Horseback Riding Director

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Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) is a community-based organization dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. GSSWT has nearly 30,000 girl and adult members in its 21-county area, including Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Maverick, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson and Zavala.     

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is the world’s preeminent organization for girls, with a membership of 2.8 million girls and adults. Today, as when founded in 1912, GSUSA helps cultivate values, social conscience and self-esteem in young girls, while also teaching them critical life skills that will enable them to succeed as adults. In Girl Scouting, and its special girl-only environment, girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together.

We are currently looking for individuals to fill the following Summer Camp positions at Camp La Jita. Camp La Jita meaning “precious possession” was aptly chosen as the name for our resident camp on the beautiful Sabinal River near Utopia, Texas. Camp La Jita rests on 236 acres of Texas Hill Country land, one hour and twenty minutes west of San Antonio.

                                                          Horseback Riding Director

                                                      Reports to: Assistant Camp Director

Purpose: To further the mission of the camp through the planning and delivery of a horseback riding program that is safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ ages and abilities.  Provide management to the physical operation of the horseback riding facilities and equipment.

Equipment Used: Summer horse herd comprises approximately 40 horses. Western Riding is method taught at camp.   

Essential Functions:

• Becomes acquainted with horses, equipment, facilities and trails during pre-camp.
• Develops a plan of work, involving the Assistant Riding Director and Riding Instructor for feed and care of horses, and maintenance and care of equipment, corral, riding ring, and surrounding area.
• Reports serious injuries, illness or necessary repairs and equipment needs to the Camp Director.
• Plans, schedules and carries out the riding program with a variety of activities including instruction, ring practice, trail rides, and opportunities for girls to complete badge requirements.
• Plans for girls to progress from beginning, intermediate, to advanced riding program (special rides, meal rides, overnights, etc.)
• Involves girls in program pertaining to riding: saddling, grooming, care of tack and tack room, medications, feeding and other instruction.
• Flexible in planning to offer a group an alternate program in case of rain.
• Coordinates riding activities with total camp program.
• Is familiar with and helps implement all ACA guidelines for the stable area.
• Enforces local and state health and sanitation requirements-programs for campers, staff and visitors. Sees that accidents are reported to the nurse and that first aid kit is maintained at corral.
• Supervises riding staff distributing work fairly and allowing for time off as appropriate. Utilizes special skills of riding staff and other camp staff when possible.
• Keeps records of horses not ridden and why.
• Participates in all camp activities.
• Keeps records, makes reports and keeps inventories of equipment.
• Participates in staff meetings as assigned.
• Assists with opening and closing of camp as related to the riding activities.
• Follows Safety Wise and adheres to the National and Council Policies, Procedures and Plans.
• Acts as host/hostess for camp visitors and parents.
• Check equipment and makes (or files for) repairs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

• Must be at least 25 years of age
• Successful completion of a background check
• Attend training sessions for the position June 5, 2023 – June 9, 2023
• Must be available to stay at camp June 5, 2023 – August 5, 2023 some weekends required, with alternate day off)
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and reliable means of transportation
• Current certification in first aid and CPR. Advanced certification may be required based on activity location and possible off-site trail rides.
• Prior supervision of a horseback riding program.
• Experience in supervising other horseback riding staff is desirable.
• Training and experience in horseback riding activities that are offered at the camp.
• Ability to schedule and supervise staff.
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper and staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

 Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Some physical requirements of a Horseback Riding Director Position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. 
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate Horseback Riding equipment and Horseback Riding activities.  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. 
• Willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility available.
• Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat.

Job Type:

• Temporary/Seasonal

Benefits:

• Meals and housing are provided
• Great memories and tons of fun!
• Make lifelong friends!
• Have the best summer ever!

Location: Utopia, Texas, 78884 

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer