About the Facility
One of Wisconsin's premier summer camps, this unique program is getting ready to enter its 103rd year in operation! Based lakeside in Northern WI, this program offers an unplugged and diverse outdoor experience for boys from ages 7 to 16. This program offers a full 7 week experience, in which boys are able to grow, learn new skills such as horseback riding, scuba diving, biking, mountain climbing, shooting, and more! Campers come to this program from over 20 different states and 5 different countries, as it is one of the leading programs in the nation! Many campers return year after year, and even generation after generation, and attribute much of their adult success to their time in this program. The equestrian center here is set on 25 acres, with a nice stable, arena, and miles of trails. There are 11 horses on site through the summer, who are leased from a local school program. Campers will learn to handle, groom, tack, and ride horses in both english and western fundamentals - with some even progressing to cantering and jumping small jumps by the end of their time. There is ample room in the schedule for employees and counselors to enjoy the best that the camp has to offer, including hiking, canoeing, and connecting with nature.
Job Description
We are looking for someone with a contagious passion for horses, the outdoors, and the youth of our country to step in as Horseback Riding Director. This person will be responsible for the overall care and well being of the 11 horses in the program, and the campers who are riding and caring for them. This person will generally have 2 stableboys assigned to their charge who will assist in the daily responsibilities. As the Director, you will be responsible for arriving at camp 10 days before the camp opens to familiarize yourself with that year's horses, unpack the supplies that have been stored for winter, prep the barn, and clear the trails for the campers. You will design the lesson program from the ground up in a way that both pushes and encourages campers, without allowing them to feel unsafe in their activities. The days are broken up into four 1.05 hour sessions, with a different group in each session and alternating days. In total, you will have 8 groups of campers throughout the season. It will be your responsibility to learn each camper and evaluate their competency, along with matching them with suitable horses. You will have the same group of campers for the full 7 weeks, so it is important to establish strong personal connections with each one.
Structure
Employment Period runs from June 8th - August 8th
Days begin at 6:30AM with bringing in horses from the pastures and feeding before breakfast - Classes will be at 10 and 11, before breaking for lunch from 12-2pm afternoon classes are at 2:30 and 3:30, leaving 5:00 through the rest of the evening for dinner and activities, apart from one final horse check before bed. There are no classes on Sundays, leaving you free to do as you wish in the incredible setting!
Job Duties
- Ensure care and well-being of horses, along with 1-2 stable boys assigned to their routine care
- Design class structure for groups of 6-10 boys, and tailor as needed to each group depending on skill and comfort level
- Teach the basics of horse handling and riding to campers
- Foster connection with campers, horses, and wilderness throughout the 7 week period
- Encourage campers to push boundaries without abandoning safety of themselves or their peers
- Ensure stables, trails, and overall property are well-maintained and well-presented
- Oversee/Manage stable boys, include their assistance in teaching campers as appropriate
- Create lasting connections with campers
- Guide campers towards a bright future
- Participate/Assist with other activities outside of the Equestrian Program (Staff/Counselor events are mandatory)
