Horse Camp Counselor

Responsible for leading and coordinating daily camp activities and lessons for Camp Backcountry.

Supervision Received: Works under the guidance of the Equine Program Supervisor, Equine Program Coordinator, and other Backcountry Wilderness Area staff.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Supervise up to 14 children daily, ensuring their safety and engagement.
• Teach age-appropriate lessons, incorporating weekly themes like trail riding, obstacle courses, and horse health.
• Implement educational and fun outdoor activities and games.
• Actively interact with and engage campers during all Camp Backcountry programs.
• Supervise and participate in programs led by outside contractors.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety, following all associated camp policies.
• Follow Camp Backcountry policies during camper check-in and check-out.
• Set up and clean up daily, fostering a positive environment for campers.
• Collaborate with Backcountry Wilderness Area staff and fellow Camp Backcountry counselors to achieve program goals.
• Maintain a positive attitude in all weather conditions and situations.
• Attend all required staff meetings.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Follow all established policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• EOE

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum age of 16.
• Interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children.
• Basic knowledge of horse care, including feeding, watering, and basic injury care.
• Basic knowledge or willingness to learn about horse breeds, anatomy, health, and care of domestic animals.
• Strong preference for experience in Western and English riding.
• Ability to adapt lesson plans for various learners.
• Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the Backcountry Wilderness Area.
• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work in a busy environment with many distractions.
• Previous childcare experience preferred, with verification of up to 1,040 hours of work with school-aged children for candidates with prior experience.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain before employment.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Applicants 21 and older may be required to drive 15-passenger camp vans.
• Successful completion of a Drug and Background check.
• Commitment to working a minimum of 7 weeks during the 11-week camp season (May 28 - August 9, 2024).
• Availability for mandatory staff training from May 20 - May 24, 2024.
• Housing is not provided.

Physical and Environmental Standards:

Work performed both indoors and outdoors. Must be comfortable in an office environment with potential noise and interruptions. Outdoor work in all weather conditions, including adverse weather. Ability to traverse uneven terrain, stand for extended periods, walk, sit, crouch, bend, kneel, stoop, reach, lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 60 pounds unassisted. Vision requirements include near and far acuity. Manual dexterity for typing, writing, calculator use, and phone operation. Effective communication through talking and hearing via phone and face-to-face

Salary: $15-28/hour. Hiring rate determined by a combination of professional work experience, experience supervising children, and education.

• $15-$18/hr Entry level, little to no previous childcare experience. Equine experience required.
• $18-$22/hr Considered a lead under licensing requirements (over 460 hrs childcare experience. See Colorado State Licensing Rules and Regulations)
• $21-$25/hr All of the above qualifications plus a degree and/or 1 years professional experience
• $25-28/hr All of the above qualifications plus a degree and/or 5 years professional experience