A young driver’s camp is scheduled for Aug. 5-8 in Southern Pines, N.C., at Claire Reid’s Big Sky Farm. The camp is open to whips ages 12 to 21, both experienced and new to the sport. This is the first project undertaken by the American Driving Society’s ADS Fund.
“Everything will be provided,” said organizers Reid and Kelly Valdes. They’ll have driving horses and ponies, both singles and pairs, available for daily lessons with such well-known competitors as Reid, Kelly, Boots Wright, Lisa Stroud, Kail Palmer and Keady Cadwell, who are each donating their skills.
The camp will be run in Pony Club fashion, with participants learning everything from harnessing, to basic and advanced driving skills, to competition rules and insights. Campers will live at the farm and enjoy social and fun activities.
Ten students will be accepted into the program. The cost is $450 per student, which covers training, meals, housing and all activities. Grants will be available through the ADS Fund to provide support for all or part of each student’s participation and travel costs. Grant application forms can be obtained from the ADS office (810- 664-8666) and will be accepted through June 15.
For further information and to apply, contact Kelly Valdes, P.O. Box 369, Southern Pines, NC 28388. Phone: (910) 693-1285 or e-mail: fkvaldes@aol.com.
