Position Summary/Objective To further the mission through the planning and delivery of horseback riding programs that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers' ages and abilities. Provide care and evaluations for a herd of 10 horses. Responsible for the management and physical operation of horseback riding facilities and equipment.
Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Plan, direct, and supervise a safe, fun, and educational equestrian program.
- Write and implement equestrian lesson plans that meet and support camp and camper goals.
- Deliver creative and adaptive riding program activities based on experience and skill levels of campers.
- Train, supervise, and provide evaluations for equestrian staff.
- Train non-equestrian staff in their responsibilities in the equestrian area.
- Evaluate riding and equestrian abilities of campers and staff.
- Work with all horses prior to camper arrival to ensure proper training and safety.
- Review horses for health concerns, riding level, behavior issues, and needs.
- Communicate concerns regarding horse behaviors or health with camp director and horse vendor as needed.
- Manage daily care of the camp's horses including feeding schedules, grooming, and basic medical care.
- Ensure proper long-term care of horses.
- Ensure that campers and staff know and follow safety and educational procedures in equestrian areas.
- Supervise campers and staff in equestrian areas and ensure safety at all times. Maintain high standards of health and safety.
- Set daily and session schedules for horses, campers, and staff in the equestrian program area.
- Set up and manage equestrian facilities and equipment including riding areas, pastures, and tack.
- Teach and monitor proper use of equipment.
- Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude, behavior, and following of camp procedures.
- Actively participate in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned.
- Apply youth development principles to empower campers, embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections.
- Assist in the implementation of staff training.
- Participate as a member of the camp leadership team to plan, direct, and supervise evening programs, special events, and all other all-camp activities and functions.
- Assist in the creation of schedules for campers and staff.
- Take action to keep camp clean and safe, including assisting in camp chores, caring for program materials, and reporting all maintenance issues in an appropriate and timely manner.
- Conduct beginning- and end-of-season equipment/supply inventory.
- Submit order requests for equipment/supplies when needed, ensuring timely arrival of materials.
- Ensure adherence to safety and risk management guidelines to maintain high standards of health, safety, and supervision for campers and staff at all times.
- Assist in the responsibilities associated with upholding State of Michigan Licensing and American Camp Association regulations and standards.
- Support counseling staff with daily care and supervision of campers.
- Assist in evening and overnight camper supervision through conducting bed-checks and sleeping in units as assigned.
- Responsible for ensuring that daily and weekly functions of camp run in accordance with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) standards.
- Do what needs to be done so that everyone has a great summer at camp.
- Other duties as assigned.
Competencies - Equestrian skills and knowledge
- Risk management
- Behavior management
- Conflict management
- Teamwork
- Youth development
- Activity instruction and facilitation
- Adaptivity
- Leadership
- Camper-focused
- Comfortable working and living in a communal outdoor environment
- Willingness to take initiative
Qualifications - Age 21 or older preferred due to ACA guidelines.
- Ability to interact with children of all age levels.
- Desire and ability to work with children outdoors.
- Previous experience working in an overnight camp setting.
- Current CHA certification or equivalent horseback riding experience.
- Previous experience instructing horseback riding lessons or programs.
- Prior supervision of a camp horseback riding program or similar preferred.
- Experience in supervising other equestrian staff preferred.
- Ability to schedule and supervise staff.
- Must have belief in (and ability to speak about passionately and with conviction) the mission and values of Girl Scouts, be willing to subscribe to the principles expressed in the Promise and Law, and aware of the needs of youth in our pluralistic society.
- Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED or willingness to obtain.
- Must become a member of Girl Scouts.
- Must be able to pass State and National background check.
- Ability to collaborate with teammates and supervisors and cohabitate effectively in a communal environment.
- Must be able to pass State and National background check.
Work Environment Operates in a professional camp environment and will live on site. This role occasionally uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. Requires ability and willingness to work in various activity areas at camp in all types of weather including rain, extreme heat, and cold. Must be able to move around the camp property to assist campers in their activities and spend a majority of hours each day standing and interacting with children. Must be comfortable spending the majority of hours each day standing and working with both children and horses.
Work Schedule Position requires flexibility with schedule, typical schedule is Sunday through Friday, though some Saturdays may be required. Position requires living on site and working evenings.
Supervisory Responsibility This position oversees equestrian assistants.
Compensation - Room and board.
- $80 per day (position requires a 6-day workweek).
- Paid training and certifications.
- Professional development.
- Leadership development training.
- Access to an extensive Girl Scout alumni network.
Location & Employment Dates Camp Merrie Woode: mid May through August 20th, 2025
Equal Employment Opportunities Statement Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay Range: $80 per day