JOB DESCRIPTION

YMCA Camp Mohawk

PO Box 1209

Litchfield, CT 06759

860-672-6655

Position:    Riding Camp Instructor Responsible To: Riding Director

Qualifications

1.                Minimum age 18.

2.                An understanding and acceptance of the fundamental aims and purposes of YMCA Camp Mohawk.

3.                Genuine concern for the positive development of children.

4.                “A” or “B” US Pony Club rank or CHA Intermediate rating.

5.                Experience teaching beginner and intermediate skills.

6.                American Red Cross First Aid and CPR

7.                High level of personal organization skills.

8.                Able to walk one mile over rough terrain in under 15 minutes without any assistance.

9.                Able to lift an 80 pound feed bag to a height of 48”.

10.           Able to repeatedly project voice commands such as to be comprehensible at a distance of 200’.

Primary Responsibilities

1.                Provide leadership to Mohawk Riding camp program including daily program content, camper development, instruction and horse care.

2.                Participate as a member of the Mohawk staff team in camp programs and other assigned responsibilities, i.e. Officer of the Day, Unit Coverage, Special Events, Ceremonies, etc.

Specific Responsibilities

1.        Pre-season, work with Riding Staff to:

A.  Select horses

B.  Prepare barn and stables

C.  Maintain fences

D.  Review lesson plans      

E.  Review Risk Management plans

2.    Primary responsibility for the health and safety of Riding Camp participants while in Riding Camp activities.

3.    Coordination with participants’ Cabin counselors to ensure positive cabin relationships and full participation in all cabin and unit activities by Riding Camp participants.

4.    Organize initial participant screening to determine skill level, experience, and to match horses to campers.

5.    Responsible for leadership of participants at the following times:

A.    Morning feeding, grooming and stable management (6:30 AM – 7:45 AM)

B.    Morning classes for Riding Camp participants (instruction, horse care, barn management, tack maintenance, 9:00 AM – 11:15 AM)

C.    Instruct Traditional camper riding class (11:25 – 12:15 PM)

D.   Afternoon classes for Riding Camp participants (2:00 – 4:00 pm)

E.    At times of peak enrollment during the summer, the Riding Camp instructor will assist teaching a Traditional Camper riding class from 4:10 – 5:00 pm.

F.     Supervise assistant staff assigned to Riding camp, including training, supervision and evaluation.

6.    At times of low riding camp enrollment, assist with Traditional Riding Program lessons and stable management.

7.    During Periods designated “Optional Recreation,” all Riding Staff are involved in delivering a horse related program to campers.  This period is usually Sunday afternoon.

8.    Involvement with Unit and “all camp” evening programs as assigned.

9.    Involvement with all camp responsibilities which all staff share on a rotating basis: Officer of the Day assignment, dance chaperone, participation in ceremonies, occasional cabin coverage, etc.

Narrative

This position will have primary responsibility for delivering a high quality experience to Riding Camp participants.  At times of full enrollment, a second staff member will be available to assist.  This program is intended to significantly increase the rider’s awareness of safety, horse care, and equipment maintenance as well as increase personal proficiency in riding skills.

The riding camp counselor will be instrumental in leading the campers through the horse-related activities as well as working with each girl’s cabin counselor to ensure that Riding Camp participants are able to maintain positive relationships with cabin mates. 

The individual in this position will be full member of the Mohawk staff and involved in all camp activities when time allows.