Equestrian Director- YMCA Camp Cosby

YMCA•Clear Creek Estates, AL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

In accordance with YMCA Christian principles, the Equestrian Director provides a safe and successful horsemanship program for summer campers and staff, supporting their safety, well-being, happiness, growth, and development. The director works primarily with barn staff, supports and mentors staff, enforces policies and procedures, plans activities, gathers supplies, and helps build a positive staff culture. The role schedules horse specialty camp, trail rides, and other requests involving the barn and horses. The Equestrian Director leads and supervises the horseback riding program, including developing lesson plans, assessing campers’ and staff members’ riding abilities, and delivering engaging riding activities. The director trains, supervises, evaluates, and mentors barn staff; oversees horse and equipment safety and care; maintains program schedules and documentation; and checks horses daily for health needs and behavior issues. The position also supports camp-wide activities and works with camp leaders to help provide a safe, positive experience for campers and staff.

Requirements

At least 2 years of prior experience working with children, preferably in a camp setting.
Current horseback riding certification or equivalent experience level.
Prior experience in a leadership position.
Physical ability to cover the entire camp grounds and participate in all barn activities.
Ability to work positively with staff from different backgrounds.
Ability to train and mentor staff to work safely with horses and teach children to ride.
Knowledge of Camp Cosby and YMCA of Greater Birmingham policies and procedures, and willingness to follow them and ensure staff compliance.
Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certifications.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Belief in the YMCA mission and an example of high moral standards, Christian character, and values.
Teamwork-oriented attitude and enthusiasm for serving others.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned sessions during staff training.
Support camp staff and encourage them to be effective leaders with campers.
Be responsible for the safety, health, welfare, and happiness of staff and campers in the program.
Attend all staff meetings.
Ensure ACA, Department of Health, and YMCA of Greater Birmingham standards are followed in all areas of camp.
Ensure activity equipment is cared for and returned to its designated location, and report replacement needs to the Activities Director.
Follow camp schedules and planned activities.
Support camp leaders and work with the Activities Director and Cabin Life Director to provide a safe, excellent camp program.
Notify the Cabin Life Director of incidents, behavior concerns, and discipline problems.
Create an environment that supports staff and campers socially, emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Ensure a staff member age 19 or older is always within earshot or eyesight of campers.
Plan, direct, and supervise a safe and enjoyable horseback riding program.
Write lesson plans, evaluate campers’ and staff members’ riding abilities, and deliver a creative riding program.
Help with daily camper sign-ups.
Set daily and session schedules for the horse program.
Train, supervise, evaluate, and mentor barn staff.
Work with the Activities Director to schedule horse specialty camp, regular trail rides, and other barn requests.
Manage the physical facilities and equipment used in the horseback riding program.
Complete daily documentation and safety observations.
Check horses daily for health needs and behavior issues.
Assist with other camp activities as needed, including check-in, check-out, evening programs, and meals.
Ensure trail rides have trained staff and suitable horses.