Resident Camp Ranch Counselor

YMCA of Greater hartford Job Description

Job Title: Resident Camp Ranch Counselor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                               Job Grade:

Primary Department: Resident Camp

Reports to: Camp Director

Revision Date: 10/24/2025                             Leadership Level:

The YMCA of Greater Hartford is an association open to all committed to helping people reach their potential in spirit, mind, and body.  Our commitment is based on the belief that the purpose of this three-fold development is to live out the values of Caring, Honest, Respect and Responsibility.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Camp Director, the Ranch Counselor will be responsible for serving as a counselor to a group of 8-10 campers, serving as their positive role model, leader and friend.  The Ranch counselor will also either teach or assist with daily riding lessons with a group of 5-7 riders.  They will provide safe and high-quality group horseback riding lessons.  Primary responsibility is to ensure the well-being of their campers

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Must be able to handle horses of various temperaments and training lessons on the ground and under saddle competently
• Recognize proper position and horse handling of riders and provide corrections.
• Give detailed critiques to improve rider’s performance and the horse’s way of going.
• Must have sufficient experience with horses to ground-handle the majority for reasonably tractable horses.
• Create a climate in the group that will foster the goals and objectives of the YMCA.
• Possess leadership abilities.
• Report immediately to supervisor any evidence of child abuse including physical, mental, emotional and/or neglect.
• Consistently provide friendly, courteous assistance, exceeding customers’ expectations every day, which includes building and maintaining healthy professional relationships with parents, children and staff.
• Support and contribute to a safe, clean environment for staff and customers.
• Is familiar with and carries out emergency procedures, building rules and regulations.
• Arrive on time for scheduled shifts, wearing appropriate uniform and name tag, and prepared for all assignments.
• Provide a safe environment and program for all participants.

13. Assume responsibility for leadership and guidance to those campers in daily living skills, with special attention to:

• Person hygiene, safety and manners
• Camper participation in all camp activities
• Camper personal growth, self-confidence and independence

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Is at least 16 years of age
• Has a desire to care for, work with and motivate campers and counselors.  This includes understanding their needs and placing these needs and the objectives of camp before personal needs.
• Has a desire to teach and instruct riding lessons
• Has a desire to live and work with campers in an equine specialty riding program
• Person must possess values consistent with the mission of the YMCA.
• Current certification or the ability to obtain First Aid and CPR required within the first 30 days.
• Must meet all state licensing and accreditation requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Certifications in CHA, BHS or ARIA a plus.
• Experience working and handling horses on a regular basis
• Experience riding horses
• Preferred experience assisting or teaching riding lessons

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.