Internship Horse Riding Camp Counselor Jobs in Jacksonville, FL

Location: Camp Keystone, Starke, Florida

Position Type: Temporary Full-Time

About this opportunity:

Supervises, plans, schedules and monitors the planning and delivery of program activities and events. Assists in the management of the overall camp operation at the direction of the Divisional Music Director. Supervises all programs conducted at the camp through subordinate specialists for various programs such as aquatic/lakefront activities, nature, arts & crafts, horseback riding, bicycling, archery, outdoor skills/camping, challenge course and audio/visual. Designs and delivers program activities that are safe, fun and appropriate to the camper’s age and abilities. 

Key Responsibilities

• Supervises and monitors the day-to-day operations of the camp including the various programs conducted at the camp to include waterfront activities, nature, arts & crafts, horseback riding, bicycling, archery, outdoor skills/camping, challenge course and audio/visual; ensures that programs run smoothly and in compliance with established procedures. 
• Performs all duties in accordance with prescribed regulatory compliance guidelines as well as American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation standards. 
• Coordinates the weekly schedule of events with Camp Head Counselors and ensures that it is conducive to a pleasant experience for the campers. 
• Supervises program specialists; instructs and trains program specialists in the proper methods and procedures for conducting sessions; monitors session plans for compliance with established program policies and procedures. 
• Plans, develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates camp programs based on changing needs of campers; develops programs or assists leaders in developing programs to target the enrolled campers. 
• Counsels staff and campers in conflict resolution; keeps the Divisional Music Director abreast of conflicts affecting daily operations. Develops, implements, trains and enforces program and safety policies and procedures; prepares and updates procedure manual; leads campers and staff in emergency situations. 
• Assists with program staff meeting. 
• Assists in ACA training of staff and ACA paperwork. 
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with campers, staff and other key personnel to facilitate a smooth camp operation. 
• Ensures campers and staff follows safety procedures in all program areas. 
• Oversees daily checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness and good repair. 
• Provides recommendations and concerns to Divisional Music Director regarding program specialists’ performance. 
• Prepares statistical and other routine reports on a regular basis; provides the same to the Divisional Music Director on a predetermined schedule. 
• Works with the Divisional Music Director in planning, coordinating and supervising activities related to programming. 
• Acts as liaison to weekly program staff to assist with their program needs. 
• Maintains clear and positive written and verbal communication with all camp staff. 
• Participates enthusiastically as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights and other all-camp activities and camp functions. 
• Sits with camper tables during meals and serve as a table monitor when needed. 
• Keeps personal living quarters neat, clean and ready for inspection. 
• Be available to participate and assist with camp programs and activities as directed by the Divisional Music Director. 
• Provides leadership and serves as a mentor to camp staff. 
• Leads staff meetings as assigned by the Divisional Music Director.
• Be responsible for the safety and happiness of campers. 
• Create relationships of trust with participants that allow opportunity for spiritual counseling. 
• Be available to assist with all aspects of the camping program in interactions with staff and campers. 
• Assist Campers in dining room by serving and monitoring table. 
• Design and teach classes as assigned, including preparing lesson plans as appropriate.
• Assist in various classes as assigned. 
• Assist counselors with handling campers that may need special attention. 
• Participate in classes assigned. 
• Keep personal living quarters neat and clean. 
• Assist with various nonmusical camp activities as assigned. 
• Be available to assist with all aspects of the camping program in interactions with staff and campers. 
• Maintain a supervisory level of objectivity during all times.
• Identify and meet campers’ needs. 
• Plan and coordinate daily evening programs. 
  • Come up with fun and creative evening programs
  • Secure all materials needed for all evening programs
  • Schedule conservatory staff members to assist with setup
• Be available to assist in any way needed as directed by Divisional Music Director, Head Counselors or Camp Director.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What we are looking for in you: 

• Two years progressively responsible experience administering and developing youth programs preferred, or 

• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications

• CPR and First Aid Certification

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Some physical requirements of the Camp Conservatory Music Instructor/ Program Director position could be endurance including climbing, standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate activities are required. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Have a willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering a program in the facility available.  Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions. 

To learn more about Salvation Army Camps, click here!

Why work for us:

Since 1907, The Salvation Army has been operating camp programs across the southeast region of the United States. Today, The Salvation Army has eight camps in the South and over 40 across the country. Working at a Salvation Army camp isn’t like other jobs. You will earn an income, you will receive invaluable job experience, and you will make friendships that will last you a lifetime – but, unlike most other summer jobs, you will also powerfully impact the life of a child or teen for the better. At Salvation Army camps, disadvantaged kids (in particular) have three square meals a day, have the opportunity to further develop social skills, learn creation care, feel valued, and encounter God’s love. You will never regret saying “yes” to camp this summer. Apply for a Salvation Army camp and be part of something bigger than yourself: making lives better in Jesus’ name.

Additional Information:

Must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

Camp Staff Orientation will be held 06/2/2025 – 06/8/2025 and participation is required. The 2025 Summer Camp Program will be held 06/9/2025 – 07/12/2025. If you are unable to work the entire program session, please let us know on your application. 

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission. 

To apply, please select the “Apply Now” icon at the bottom of this posting.

Application Submittal Period: January 1, 2025 – May 4, 2025

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled