Horseback Riding Staff

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF DENVER•Elbert, CO

5d•$1,950 - $2,100•Onsite

About The Position

The JCC Ranch Camp is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join their team as Horseback Riding Staff for the summer season. This role involves creating and leading horseback riding programs for campers of all ages, ensuring a safe, fun, and memorable experience. Staff members will also assist with horse and farm animal care, maintain equine equipment, and support overall barn operations. In addition to specialized horseback riding duties, all staff members serve as counselors, responsible for the physical, social, and emotional health, safety, and well-being of campers. This includes creating an inclusive community, managing camper behavior, and participating in various camp activities. The position requires living on-site in a bunk with campers and co-staff and completing daily camper notes. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as staff will also be involved in other camp programs and potentially assigned additional duties. The camp emphasizes that the staff experience is as important as the campers', offering opportunities to engage in activities that align with personal interests.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age or 17 and graduated from high school.
One year of experience in a child care setting or a vested interest in working in a professional child care setting.
One year of experience in teaching Western horseback riding or several years of personal experience in Western riding.
Satisfactorily fulfill requirements for employment at the Staenberg-Loup JCC, including background screening, three references, documentation, and compliance with CDHS law.
Must be high-energy, enthusiastic, creative, and open-minded.
Must be able to attend Staff Orientations.
Must be available to live at camp for the summer season.
Ability to work at least 5 – 6 weeks of the summer season.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in a camp environment.
One year of experience teaching and planning programming in horseback riding.
Current CPR and First Aid certification.
Completed some college coursework or hold a high school diploma (GED) or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Create and lead multiple daily programs for campers of all ages in horseback riding, including general lessons, trail rides, and advanced skills.
Ensure all horseback riding programs are safe, fun, and memorable.
Document created programming for future use by other staff members.
Work with the program team to create and run engaging staff and all-camp programming.
Facilitate and support all activities within the barn, including material organization and creating positive experiences with horses.
Teach campers how to ride horses.
Assist in horse and farm animal care in tandem with the barn management team.
Assist in managing the care and maintenance of all equine-related equipment, including saddles, bridles, helmets, and boots.
Assist with daily program set-up, including herd round-up, tacking, and planning.
Take care of campers by prioritizing their physical, social, and emotional health, safety, and well-being.
Work as a team with co-staff to ensure smooth daily operations and adherence to the schedule.
Complete daily camper notes to track campers’ physical and emotional health, cabin social dynamics, and overall camper well-being.
Create a community that is inclusive and welcoming for both staff and campers.
Participate actively in camp life, including activities like riding horses, swimming, camping, playing games, singing songs, and roasting s’mores.
Know the whereabouts and activities of campers at all times.
Care for campers and manage camper behaviors using techniques learned during Staff Orientation, including positive behavior management, safety policies, emergency procedures, and camp rules.
Be flexible and adaptable to changing situations at camp.
Live in a bunk with co-staff and campers.
Fulfill other duties and responsibilities as assigned, such as assisting with evening programs or special events.