Horse Camp Counselor

The Backcountry Wilderness Area’s mission is to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. Located at 5,920 feet in the heart of the Front Range, our 8,200-acre campus—featuring outdoor learning spaces, an outdoor amphitheater, a natural play space, garden, chicken coop and pastures with chickens, goats, and donkeys, a state-of-the-art archery range, and horse corrals—serves as the ultimate learning environment. Camp Backcountry offers programs that provide a balance of hands-on science, field-based exploration, team building, and adventure. All Horse Camp sessions are based on a theme including, but not limited to, trail riding, ranching, horse health, etc.... This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and teaching age-appropriate lessons, activities, and games related to the weekly theme. Horse Camp counselors are responsible for supervising up to 12 children each day and actively interacting with and engaging campers during all Camp Backcountry programs. Counselors are the primary caregivers for campers and are also responsible for guiding children in their personal growth. Counselors are responsible for checking campers in and out for the day, maintaining high standards of health and safety, set up and clean-up of all camp activities, and following all camp policies and procedures. Horse Camp counselors are also responsible for assisting with the basic care of and safety for all our horses. This position averages approximately 35-40 hours per week. Camp programming begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A typical work day is from 8:50 a.m. to 4:10 p.m., however Horse Camp staff may be scheduled anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. This position starts May 23rd and ends in early August when schools start. HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements: • Candidates must be 18 years of age or older • Must have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children • Ability to plan, coordinate, and teach age-appropriate lessons, activities, and games related to each weekly theme • Must have ability and knowledge of duties pertaining to the care of horses including, but not limited to, feeding, watering, and basic injury care • Experience with both Western and English riding is strongly preferred • Must have basic knowledge of—or willingness to learn—topics including, but not limited to, horse breeds and anatomy, horse health, care of other domestic animals, predator prey relationships, and animal adaptations • Ability to adapt lesson plans and instructions to meet a wide variety of learners • Ability to supervise and be responsible for the health and safety of up to 12 children each day • Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the Backcountry Wilderness Area at large • Strong communication skills with ability to effectively interact with people of all backgrounds • Ability to work in a busy environment with many distractions • Previous childcare experience preferred. Candidates with prior childcare experience will be asked to provide verification of up to 1,040 hours of previous experience working with school-age children in a formal capacity • Current First Aid and CPR certifications required, or ability to obtain before the first day of employment • Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Applicants 21 years of age or older will be required to drive the 15 passenger camp vans. • Must attend the mandatory staff training May 23 through May 27, 2022 Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Salary: $15.00-16.00/hour depending on qualifications and experience

How to apply:

Submit an application online at www.HRCAonline.org/jobs.  Must include a resume and cover letter. 

https://hrcaonline.org/about-us/who-we-are/employment