Former NFL player hosts horse riding summer camp in Prince George’s County

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (DC News Now) — A unique summer camp for children is underway in Prince George’s County. It is a partnership with former NFL player Brian Westbrook and the County Sheriff’s Department.

9-year-old Andrew Bennett is one of dozens of kids who are attending the summer youth camp in Upper Marlboro at the Westbrook farm. All the kids are getting to do something they’ve never done before; they get to go horseback riding every day

“I really like this camp, it is amazing. But at first I thought it was going to be boring, but now that I’ve experienced it, this is really good, the horses are so cool”.

13-year-old Azaria Donald is also having the time of her life this week, getting to saddle up to ride her horse.

“Oh my gosh this is so much fun, when I first got here I didn’t think we would be able to ride horses but we get to ride and this was the first time I’ve ever rode a horse and it is so much fun but I was scared at first since I am scared of heights but I am used to it now”.

Horsemanship is not the activity in the camp; kids also get to go hiking and paint farm equipment, and throw some water balloons to cool off in the heat. Farm owner and former NFL player Brian Westbrook, who played with the Philadelphia Eagles, says this is a good experience for these children.

“So many complaints from parents are that our kids spend too much time on the couch watching TV inside, or [playing] video games and playing on the phone. This gives our kids the chance to be outside and be with nature, but also to learn about horsemanship”.

The week-long camp got underway on Monday. But there are two more sessions in August for kids.