Day Camp
We are the only camp on Long Island to offer the
Total Camp Experience with an extensive Riding Program!
Let your children find their passion here!
Thomas School of Horsemanship was founded in 1943 by Bill and Fran Thomas, and in 1950, they purchased and developed a stretch of potato fields in Melville. From those humble beginnings their dream was realized: A place where families can enjoy all the gifts that horses have to offer, a place where children can spend their summers riding, playing, learning, and growing, and a place for a supportive community to share in the joys of horsemanship.
''This is where our roots are, this is where we became who we are.''
Camp Alumni, Mike Martuscello, 1969
Today, Thomas School continues to be family owned and operated by Nancy Thomas, daughter of Bill and Fran. For over 65 years, Thomas School has given thousands of children experiences and friendships that they cherish for a lifetime.
''My best friends today are the friends I made at Thomas School.''
Camp Alumni, Katie Rimmer, 1996
The gifts that horses have to offer:- Caring for a horse creates a sense of Responsibility
- Interacting with a living being teaches Respect
- Creating a bond with a kind, gentle creature shows Compassion
- Being in control of an animal larger than yourself grants Confidence
- And the shared love for horses builds Friendships that last
This is why our motto for 65 years has been:
Let Horses Bring Out the Best in You
Interacting with horses instills important virtues.
Daily riding instruction builds Confidence,
Daily horse care lessons develop Compassion,
Grooming and tacking the horses teaches Responsibility.
"Your love of horses creates a unique loving atmosphere,
and that is what TSH is all about."
Parent, Joann Stein
Although we offer a full day camp experience, our specialty has always been our complete riding program. Every camper enjoys a daily riding lesson with one of our Horsemanship Safety Association Certified Instructors.
"Being a young teenager is hard for a girl. I think learning
to ride a horse at that time did wonders for my self esteem."
Camp Alumni, Randice Moore
We feel that true horsemanship includes more than the practice of riding well, it is also essential to have an understanding of these noble creatures, and the skills to care for them. Older campers have two additional periods a day dedicated to just that, including horsemanship training, and a period to care for their 'own' horse. Younger campers are given daily lessons in the basics of horse care.
"Every day I couldn't wait to hear about which horses my children rode, and all the things they learned about horses."
Parent, Diana Baravita, 2006
Swimming is a lifelong skill that every child needs.
We are dedicated to providing quality Red Cross lessons
to create confident swimmers.
Every child can become a confident swimmer with the support of a good teacher. That's why every single camper receives a daily Red Cross Instructional Swim period, tailored to their skill level, with one of our trained and Red Cross Certified Lifeguards.
"Knowing that every day my children were in a safe, supervised and fun place made going to work easier."
Camp Alumni/Parent/Staff, Debbie McGuire
Additionally, each camper enjoys a fun Free Swim period with pool toys and games, under the constant supervision of our pool staff. We also ensure that the children are familiar with our pool safety rules and procedures before they participate in Free Swim.
Finally, if your child loves swimming, and loves swimming fast, they can try out for the Swim Team! We regularly hold competitive Swim Meets with visiting camps, and as always, extra points are awarded for good sportsmanship and team spirit.
We have great sports and arts options for discovery and fun:
Gymnastics * Dance * Drama * Tennis * Archery * Soccer
Lacrosse * Hockey * Touch Football * Basketball * Softball * Kickball
Volleyball * Badminton * Ping Pong * Climbing Wall * Tetherball
Capture the Flag * Computer Games * Low Ropes Course
Martial Arts * Karaoke * Circus Juggling * and More!
Older campers get to personalize their camp experience through our Elective and Club periods. Electives are chosen each week for variety, and a Club is chosen each session for a more intensive learning experience.
"I've never, in my 22 years of raising three boys, ever seen or felt
a more heavenly experience for one of my children."
Parent, Diane Puccio
In our gymnasium or on the outdoor stage, campers learn Gymnastics and Dance, take part in fun improvisational games, or rehearse for Drama performances. Our staff specialists organize shows and demonstrations for Parent's Day so you can see all your child has learned!
But the opportunity for creative outlet doesn't end there! Our Arts and Crafts specialists always have fun, new projects for your campers, and you can always see their works of art on display at the Parent's Day Art Show.
Special Days are the highlight of each week at Camp!
Campers and Staff alike participate in the fun with costumes, face paint, special games, sportsmanship and team spirit!
Special Days often bring new and thrilling amusements to camp, like water slides, bounce castles, staff dunk tanks, and more. Sometimes our campers get to watch awesome demonstrations, past shows include: Rodeo-style Barrel Racing, Medieval Times-style Jousting, Horseback Dressage Demonstrations, and the always entertaining Staff Horse Shows. Special days also mean off-site trips for our Teens.
"You run a magical place, and I am grateful my daughter is a part of it."
Parent, Maureen Hession
Although we are always thinking up new and exciting themes, a few favorites have become tradition, and return every year: The always silly 'Crazy Hair/Hat Day,' the highly anticipated 'Water Fun Day,' and our long-standing tradition, 'Blue and Gold Day!'
Campers can never be sure what to expect on a Special Day, because everything changes for the theme. At the pool, they may find themselves in a relay race carrying a greased watermelon, or playing water volleyball. In the riding ring, they play all kinds of horse-back games, like 'Red-Light, Green-Light,' and 'Simon Says.' When special days include friendly competition and team spirit, our campers are always awarded extra points for good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Our CITs (Campers in Leadership Training) have the opportunity to take all kinds of fun trips once a week on Special Days. Some of our favorite trips from past years include: Six Flags: Great Adventure, Mountain Creek Water Park, Medieval Times, and our annual White Water Rafting/Camping Overnight Trip. We offer new trip opportunities every year.
Check out what's available for your child's age group. Our various programs are designed to be age-appropriate, but all children from 3 to 15 years old experience riding, swimming, sports and arts.
Early Starters (3-4 yrs old)
Our Early Starters experience all the activities Thomas School has to offer, but with the extra attention and gentle care they need. We have many horses who have spent their entire lives teaching children to ride, that is why they are perfect horses for our 3 and 4 year olds. Our swim staff take pride in helping the little ones become comfortable and confident in the water. It is amazing to see the progress that these young campers make in just one summer.
Junior Camper (5-8 yrs old)
Junior Campers' daily activities are suited to their developmental needs: Daily riding lessons are supplemented by basic horse care education. They enjoy periods of free play on the playground, the Junior Camp pool includes a very shallow end for beginner swimmers as well as a deep end for more advanced swimmers. Our friendly, charismatic group counselors are always helping the youngsters learn how to interact with their peers in a supportive way.
Senior Camper (9-12 yrs old)
Senior Campers have opportunities for advancement in many areas, learning skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. We offer riding classes for every skill level, and Senior Campers may test into more advanced Horse Science study, all the way up to Pre-Vet care. At the pool swimmers are grouped by ability for instructional periods. Senior Campers begin to feel a sense of responsibility as they take care of their "own" horse once a day.
Campers in Leadership Training(CITs) (13-15 yrs old)
In addition to enjoying the same activities as the rest of camp, our teens are given more responsibilities with horses and younger campers, are allowed more freedom with their schedules, and enjoy extra privileges like off-site trips and free periods. Outstanding CITs have the opportunity to become assistant group counselors, and may be offered staff positions upon completion of the program.
Please click the application link below to view 2009 Dates and Rates.
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Our rustic facility encourages a connection with nature.
Give your children a chance to experience the joys of
wide open fields and wooded areas.
"As many camps install air conditioning and classrooms, it is to your credit that you have a camp where kids can enjoy nature."
Camp Alumni/Parent/Staff, Debby McGuire
We are located on 33 beautiful acres, with 6 barns, 9 riding rings, 2 large pools, a playground, picnic areas for lunch, theater stages in the woods, a low ropes course, and a large indoor arena which becomes an indoor gymnasium during the summer.
"Our girls have such a genuine love and appreciation of horses because of your fine camp and instructors and that is a special gift they will have for the rest of their lives. We can see how much their riding improves every year and the girls feel so good about becoming better riders."
-Parent, Bettina Battapaglia
"Every summer at this time I think about you and all that TSH did for me and I want you to know that I am who I am because of you all and the horses. Although I am miles away from TSH, I still long for the hot days and Blue-Gold Day. I promise that one day I'll be back!"
-Past Camper/Staff/Director, Sue Silver
"I attended TSH when I was a young teen, and never do I think of those days without smiling. Being a young teenager is hard for a girl. I think learning to ride a horse at that time did wonders for my self esteem. Taking lessons with my instructor Karen Earl twice a week was the highlight of our lives. The staff was always so kind and supportive. To this day I consider the day I learned to jump as one of the best days of my life."
-Camp Alumni, Randace Moore
"My daughter Mallory has been at your camp since the beginning of this camp season and words cannot express the joy I see in my child each and every day since camp began. Mallory has always been an animal lover, and since she started riding this past spring, it has changed her life. Mallory is truly in her environment at Thomas School and runs out the door every day to get on that camp bus. If the day started at 6:00 A.M., she would be the first one there!"
-Parent, Shana Breiter
"This is Valerie's sixth year at Thomas School. Its the only camp she's known and she's happiest when in your company. Your love of horses created the unique loving atmosphere which is what TSH is all about. Valerie shares your passion and its apparent in every word spoken and in every smile."
-Parent, Joann Stein
Camp Staff
Nancy Thomas
Owner and Director
Nancy is proud to be carrying on a 60-year tradition by being the second generation Owner/Director of Thomas School. Nancy graduated from the University of Colorado with an Elementary Education Degree. Nancy has taught in every area at Camp. Her three children have followed in her footsteps by spending their childhood years as campers, then joining the camp staff afterwards.
Dawn Wallace
Year Round Camp Director
As our year round Camp Director, Dawn spends her entire year planning and preparing so that every year can be new and exciting for everyone. Dawn brings to us her teaching degree, her EMT experience as a volunteer with Port Jefferson, and many years working in the financial world. Dawns knows and loves camp, as her three children do. Dawn looks forward to meeting all of you when you come for your camp tour.
Kristen Garcia
Year Round Ride Director
Kristen graduated from the University of Findlay with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Equestrian Studies and Equine Business Management. She was a member of the varsity IHSA riding team, and qualified for Regional Competitions. Kristen has competed in hunters, equitation, and dressage. Kristen is an accomplished rider as well as an experienced instructor, she has now been teaching for over five years. Kristen now orchestrates the schooling schedules for our horses to ensure a better experience for you each week.
Spirit Seabre
Year Round Ride Director
Spirit has been riding for the past 18 years and teaching for 10 years. She attended the BOCES Equine Studies program during high school and rode on the equestrian team in college. Spirit was the manager of a large dressage barn in Wellington, Florida, in addition to managing her own barn. Spirit coached the Dowling Equestrian Team prior to coming to TSH as an instructor this summer.
Jayne O'Toole
Jr. Camp Ride Director
Jayne has been part of Thomas School for the past 30 years. Jayne started as a camper, CIT, and Show Team member, then joined our staff. Although she was not with us for a few years, her children have brought her back to us. Jayne has now returned to camp with her four children. Jayne takes care of the Jr. Campers as if they were her own children.
Eric Dickinson
CIT Director
Eric has a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts and Computer Graphics, has taught drawing classes at a private art school, and hopes to pursue a career in art education. He is an entrepreneur who runs his own clothing design business, Infinite Clothing. Eric has worked at Thomas School since 2001, is now our head CIT Director, and we're looking forward to having him for another summer.
Tyrone Gibbons
Sr. Camp Director and Facility Manager
Tyrone is a married father of two, who enjoys summers at Thomas School as much as his daughters Madison and Dylan. A graduate of S.U.N.Y. College at Old Westbury with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Arts and Education, Tyrone is currently completeing a masters program at Queens College. He is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies. Tyrone brings his skills as a New York State Certified Teacher to our Sr. Camp program, and our campers certainly benefit from his expertise. He has also spent time as a Real Estate Entrepeneur, and is a Retired NYPD Sergeant. We're lucky to have a man with such an impressive resume on our year round staff.
Bebe Barbella
Jr. Camp Director
Like so many of our staff, Bebe spent most of her childhood summers at Thomas School. She and her brother were a strong part of our camp family. A few years ago Bebe enrolled her son in camp, she was reminded of her incredible experiences as a child, so we were able to entice her onto our staff. She is loved by campers and staff alike. We are so glad to have her here, providing our campers with nurturing and fun-filled summers.
Claudia Stewart
Program Director
Claudia is originally from Argentina, she came here in 1997 and lucky for us, she now calls Thomas School her home. Claudia was so creative and well organized for all her years on the sports staff that she is now our Program Director. She schedules our day to day activities as well as organizing our Special Day schedules. Claudia met and married Mike Stewart, a past camp director at Thomas School, and their daughter Kayla is now a camper.
John Cockroft
Sr. Pool Director
John was one our first International Staff members thanks to the Camp America program. Over 15 years ago, John came "across the pond" from England to join our swim staff, and has returned every year since. John has introduced us to many quality staff members from the UK and Australia over the years.
Michele Michelson
Jr. Pool Director
Michele grew up at Thomas School, she began camp at age 11. After completing her camper and CIT years, Michele joined our camp staff. For the next few years, she impressed us as a counselor, lifeguard, Pool Director, and Jr. Camp Director. This experience guided her to her full-time profession as a school psychologist. This profession gives her many skills for working with children, and luckily leaves her free to spend summers with us. Now her children are here as campers, enjoying the same camp their Mom remembers so fondly.
Our Counselors and Leaders are carefully screened and selected. They must be enthusiastic, responsible and excellent role models. Many staff members are alumni who love what we do for kids.
The cornerstone of our amazing staff is certainly our intensive Staff Training program, organized and facilitated by owner and director Nancy Thomas. During this training, our staff-to-be learn many important skills such as conflict mediation and how to foster a supportive environment in thier groups. They also learn that it's OK to come out of their shells, have fun, and be silly, in fact, it is entirely essential to a fun camp atmosphere.
"I had a great time working with the Early Starters and
everyone helped me when I needed it. The entire staff was wonderful
and I can't wait to see everyone next summer!"
First Year Staff, Emily Osterman
Many of our Counselors and Leaders are camp alumni who understand all the wonderful things our camp has to offer, and wish to carry on the tradition they enjoyed as campers by sharing it with a younger generation.
"I have spent half my life either at TSH Camp or spending a school year looking forward to it. I can honestly say that I have just as much fun now, on the staff, as I did when I was a camper."
Camp Alumni/Staff, Kayla Murdock
A number of our staff attended Thomas School as kids, and now support the traditions of our day camp by returning with their own children, so that they may enjoy all the gifts of horsemanship and our supportive camp community. Our day camp embodies qualities which transcend generations, and lessons which last a lifetime. Our top-quality staff is a reflection of these traits.
Our staff Specialists are here to teach, support, and
help our campers to discover their inner talent, develop self-confidence, and flourish as unique individuals.
Your child may develop pride in their abilities at the gymnasium with our gymnastics or dance specialists, or at the archery range with our archery instructors. They may discover a new sense of teamwork and sportsmanship on the field with our sports staff. Perhaps your child will realize their love for performance art with our drama specialists, or unleash a previously unknown creative spirit with our encouraging Arts and Crafts staff.
"Every summer, I think about you and all that TSH did for me,
and I want you to know that I am who I am because of you."
Camp Alumni, Sue Silver
Our specialists are here to give campers an opportunity to try new things, find what they love to do, and point them in the right direction. Developing interests and hobbies early in life creates a strong foundation for a happier childhood, and helps to keep kids out of trouble later in life. It is truly an incredible thing when young children discover a passion they want to pursue.
We are dedicated to the safety of our campers. All of our
Ride Instructors are Horsemanship Safety Association Certified,
and all Lifeguards must have current Red Cross Certification.
Our international staff bring an engaging spirit to the
Thomas School Community. These staff members travel from countries all over the world to work here: Australia, New Zealand, England, and Ireland, just to name a few.
"I have lots of memories to take back with me to England
and will look back on this summer as one of my best.
I feel that I have grown as a person while I have been here,
and I've made loads of friends I hope to keep in contact with."
International Staff, Vicky Siddons
We encourage all staff applicants to fill out our online application.
After submitting, please call our office at (631) 692-6840 to set up an appointment for an interview, choose option 1 to speak with Dawn Wallace, our Year Round Camp Director.
*Note: Please review applicant guidelines below before applying.
Group Counselors and Group Leaders:
We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic people who love working with children, and want to make a difference in a child�s life. If you fit this description, we encourage you to apply for a Counselor or Group Leader position.
Sports and Elective Instructors:
We hire specialists to teach tennis, gymnastics, archery, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, arts and crafts, dance, drama, karate, pilates, and yoga. If you have the experience necessary to teach one or more of these activities we encourage you to apply for an Elective Instructor position.
Riding Instructors:
All instructors must be Horsemanship Safety Association Certified. If you have extensive riding experience you may apply and attend our 4-day certification course offered in June, prior to camp. Instructors will spend one day learning and practicing all the safety principles that must be implemented every day; the other days will teach specific skills to be mastered at each level, proper progression requirements, ring organization techniques, communication skills, psychology for horses and riders, practice teaching, and rider evaluations.
Swim Instructors:
All Lifeguards must be Red Cross certified. These certifications must be current. Courses are offered at various colleges and recreation centers, call the Red Cross near you to find a course. However, if you have been a certified Lifeguard in the past, our Pool Director can put you through a Re-Certification course in June, prior to camp.
Ride School
Let horses be a part of your life all year long!
Children and Adults alike can take once weekly lessons,
or spend several days a week at the barn.
Ride School students can get involved by taking weekly lessons, or spending several days a week at the barn, and some students earn free riding time by volunteering to assist our instructors with beginner lessons.
Some choose to lease a horse and ride 3 to 6 times a week, and some compete in our USEF Recognized Horse Show Series�. Our School Horse Shows offer riders of all ages and skill levels a taste of the full horse show experience--a unique opportunity for our beginner riders.
Year Round Lessons run from September through June,
and are available to riders age 9 and up, including Adults. All our instructors are certified by the Horsemanship Safety Association.
Our lesson schedules are designed to fit yours, they are offered after school, on weekends, and mornings. Our trainers will work with you to find times which fit your needs. Full year lessons generally include 38 Lessons at 1 hour each, but we also offer a Sunday Series of 30 Lessons at 1 hour each. See application for tuition rates, appliations due by August 1st.
Students can enroll for a 10 week series of lessons in the Fall or Spring. Seasonal Lessons are available for riders ages 5-9. All our instructors are certified by the Horsemanship Safety Association.
Our lesson schedules are designed to fit yours, they are offered after school, on weekends, and mornings. Our trainers will work with you to find times which fit your needs. Fall lessons begin in September, and Spring lessons begin in April. Seasonal lessons with 3 riders include 10 Lessons at 30 minutes per lesson, and lessons with 6 riders include 10 Lessons at 45 minutes per lesson. See application for tuition rates, appliations due by August 1st, or February 15th.
Our Show Team program is geared toward students who are interested in competeing successfully at recognized A, B, and C rated Horse Shows. Our experienced trainers will coach you at the horse shows, and if you choose to buy or lease a horse, our trainers will assist in finding the right one for you. They will also provide a training schedule, and assist in the training process.
We host two school horse shows a year, one in the Fall, and one in Spring, which are limited to Thomas School students.
Students of all riding levels are given a chance to take part in the full horse show experience.
Our Equine Studies Program is a week-long camp, held during school vacation schedules in August, December, and February.
Each camper has their own horse for the week to ride twice a day, and to care for, as they learn about the full range of horsemanship.
Students earn free riding time by assisting in lessons with younger students. We expect our students to treat this responsibility as a job which earns them not only free riding time, but also the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others.
Please click the link below to view/download the Ride School Application:
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Parties
Birthdays are more fun with horses and friends!
Ride, Play Outside, and have exclusive use of our Party Room!
The cost is $350 for 14 children and your party will include:
- 1 Hour of Riding Time (divided among the children)
- 1/2 Hour in our party room for food, cake, and horse crafts
- Use of our outdoor playground
- A goody bag with a coloring book and cute stuffed animal horse
- and Invitations
You provide the cake, food, paper supplies, and decorations, we'll do the rest. You can invite more children at $25/child, and for $3 per child additional, you can add our Jumping Pillow to the party.
Schedule a fun outing at Thomas School for your Girl or Boy Scout groups. Your scouts can earn the 'Horse Lover' badge or just enjoy a day at the barn. Scout groups can request a horsemanship lesson, and/or a riding lesson.
We're happy to host school field trips at Thomas School, your class will recieve hands-on instructional sessions in the stable learning about horsemanship. Sessions can be adapted for all ages from 3 to 13 years old, and our picnic area, playground, and petting zoo are available to you after your session.
Horse Shows
Winter Show Series Dates:
(For more information see the full Prize List here.)
- Sunday, December 7 2008
- Sunday, February 1 2009
- Sunday, March 1 2009
- Sunday, March 22 2009
Get your teams of three ready for our unique and exciting:
58th Annual Junior Olympics Horse Show:
Come back the next day for our
Final Year-End Competition
USEF B-rated Horse Show:
- Saturday, April 11th 2009.
Please click the link below to view/download the Prize List:
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Please click the link below to view/download an Entry Blank:
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Boarding
We are located on 33 beautiful acres with 7 riding rings, an indoor arena, and we are also adjacent to a large area of State Park land with many riding trails. We offer a limited number of stalls to boarders. Because we are a lesson barn, boarders will have free use of the indoor arena or any of our rings which are not being used for lessons. Barn hours for boarders are 10:00am to 10:00pm.
Your monthly board payment includes:
- The Stall
- Daily Stall Cleaning
- Twice Daily Feed and Water
- Daily Turn Out
- and Use of the Entire Facility
Monthly Board Cost: $790, and $60 Turn Out plus tax. For more information, please call our Board Manager: Judy Galterio at (631) 662-3248
Half lease allows our students to have their "own" horse for 3 days a week, at half the cost of owning. Half lease gives you the use of the horse for 3 days a week--one day is your lesson day. We have many great horses available, call us to find one that is perfect for you.
Owning a horse would cost just over $900 per month, while a half lease costs $450 per month. An advantage of leasing instead of owning, is that it grants the opportunity to change horses as the rider's skill level grows. Riders groom and tack their horses, and care for them after riding each day. It is a responsibility that teaches them to be attentive to another's needs.
Call today to see what horses we have available.
Each year at the end of the summer we have approximately 40 horses available to lease for the year from September yo June. These are tried and true school horses who can work in another school-horse program, or live in a backyard barn, or at any barn near your home.
For a small lease fee of $600, you have the horse for 10 months, he will be delivered to your location, and we can provide you with tack. Your responsibility is to take care of him as if you owned him. Pay his board, his shoeing costs, worm him every 3 months, and give him Fall and Spring shots.
Most horses are available for loan starting in September, but sometimes become available mid year as well, please call us if you're interested.
