Over the next several months, we’ll be introducing you to our summer staff for 2019. Meet Holly, who will be joining us as a first-year counselor this summer!

What is your name?
Holly Brunt

Where are you from?
I’m from Mangawhai, New Zealand a beach town an hour north of Auckland

What program(s) will you be leading at camp, and how did you get your experience in that area?
I will be one of the barn staff at camp this year. I’ve been riding horses since I was 7, I’ve competed in mounted games, show jumping, show hunter, dressage, cross country, showing and competing on Arabian horses. This discipline of riding has taken me to win national titles and awards. I was just like any other young girl wanting to ride at a young age. It all began for me at pony club where I met some of my best friends to date and learned the basics of riding which has got me to where I am now. I can’t wait to teach young riders what I have learned and show them what horsemanship is all about. It will be awesome to see them grow, develop confidence and skills horse riding as camp goes on.

What drew you to the Bar 717 Ranch?
When I received the first email from the ranch, I instantly knew Bar 717 Ranch was the camp I wanted to be at. I loved the camp morals and beliefs, and what better place to have a summer camp than in a national forest! I loved the idea that the children were able to have freedom and choose what activities they wished to do. The remoteness of the ranch is also the perfect place for young people to unplug from social media and enjoy what nature has to offer and fully immerse themselves in their surroundings. I know it will feel like home.

What are you most looking forward to about camp?
I am looking forward to pushing myself out of my comfort zone and living in a country halfway across the world for three months, teaching and helping kids to care for and ride horses. Also meeting new people, experiencing a new culture and have the best summer ever. So you could say I’m looking forward to everything!!!!