by John Zimich, publicity director, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — It will be a new life experience for 12 young campers who will be attending the 2010 Harness Racing Youth League camp that opens Tuesday (July 27) and continues through the following Saturday at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

Unique in many ways, the camp is open to boys and girls, ages 12, 13 and 14, and those selected are chosen via an essay contest of 200 words or less. The essay was entitled: “The Win in My Helmet-Why I Want to Feel the Thrills of Driving a Horse!”

Each year, the campers are exposed to all aspects of the sport of harness racing, including grooming, harnessing, caring and driving Standardbreds. They get to see how races are put together for each of the night’s racing programs, ride in the starting car during the races and watch a blacksmith shoe a horse.

Those selected stay overnight at the East Mountain Inn and when not at the track participate in other activities like swimming and bowling. Unlike other camps, there is no charge for those attending.

This year’s campers include Dylan Atkinson, Olyphant; Jack Fenwick, Tunkhannock; Daniel Kosty Jr., Meshoppen; Jessica Kupiec, West Pittston; Bethany Latniak, Dallas; Destiny McGahee, Nanticoke; Hailey O’Brien, Holliston, Mass.; Amanda Ostrowski, West Wyoming; Justin Paley, Warren, N.J.; Gino Santarelli, Moosic; Jenna Szymaszek, Nanticoke; and Lane Richard Zbysheski, Kingston.