38 NEBRASKAland • OCTOBER 2018
in Halsey, which began in 1999 and will celebrate its 20th
anniversary this fall, Oct. 6-7.
Hands and Heart
When Nebraska Extension educators and friends of the
4-H Horse Program met in November 1998, they chose
the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey as the site for the
annual state 4-H Camp Trail Ride. Established in 1902 by
Charles E. Bessey, this man-made forest offered recreational
opportunities unlike anywhere else in the Great Plains, and
for Sandhills and corn country horse riders, the forest is a
pleasant change of scenery and terrain.
Originally, proceeds from the ride went to support
national trips for the Nebraska 4-H Horse Program, but
that has changed periodically depending on financial need.
Currently, funds are used to maintain the 4-H Camp in
Halsey and to provide "camperships" for young people to
attend other camps throughout the year.
Located within the national forest, the Halsey camp is
one of two 4-H centers in the state. It was dedicated in 1962,
and in addition to hosting youth functions, the camp is also
available to outside organizations and events; the Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission's Becoming and Outdoors-
Woman Weekend called the 4-H Camp in Halsey home for
many years.
Stuart Shepherd, executive director of the Nebraska 4-H
Foundation, said, "The funds raised from the trail ride have
Top: Bruce Treffer of Cozad rides alongside his daughter, Sarah, who has been attending the 4-H Camp Trail Ride in Halsey since
she was one year old.
Bottom: Treffer's son, Greg, leads his horse over small log obstacles. Greg has also been riding since he was a toddler.
