If you're wanting to get started in this fascinating sport, beginner camps at Seawinds offer our most complete and enjoyable introductory opportunity.  Because we have established tracks and horses trained for horseback archery, even complete beginners to both riding and archery can progress to the point of shooting from horseback in a single weekend experience. 
If you have attended beginner camp before but would like to do it again, we welcome re-ginners to join back in on the fun all over again! These camps are also a great option for those horseback archers that have taken a long break and would like a gentle immersion back into the sport.
Beginner/Re-ginner camps present a broad but thorough first exposure to the three educations of horseback archery:
1. learning the unique traditional archery technique that works on the back of a horse,
2. preparing the horse to be brave to the archery and confident when ridden without rein tension, and
3. learning the unique riding style that works for stable and accurate shooting.
In a weekend beginner camp we present all three of these educations and then bring them together in a small group at a pace that is safe and enjoyable. 

Demonstrations will be given by advanced horse archers as we teach the ins and outs of the teamwork it takes to have a success on the track. Then, according to participants' comfort level with the horses by this time, we put it all together on the backs of the horses with the bows and arrows in hand.
Some people choose to simply walk the horse while shooting, while more advanced riders may choose to take their shots from a canter.

Most folks pitch a tent to stay on site for the weekend, but some choose to travel daily for a 9 am-5 pm training.(arriving on location at 8:30am each day to begin)
Everyone is welcome to join the evening campfires. Campers who are staying on site are invited to arrive and setup Friday evening.
Bring your own tent and camping gear, and all your favourite camp foods for the weekend. 
We will be offering some on location glamping options this year, please contact us for details and availability.
As far as amenities go, we have a rustic outdoor kitchen with excellent running potable water and sinks. You can clean up under the sun or stars with our lovely warm outdoor showers.

In summary the beginner camps offer a primal experience living in nature with horses, a momentary pause from our modern routines and responsibilities, and a phenomenal introduction to an ancient art. Whether it leads you to a life as a mounted archery athlete or its the first and last time you try the sport, you will leave here with lasting memories, new friendships, and some badass warrior skills!

Minimum age for camp participation is 9 years old, but please note that this requires an ability to stay focused for the challenging days of the camp which is above the capabilities of some 9 year-old children.  We ask that children under 14 have an adult accompany them if camping overnight.
Total cost for a beginner camp is $345 including HST to complete the registration process.
$100 non refundable deposit* due at time of registration.
  This total registration cost must be paid no later than 1 month prior to camp start date.