Equestrian Director - Linden

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan•Linden, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Position Summary/Objective To further the mission of Girl Scout Camp 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. Ensure that campers and staff know and follow safety procedures in equestrian areas. 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. 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. Apply youth development principles to empower campers, embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections. 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. Participate as a member of the camp leadership team to plan and supervise camp activities and the implementation of staff training including leading educational and training sessions for counselors. Support counseling staff with daily care and supervision of campers, including conducting bed-checks and sleeping in units as assigned. Take the initiative to ensure that everyone has a great summer at camp. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Age 21 or older preferred.
Ability to interact with children of all ages.
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.
Must become a member of Girl Scouts.
Must have belief in and/or ability to speak with conviction about the mission and values of Girl Scouts, be willing to subscribe to the principles expressed in the Promise and Law and be aware of the needs of youth in our pluralistic society.
Must be able to pass State and National background checks.
Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED or willingness to obtain

Nice To Haves

Prior supervision of a camp horseback riding program or similar preferred.
Experience in supervising other equestrian staff preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
Ensure that campers and staff know and follow safety procedures in equestrian areas.
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.
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.
Apply youth development principles to empower campers, embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections.
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.
Participate as a member of the camp leadership team to plan and supervise camp activities and the implementation of staff training including leading educational and training sessions for counselors.
Support counseling staff with daily care and supervision of campers, including conducting bed-checks and sleeping in units as assigned.
Take the initiative to ensure that everyone has a great summer at camp.
Other duties as assigned.