Junior Resident Ranch Counselor - Equestrian
Camp Kern
Oregonia, OH
Seasonal Employment May 19th - August 2nd
$430/Week

*Room and Board provided during summer camping season as this position is required to live on site. Must be 17 years of age.*

Position Summary:

Responsible for providing a quality camp experience for children; ensuring their safety and growth. Also responsible for the physical and emotional safety of children participating in activities. 

At the YMCA, We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Essential Functions:

• Maintains the cleanliness, efficiency and safety of the barn and the overall care of the horses including daily cleaning, grooming, feeding and watering, as well as medical care and training.
• Builds a work environment that puts kids and guests first.
• Assists in maintaining vet and farrier records
• Supports and participated in all equestrian programs including but not limited to: trail rides, the lesson program, ranch camp, parent/child weekends, and round-ups.
• Proactively solves problems.
• Follows appropriate safety guidelines.
• Effectively assists in implementation of weekly lesson plans that fit the children’s needs, interests and developmental levels at camp.
• Work effectively as a team with all Camp Kern Staff.
• Learn and teach camp songs around a camp fire.
• Participate in dining hall set up.
• Effectively lead large group activities such as games, camp fires, high ropes course, climbing wall, hayrides, canoeing, night hikes, campfire gatherings, and more.
• Ensure safety by firmly and tactfully enforcing all aquatic rules, policies and guidelines.
• To implement all ACA and Camp Kern rules and regulation.
• Responsible for the welfare and safety of children enrolled in the group and in the program including maintaining appropriate ratio and supervision at all times with heightened awareness on field trips.
• Effectively communicates verbal and written reports to parents.
• Possesses working knowledge of child abuse and neglect laws and follows proper reporting procedures including confidentiality in regards to children and families participating in camp.
• Implement set standards, guidelines, and programs.
• Monitor and maintain accurate records including attendance, absenteeism, transitions, minor disciplines and incidents for each child in counselors group.
• Ensure safety by checking for hazardous conditions and making sure all safety equipment is properly placed and in proper working condition. 
• Maintain and improve facilities through proper use and maintenance.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.   2-year college degree preferred.
• One or more years of related child care experience required.
• Minimum of six months experience in barn maintenance and horse care.
• Skills in horse care, barn maintenance, comfortable around a large herd, teamwork and enthusiasm are required.
• Creativity, initiative, flexibility, eagerness to serve, ability to involve others, strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as the ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with guests are necessary.