Riding Specialist

Lebanon, CT

POSITION SUMMARY:

Position is responsible to further the mission of camp through assisting in the development and delivery of horseback riding programs that are safe, fun, and appropriate to campers’ ages and abilities ensuring safety and well-being of campers following State of CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC), ACA Standards, Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints, and GSOFCT Policies.   She/he is responsible for the supervision and care of campers during designated/specific activities and facilitating delivery of programs within a unit.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Works with the Program Director and the stable to coordinate riding program and camp activities; works cooperatively to enrich all-camp and riding programs to facilitate general camp operations.

• Attends all pre-camp training and staff meetings.

• Follows Camp Staff Personnel Policies.

• She/he is responsible for the supervision and care of campers during designated/specific activities and facilitating delivery of programs within a unit.

• Assists the stable with barn activities and encourages girl-planning in the carrying out of programs, with an emphasis on age-appropriate and skill-appropriate riding and barn lessons at the stables.  

• Maintains health and safety standards for campers, riding staff and self.   Ensures that a well-equipped first aid kit is maintained and available at the stables. Provides ongoing communication with the Healthcare Director regarding the health status of campers and camp staff that may/may not impact camp scheduled activities. Reports accidents and files incident reports promptly.

• Maintains knowledge of emergency protocol and the ability to make immediate life saving decisions. Participates in all regular camp activities such as meals, flag ceremonies, all-camp activities, cookouts, and kapers.

• Keeps records and prepares written reports as requested.

• Assists stable in the care and maintenance of horses and related equipment.

• Participates in regularly scheduled meetings and trainings in order to ensure open and positive communication.

• Participates in opening and closing procedures of the camp season.

• Assists campers in the emergency action plan..

• Maintains ongoing communication with the Program Director on activities, problems and concerns.

• Maintains a professional relationship with staff and campers throughout the camp season.

• Perform unit counselor evening responsibilities as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Must be at least 18 years or older.

• Ability to effectively communicate and work with a diverse group of staff and campers (background/abilities) to encourage full participation in Girl Scouting.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work in extreme environmental conditions and walk on uneven terrain.

• Ability to work with staff and campers to develop, organize and implement Girl Scout program in the out-of-doors.

• The ideal candidate will possess successful experience in assisting with developing and delivering a horseback riding program in a prior camp setting, camping, group leadership, and organizational skills.  The candidate must have experience working with children.  The candidate must show willingness to abide by the policies and practices of Girl Scouts of Connecticut.  

EDUCATION:

• High School graduate or equivalent.  

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Horseback Riding Instructor certification prefered  

• (Camp Instructor’s Certification Safety Clinic held in June at UCONN)

• First Aid Certificate or willing and able to obtain First Aid, CPR, epi-pen, and inhaler administration training and certifications.