Horseback Trips Guide

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF DENVER

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The JCC Ranch Camp is not just the Denver JCC’s overnight summer camp, it’s also one of the best places to work during the summer. As a staff member, Ranch Camp will become your home away from home as you work to create a community where people can thrive. You’re a hero to your campers; you have the chance to do something you really care about and have a whole lot of fun doing it. Your experience as a staff member is just as important to us as our campers’ experience. That being said: We’re here to serve kids and make sure they are in the safest environment possible while having the time of their lives. First and foremost, all our staff are madrichim or counselors. Trips Staff Responsibilities Take a leadership role to lead an 8 day trip out of camp and into the backcountry on horseback. As a guide on Pack ‘n Ride, you will build campers’ personal skills; bond the group of campers together and give them the tools they need to be self-sufficient while camping and horseback riding. Work as a member of the on-site wrangler team to lead horseback riding instruction and lessons for campers of all ages and experience levels are safe, fun, and memorable while not out on trip. Provide feedback on trip intensity and adjust to fit camper needs. Drive 15 passenger Turtle Top Bus. Assist with issuing and return of gear to ensure gear is in good repair. Ensure camper safety through conscientious decision making. Create and run multiple programs each day for campers in your specialty area that are safe, fun, and memorable. Finally, all staff must be able to attend Staff Orientations and be available to live at camp for the summer season. While we prefer staff to work for the entire summer, we understand if you can’t and encourage you to apply if you can work at least 5 – 6 weeks of our summer season.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license and ability to transport campers using company vehicles as needed.
One year experience with group facilitation of teenagers with the ability to instill confidence in and lead others
One year prior experience leading and/or guiding backpacking trips
Two years’ experience with teaching Western horseback riding
Current Wilderness First Responder certification
Ability to use SatPhone and Spot Device
Bachelor’s degree or degree in progress in outdoor education, psychology, social work, education, or other related field or equivalent experience
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!

Responsibilities

Take care of your campers by prioritizing the physical, social, emotional health, safety, and well-being.
Work as a team with your co-staff to make sure every day runs the way it’s supposed to and complete daily camper notes.
Create a community that you want to be a part of and that you want campers to be a part of. Include everyone and make sure everyone is included.
Jump into the camp life: ride horses, swim, camp, play games, sing songs, roast s’mores, be ready to do everything the campers do!
Know where your campers are and what they are doing all the time.
Manage camper behaviors using the tools you learn in Staff Orientation week (We’ll go over positive behavior management techniques, enforcing appropriate safety policies, emergency procedures, camp rules, and more.)
Be flexible and adaptable because things change quickly at camp. You have to be able to roll with it.
Live in a bunk with your co-staff and your campers.
Take a leadership role to lead an 8 day trip out of camp and into the backcountry on horseback.
Build campers’ personal skills; bond the group of campers together and give them the tools they need to be self-sufficient while camping and horseback riding.
Work as a member of the on-site wrangler team to lead horseback riding instruction and lessons for campers of all ages and experience levels are safe, fun, and memorable while not out on trip.
Provide feedback on trip intensity and adjust to fit camper needs.
Drive 15 passenger Turtle Top Bus.
Assist with issuing and return of gear to ensure gear is in good repair.
Ensure camper safety through conscientious decision making.
Create and run multiple programs each day for campers in your specialty area that are safe, fun, and memorable.
Attend Staff Orientations and be available to live at camp for the summer season.