A family activities program is being launched at the CN Winter Equestrian Festival to develop sportsmanship and fun among children in the horse show community at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC announced that the Kids Kamp, as the program is called, will be be headed up by Ann Marie Lynch who has coached 10,000 children in her career since starting out as the youngest ever varsity college tennis coach at Boston College from 1973 to 1981. She has held positions at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., The Breakers Hotel & Resort and The Bath & Tennis Club in Palm Beach, Fla.

In recent years she has worked with several equestrian families, including the children of international Grand Prix riders Candice King, Laura Kraut, Mark Leone, Kim Prince and Britain's Peter Charles.

The Kids Kamp program was created by ESP based on feedback from scores of exhibitors and others participating in WEF that is halfway through its 12-week circuit that ends on April 6.

Many families, from professional riders and trainers to amateurs, expressed a need for activities to provide a well rounded, wholesome experience for their children. Many children are enrolled in educational tutoring services, but competition schedules and different educational and age levels do not provide many opportunities for socializing in an environment that is healthy and fun.

"We are aware of the fact that some children are bored at the show grounds, especially when they're here with their family to watch another sibling ride," Ann Marie said.

"Our program is to get the children of all ages and both genders to play together in ways that bring out sportsmanship but are fun."

In the program that is available only to WEF members, some children will be in supervised programs and others will be in situations where they have an opportunity to socialize with both equestrian and non-equestrian peers.

Facilities for the children have been made available at the Equestrian Club by Tavern on the Green, including a putting green, basketball, badminton, volleyball, pool table, ping pong, soccer skills, croquet, bocce, videos and video games.

Ann Marie is planning weekly events to include; sports training such as tennis, soccer and basketball as well as scavenger hunts, moonwalk toys and karaoke.

ESP is also introducing a "WEF Drive In" using the JumboTron at the Equestrian Club. Families can make reservations at the Equestrian Club by Tavern on the Green to watch age appropriate movies at 6:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings while their parents dine.

Please send an email with level of interest to familyactivity@equestriansport.com or by phoning Ann Marie Lynch at 617-835-9611. Please Identify the age and gender of the children as well as their days of interest during the week.

An announcement for a meeting will be made this week after the level of interest is determined.