Ranch Counselor

The Ranch Counselor will be responsible to serve as a counselor to a group of 8-10 campers, serving as their positive role model, leader and friend. The counselor will also either teach or assist with daily riding lessons with a group of 5-7 riders. They will provide safe and high quality group horseback riding lessons. Primary responsibility is to ensure the well-being of their campers. Counselors plan and carry out activities designed to help build campers spiritually, mentally and physically.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Is at least 18 years of age.
2. Has a desire to care for, work with and motivate campers and counselors. This includes understanding their needs and placing these needs and the objectives of camp before personal needs.
3. Has a desire to teach and instruct riding lessons
4. Has a desire to live and work with campers in an equine specialty riding program
5. Must be able to handle horses of various temperaments and training lessons on the ground and under saddle competently
6. Recognize proper position and horse handling of riders and provide corrections.
7. Give detailed critiques to improve rider’s performance and the horse’s way of going.
8. Must have sufficient experience with horses to ground-handle the majority for reasonably tractable horses.
9. Create a climate in the group that will foster the goals and objectives of the YMCA.
10. Possess leadership abilities.
11. Report immediately to supervisor any evidence of child abuse including physical, mental, emotional and/or neglect.
12. Consistently provide friendly, courteous assistance, exceeding customers’ expectations every day, which includes building and maintaining healthy professional relationships with parents, children and staff.
13. Support and contribute to a safe, clean environment for staff and customers.
14. Is familiar with and carries out emergency procedures, building rules and regulations.
15. Arrive on time for scheduled shifts, wearing appropriate uniform and name tag, and prepared for all assignments.
16. Provide a safe environment and program for all participants.
17. Assume responsibility for leadership and guidance to those campers in daily living skills, with special attention to:
    1. Person hygiene, safety and manners
    2. Camper participation in all camp activities
    3. Camper personal growth, self-confidence and independence
    4. HAVE FUN

Must be at least 16 years of age.

Must have experience with camp and/or working with children.

Person must possess values consistent with the mission of the YMCA.

Current certification or the ability to obtain First Aid and CPR required within the first 30 days.

Must meet all state licensing and accreditation requirements.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Certifications in CHA, BHS or ARIA a plus.

Experience working and handling horses on a regular basis

Experience riding horses

Preferred experience assisting or teaching riding lessons