Summer Camp Counselor – Horse Job

This is perhaps one of the rarer horse jobs out there, but one that can provide a great degree of hands on experience with the animals themselves. Summer camps vary from place to place and so will the number and quality of horses involved.

What You Need

While this position varies, there are a few things that will remain constant. Understanding of horse care/ safety is an important part, but so is child care/ safety – not to mention the combination of the two. For this fact alone camp counselors require a cool head along with knowledge of both horse and child. In addition they may also be required knowledge of local geography, flora and fauna. Due to its very nature, this can be a physically demanding job.

A strong constitution, great communication and quick hands are essential in becoming a good horse camp counselor.

Job Description

While it’s obvious the job description will vary widely by location and camp rules, there will be universal elements in common. Counselors are generally responsible for supervision and educational instruction during classes, demonstrations or outings. Exposure to the children can be limited to daily classes or require overnight supervision. Similarly, animal care can run from simply running lessons to daily maintenance and feeding responsibilities. Often the size of the camp will determine how specific duties will be.

Counselors may also need to work with a barn staff including trainers, riding instructors and grooms along with members of camp staff.

Responsibilities Include

Providing educational support to children
Providing counseling support to children
Plan and coordinate daily activities
Demonstrating a leadership role
Knowledge of the local area, plants and animals
Minimally CPR certification
Varying degrees of animal care and maintenance

Requirements

The requirements for this position will vary tremendously, some places will require a high school diploma, others will want years of experience on top of it. Larger establishments may require drug testing, bonding, medical certification, childcare certification or other types of educational documentation.

Resources

A few places to start if you are interested in a career as a camp counselor.

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American Camp Association
Ontario Camp Association
The British Columbia Camping Association

The Right Job For You?

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