Riding Unit Counselor

Girl Scouts of Utah•Provo, UT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Riding Unit Counselor supports Girl Scouts of Utah’s mission by modeling respect, integrity, and service, prioritizing camper well-being, and contributing to a collaborative camp culture. The counselor works with fellow counselors under the direction of the Equestrian Coordinator and Lead Instructor to provide a progressive horseback riding and horse-care program. When not assisting with riding activities, the counselor helps provide general Girl Scout programming and supports camp operations wherever needed. The role includes teaching riding and horse-care lessons appropriate to campers’ ages and abilities, evaluating riding skills, enforcing safety rules, and assisting with horse and equipment care. Counselors also plan and lead unit activities, supervise and care for campers around the clock, support housekeeping and camp-wide programs, and help with kitchen duties as needed. The position is seasonal at Trefoil Ranch, and duties may change according to camp activities and organizational needs.

Requirements

Experience with horseback riding and horse care.
Familiarity with western riding style and equipment.
Possess or be willing to obtain Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications or equivalent.
Have or be willing to obtain a Utah Food Handlers’ Permit.
Capable of following directions from Team Leaders, adhering to policies, and following camp procedures.
Able to communicate interactively and effectively with campers ages 6–17, including giving clear verbal instructions, listening actively, and responding appropriately to needs and questions.
Able to communicate and engage interactively with groups of adults, including giving clear verbal instructions, listening actively, and responding appropriately to questions and feedback.
Able to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
Able to respond appropriately in a crisis situation.
Complete required council health forms and documentation for living and working in an outdoor camp setting.
Able to bend, move, lift, stock, and carry boxes, program materials, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
Have the stamina to walk, stand, and work on one’s feet for up to 12 to 14 hours per day, including walking upwards of 10,000 steps daily on uneven, unpaved, very steep terrain.
Capable of living and working at high elevation, up to 6,500 feet, and outdoors in varying and extreme weather conditions.
Have visual and auditory ability to respond to environmental and other hazards related to summer camp activities.

Nice To Haves

Spanish-English bilingual communication skills are valued but not required.
Prior Girl Scout experience is preferred but not required.
Hold or be willing to obtain certifications related to specific program areas on the property, such as High Ropes, Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding and First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and Small Craft Safety, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Work with fellow counselors under the Equestrian Coordinator and Lead Instructor to plan and deliver a progressive horseback riding and horse-care program.
Assist with teaching staff their riding-program responsibilities during staff training.
Evaluate the riding abilities of staff and campers.
Teach and enforce safety rules.
Train and facilitate horseback riding and horse- and tack-care lessons, including ground, arena, and trail activities, suited to campers’ ages and skill levels.
Help write program outlines and lesson plans that support activity progression and program goals.
Teach and monitor proper equipment use and promptly report broken or missing equipment.
Assist with assigned horse care, including mucking stalls, grooming, and feeding.
Help set up the barn during staff training and take it down at the end of the season.
When not involved in riding lessons, work with fellow counselors to plan and provide Girl Scout programming for a unit of campers.
Build relationships with campers and help them respect others’ rights and understand similarities and differences among campers.
Teach workshops, activities, games, songs, and projects.
Guide activities through girl planning, group decision-making, and girl leadership.
Provide camper care and supervision 24 hours a day, including nighttime.
Help resolve camper problems and conflicts, including homesickness.
Ensure campers have sufficient activities and supervision at all times.
Help campers keep units and other camp areas clean; eat meals with campers and supervise cleanup afterward.
Assist with unit and camp housekeeping, sanitation, and care of supplies and equipment.
Help with weekly camper check-in and check-out.
Assist with camp-wide programs, including workshops, all-camp activities, campfire programs, camper’s choice activities, and flag ceremonies.
Support recordkeeping and reporting as needed.
Attend and participate in staff training and camp closing.
Help with kitchen duties as needed, including meal preparation and cleanup, for up to one week.
Understand and implement safety guidelines and standards from Girl Scouts of the USA, the American Camp Association, the Certified Horsemanship Association, and applicable state and local codes.
Perform additional assigned duties and adapt to changes in duties based on camp activities, needs, and organizational needs.
Represent Girl Scouts of Utah positively and professionally in interactions with campers, families, volunteers, community members, and potential donors.
Collaborate with staff, volunteers, families, and community partners to support shared goals and positive outcomes.
Model Girl Scout Movement values, including respect, integrity, inclusivity, and commitment to a safe and supportive environment.
Prioritize the needs of girls, families, and volunteers to help ensure meaningful, positive, mission-centered camper experiences.