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

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association and Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission, will be holding a 2009 Harness Racing Youth League July 21 through July 25.

The unique camp is open to boys and girls, ages 11, 12 and 13, and applications are available by clicking on the following link or by calling (317) 867-5877. Deadline for applications is Monday, May 25.

Harness Racing Youth League is a summer camp designed for young people between the ages of 11 and 13 to experience harness racing from the ground up. The camp is structured so that the novice and the riding lesson student begin at the same place — basic horse care.

Each day features new activities relating to the industry while reinforcing skills already mastered. Camp is culminated with races over the main track prior to the track’s regular racing program.

Twelve boys and girls are selected based on a 250-word essay “Why I want to feel the thrills of driving a race horse.”

Campers selected stay overnight at the nearby East Mountain Inn with camp director Ellen Taylor and chaperones. Meals and beverages are also provided and there is no charge for the camp.