area where fish with high fat content are readily available then they may eat less of mackerel and herring then if they were to just eat squid. So to get the same calorie intake they need to eat more squid. On average they eat between 4% and 9% of its body weight in fish so if they weigh about 250kg they will need to eat about 10 to 22.5 kg per day of fish.

Another common question that people ask is about how long dolphins live. The maximum age that dolphins live is between 40 and 50 years old which is much longer than people expect. Although it is true that depending on where they live they may only live to about 25 to 30 years. There are some places such as the Indian Ocean where they only live between 10 and 14 years on average. The warmer the water the longer they will live.

Another interesting fact on dolphins is how deep they can dive. In an amazing study one bottlenose dolphin named Tuffy was shown to dive as far as 300 meters! Most of the dolphins do not dive this deeply though and live in fairly shallow water. In Florida for example, most dolphins live in water as shallow as 2 meters. There are some other dolphin species such as a pilot whale that can dive to at least 600 meters and a sperm whale that can dive as far as 900 meters, but most dolphins as we know them are not able to dive this deeply.

Finally, one last burning question that leads to an interesting fact aboutdolphins is whether or not they drink salt water. It is assumed that dolphins drink ocean water because they are in it all day long. However, the water is much too salty for them to drink, much like with humans. If they drank it they would actually use more water trying to get rid of it. Most of their water comes from their food such as fish and squid, but some of their water comes from their fat which they metabolize to make the water release into their own system. They actually don’t need much water because their kidneys adapt to retaining the water they do get from food and their own fat.

More great dolphin information is available on the dolphin watching site – www.dolphinwatching.co.uk.

Stephen Xec - About the Author:

Stephen Reynolds owes and manages XEC Internet - a company which manages and trades in generic domain names. As well as acting as domain name consultants, XEC Internet also develop their portfolio of topic based names into rich content sites.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/interesting-and-fun-facts-about-dolphins-594930.html

Ultimate Fun place for kids

When you plan for things to do for kid keep in mind along with kids enjoyment take care that family involvement is also there so get muddle up some family things to do at fun place for kids. Your trip must be arrange in such a manner that will make you feel relax and enjoyable both. For very first decide the place which you want o visit. There are three steps one must under take in order to decide location that is fun place for kids.

1.Every first one must decide the place where to visit in order to have fun things to do with kids and also enjoy family things to do.
2.On second step decide activity which you like most like out door or indoor.
3.And lastly decide what fun things to do with kids as per heir age.

You may think of many things when question arise to decide fun place for kids like financial matter, distance from home, transportation facilities and many more. Now as per your demand and connivance we arrange many things to do for kids and also family things to do. We will endow with list of things to do with kids in holidays so that your trip will become pleasant and memorable. When you plan fun place for kids just think of some important aspects like their safety, openness to move around and many more.

Before you plan some thing remember the place you visit must have some family things to do also so that other then kids all family members can enjoy. And this way you can plan out in advance fun things to do with kids and family to make memorable period. So don't wait more contact us now and get your trip arranged with many family things to do and fun things to do with kids.

charliewiliums - About the Author:

Family Days Out USA - fun places to visit for kids and the best things to do with children all over America plus great preschoolers indoor playgrounds. For more interesting details on things to do with kids and fun places for kids please visit our website www.familydaysoutusa.com

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ultimate-fun-place-for-kids-4234961.html

The Fun You Get With Face Painting

By: Phoenix Warner

Face painting is great fun for children and is fantastic entertainment for any kind of event, whether a birthday party, village fair, school fete or shopping mall/company promotion. Applied properly, face painting is a true art form and there are many useful products to assist in providing a professional finish.

If you are organizing a face painting event, remember that it is important to use face paints that are specially formulated to be kind to the most delicate skin and are fragrance-free, as many people with sensitive skins are intolerant to perfumes. Make sure the face paints are manufactured using only ingredients fully compliant with EU or FDA toy and cosmetic regulations and are non-toxic.

It is recommended that you use water-based face paints, so they will be easy to get off and will not stain clothing. Do not be tempted to use crayon sticks, as these tend to be grease based, coarse and drag on the skin. Face paints should not be used on a child who has any open cuts, sores or fresh bruising, or on anyone suffering from a cold sore or conjunctivitis or any other known infectious skin condition.

Face paints are widely available at online stores or through dance, theater and fancy dress shops as well as toy or craft shops. Face paint is typically supplied in 18ml or 75ml tubes or pots. When calculating quantities, it is useful to know that the 18ml paints will easily paint one hundred full faces. If you are doing smaller designs, for example cheek art, that number can be multiplied by twenty to thirty.

The 75ml paints will be sufficient to cover at least 450 full faces. When it comes to choosing colors, the sky is the limit with a veritable rainbow of hues available, in either matte or sparkling ranges. Accessories such as good quality sponges, brushes and glitter dust are essential.

For a professional look, it is worth buying or borrowing a book on face painting. There are several good books on face painting available, with step-by-step instructions and photographs on achieving professional results and with some good ideas to try. There are even face painting books dedicated to one particular theme, for example cat, princess or butterfly designs, which would be invaluable for a themed party.

Animal designs are very popular with children, as are superhero and monster designs. Books range from five minute face painting, with simple designs suitable for a beginner, to extremely complicated and intricate designs for the professional. It is also possible to buy practice masks in a range of skin tones at a small cost, which is advisable if you are not experienced and do not have a live model to experiment on!

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Phoenix Warner organises children's parties and supplies all sizes of Tinkerbell costume

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How to Succeed as a Stay-at-Home Mom

By: Donald Lee

Stay-at-home moms are no longer just the co-stars from Leave It To Beaver, the Brady Bunch, and other television shows from a bygone era. Taking care of the kids has become the cool thing to do again for women in their 20s and 30s. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are at least 5.4 million stay-at-home parents in the United States alone. These are a dynamic bunch of women, and men, who see opportunities in their domestic role, especially the opportunities presented by the Internet.

Sure, many of these parents gave up exciting careers and important roles in their community to take up the time-honored tradition of rearing their children. You yourself may have put goals and dreams on the back burner when you accepted the commitment and responsibility of raising your little ones. You understand the importance of a parent being there for those firsts: the first crawl, the first step, the first "momma" and "dadda."

At the same time, though, you may feel like you have taken on too much. Not only do you have the pressures of bringing up a smart, well-behaved child. You worry about being able to make ends meet to provide everything your child needs.

If this sounds all too familiar, take a deep breath, turn off the television, and log online. No, don't think you're going to surf the Web to just pass the time. The Internet is your portal to transforming your stay-at-home life. In between the diaper changes and feedings, bedtimes and burpings, you can reach beyond the walls of your home and access the outside world as never before. The benefits are as close to limitless as the millions of sites on the Web, including:

• E-support system. Whether you're searching for other stay-at-home moms to lean on, folks with the same health ailment as yourself, or even just other Oprah fanatics, the Internet is like one big community center where you can find them.
• Friends and fun. Through e-mail, chat rooms, and instant messaging, the Internet is one of the easiest ways to keep in touch with old friends and family members, as well as to meet new acquaintances.
• Cyber community. Look for your neighborhood's Web site for information on shopping, festivals, town hall meetings, and other local interests. If you can't find your town's home on the Internet, take a leadership role in creating it with the help of your neighbors.
• Cap and gown. Many community colleges and universities offer e-courses. You never need to step foot on the campus to earn degrees in finance, English, accounting, or whatever else suit your fancy.
• Steals and deals. If you're looking for some of the biggest discounts and best selection for anything from electronics to groceries, books to automobiles, the Web is your marketplace.
• Cash flow. The Internet can work for you, as well, if you are on the other end of the cash register. The Web provides an unparalleled avenue to sell goods. It can link you to interested buyers if you're only looking to unload a few knickknacks to unclutter your home. If you have enough stuff to open a garage sale, you can do that, too, without time or space constraints. Or try your hand at a full-time online business if you get bit by the entrepreneurial bug.

The Internet can open up the outside world to you for all of these benefits, but you need the right set of keys to open the door. Your first "key" is the type of Internet access you use. You'll need to weigh your budget versus how fast you want to navigate on the Web. Cable and DSL hook ups provide zippy access but can cut into your profit margins. Dial up, on the other, can be cheap or even free, but can slow down your productivity.

Once you have your hook up established, you'll need to get your feet wet before you do heavy surfing. Find trusted sites for your activities. Look for certified schools to take courses at and secure shopping zones to purchase at. When selling or starting your own business, do your research to find the most trusted and thrifty auction and classified sites. The right classified sites can be like your neighborhood paper, except they reach millions of people around the globe. In many cases, the best classified sites will also charge no start up or transaction fees and offer safe ways to communicate and do business with clients.

Settle these basics, and you can be virtually ensured to become a true M.O.M, a master of multitasking. In the time it takes your child to take a nap or watch an episode of Blues Clues, you will be able to earn 4 more credits to your finance degree, buy a new mp3 player, and sell a closet's worth of stuff.

Author Bio
Donald Lee is the public relations manager for Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified listing services for individuals and businesses to market their products and services online. For global and localized classifieds, please visit http://www.buysellcommunity.com - Free Buy & Sell Classifieds
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