Spitfire Farm summer camp invites kids to enjoy daily horseback rides water slides and hands on barnyard adventures
Coconut Creek, Florida – For families searching for a way to pull kids away from screens and into something more active this summer, one local farm is offering an experience that leans heavily on fresh air, movement, and a bit of mud on the boots.
At Spitfire Farm, preparations are already underway for a full season of summer camp, where children can spend their days riding horses, exploring the outdoors, and settling into a routine far removed from indoor distractions. The camp, designed for ages 6 to 15, will run in weekly sessions beginning June 8 and continuing through early August.
The idea is simple but increasingly rare—replace screen time with saddle time. Here, campers are not just observers; they are participants. Each day brings hands-on interaction with horses, along with the kind of physical activity that naturally comes with farm life.
Owner Ejola Cook, who also balances the role of running the facility with raising four children of her own, says the program was built with both kids and parents in mind. Over time, she has watched the demand for outdoor, experience-based activities grow, especially as families look for ways to keep children engaged during long summer breaks.
“I think that especially in this age of technology, where our kids are so often inside and in front of screens, anything that gets them out on the dirt and in the sun, doing things physically, is important,” Ejola Cook said. “I know a lot of parents are really looking for opportunities for their kids to go out and get hands-on activities and experiences.”
That philosophy is reflected in the structure of the camp. With more than 30 horses on site, organizers make it a priority that every camper gets time in the saddle each day. Riders are grouped based on age and experience level, ensuring beginners and more advanced participants alike feel comfortable and challenged.
This year, the farm is also welcoming a few new additions to its herd, including a young American Mustang named Berlin Express. The name nods to the iconic WWII aircraft, adding a touch of history to the stable lineup. Returning favorites such as Thor, Loki, and Snowman are also part of the program, giving returning campers familiar faces to reconnect with.
“A few new horses have joined the program this year: Berlin Express, our new little American Mustang, which is named after the famous WWII P-51 Mustang, and camp favorites like Thor, Loki, and Snowman are all still here,” said Cook.
While the focus remains on outdoor activity, the farm has made adjustments to ensure comfort during Florida’s intense summer heat. The indoor space has been expanded significantly, now featuring three separate areas: one for arts and crafts, another for food storage, and a relaxed hangout zone. All are air-conditioned, providing a break from the sun without taking away from the overall outdoor experience.
Beyond horseback riding, the camp includes a mix of recreational features that keep the atmosphere light and fun. An inflatable water slide offers a way to cool off, while “Fun Fridays” introduce rotating surprises—sometimes as simple as a shared pizza lunch, but always something to look forward to at the end of the week.
For working parents, flexibility has also been built into the schedule. Aftercare is available until 5 p.m., allowing families to align camp hours with their daily routines more easily.
One of the more unique aspects of the program is its access to nearby riding trails. The farm is among the few in the area where horses can be ridden into Tradewinds Park, giving campers the chance to explore beyond the property and experience a broader natural setting.
Each weekly session is capped at 25 campers, a limit that organizers say helps maintain a more personal, attentive environment. Demand, however, is expected to be strong, and those who miss out on initial placement will be added to a waiting list.
The camp schedule spans eight weeks, with sessions running from early June through early August. Families who commit to the full program are offered a discounted rate, and a smaller promotional discount is also available with a code provided by the farm.
As summer approaches, the appeal of open space, hands-on learning, and simple outdoor fun seems to resonate more than ever. At Spitfire Farm, the goal is not just to fill time during school break, but to create moments that feel a little different—slower, more grounded, and perhaps a bit unforgettable.
