BEATRICE SCESCKE (counselor)

As a Chicago native and CPS graduate, Beatrice’s eldest dream was to have a horse in Chicago. After years of riding lessons as a child, she was an agricultural major at Morehead State University in Kentucky, competing on the equestrian team and working at the horse barn while living on the university farm. She has since toured internationally working with horses in the circus. For the past ten years she has been developing Chicago Rewilding Society, a small nature sanctuary next to her home. She is an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through PATH Int (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). She is delighted to bring animal-based learning to her neighborhood.

Sydney white (counselor)

Sydney is a horseback riding instructor from Knoxville, Tennessee. She has over ten years of experience teaching beginner to intermediate riders of all ages. Her riding foundation is in English, and she has also spent several years working as a trail guide. Focusing on safety and curiosity, she prioritizes partnership between horse and rider as well as body and mind.

stella rae binion (documentor)

stella rae binion (they/she) aspires to breathe underwater, embodying an ongoing project of “undrowning” (after alexis pauline gumbs) and speculations of black loving continuance. stella rae is a chicago-based poet, filmmaker, printmaker, and bodywork practitioner. her practice includes poetic research, investigations within fugitivity and the black outdoors, honor work as prayer and divination, witnessing through language and imaging, and the celebration and protection of black queer people. stella rae received a BA in media theory and creative writing from brown university in 2023.

NATALIE (unpictured, Junior Counselor)

Hi, my name is Natalie. I’m 14 years old and I just graduated 8th grade. I’ve grown up around animals and learned to work well with them. I’ve lived next to Beatrice my whole life making me close with her and the animals.

about cowboy camp

This is a free horse camp for Garfield Park girls and boys ages 5-11. The first week is for 5-8 year old and the second week is for 9-11 year olds.

There is a 120 lb weight limit for riding, but all participants are welcome for other aspects of camp.

We will meet Monday -Friday from 10 am- 2 pm. Lunch will be provided.

Camp will cover the history of Black cowboys in America alongside daily activities involving equestrian arts: from horsemanship basics to hands-on experience handling and riding horses. We will have fun team building and movement activities every day.

We will meet at Chicago Rewilding Society, a nature sanctuary in the Garfield Park neighborhood, 1.5 blocks east of the Conservatory.

PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE: