Resident Camp Staff - Equestrian Manager

Are you passionate about horses and adventure? Join us as the Equestrian Manager at Girl Scouts of Central Maryland’s summer Resident Camp! As Equestrian Manager, you'll be at the heart of the action, driving the administration and supervision of our thrilling equestrian program. Get ready to craft and lead programs that are not only exciting but also geared to challenge and push camper’s boundaries for, allowing them to explore their abilities to the fullest.

This role isn't just about horses; it's about being a vital part of our camp management team. You'll be responsible for making sure that our camp policies are followed, ensuring that everyone - campers and staff alike - gets the most out of their experience. Your influence will set the tone for behavioral standards, showing everyone how to have an amazing time while respecting the camp's rules.

If you're someone who loves horses, enjoys managing programs, and wants to make a difference in shaping unforgettable experiences for campers, then this is the role for you. Come be a leader, inspire adventure, and join us in creating a summer full of growth, fun, and amazing memories!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and support a dynamic team of equestrian staff and riding counselors, fostering an inclusive and empowering environment.
• Manage the well-being of our horses and maintain the stables, ensuring a safe and engaging space for our campers' equine experiences.
• Take charge of ordering and organizing barn supplies, innovating to enhance our programs.
• Collaborate in scheduling to create an exciting and balanced program that meets the needs of each girl while ensuring girl-to-adult ratio.
• Develop engaging riding programs for girls of all ages and assist staff in bringing these experiences to life.
• Assist in leading pre-camp and in-service training sessions.
• Assist in paperwork completion, review, and distribution.
• Adapt swiftly to ever-changing situations, from helping campers overcome fears to handling unexpected weather shifts. Embrace challenges with a positive attitude, thriving in a fast-paced, adaptable work environment.
• Champion the values and vision of the Girl Scouts program, fostering a supportive community and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Assist in planning, conducting, and/or participating in pre-camp training, post-camp clean-up, staff meetings, and in-service opportunities as well as assists in scheduling of staff and campers, including time in between equestrian sessions.
• Uphold the highest standards of safety and quality, adhering to Volunteer Essentials, Maryland Youth Camp Regulations, and American Camp Association accreditation, contributing to a safe and enriching experience for all campers.
• Assist in creation and/or leading of weekly all-camp activities, themes, and opening and closing day activities while upholding the utmost safety and efficiency for the girls and staff.
• Offer constructive feedback through performance reviews, contributing to the growth of our equestrian staff.
• Prioritize exceptional customer service for our girls, volunteers, and staff, creating a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.
• Embrace a flexible role: Camp life can be pretty spontaneous. Additional and sometimes unexpected tasks are always arising, and adapting to these challenges is crucial to the smooth functioning of camp on a day-to-day basis. In this position, we’re looking for someone who is excited to tackle whatever comes our way, taking on additional responsibilities as requested and also of their own initiative according to their unique skillset and capabilities.

At our summer resident camp, we're on a mission to make each moment memorable, safe, and enjoyable for both campers and staff. As a team member, you play a crucial role in fostering an environment where everyone thrives. Here's what we value and expect from every staff member:

Embrace the Camp Life

Live on-site throughout pre-camp and opening camp activities, camper sessions, and during closing camp duties, unless otherwise discussed and approved by the Camp Director prior to camp season start. Camp is a rustic environment. Your living quarters may change week to week, and could include tents, cabins, yurts, and other structures with no electricity or running water (although other group buildings do have these amenities). You will regularly need to utilize latrines (essentially an outhouse) and standalone washstands throughout your time at camp. You’ll also encounter other challenges like rapidly changing weather, limited personal space and time, and any number of critters and crawlies, all of which you’ll need to overcome during your time at camp. Please consider your ability to be able to comfortably adapt to this environment before applying.

Be an Inspirational Role Model

Uphold the Girl Scout Promise and Law in your interactions with campers and fellow staff. Lead by example by demonstrating respect, appreciation, and acceptance, ensuring every individual feels valued and included. Embody the spirit of our community by embracing and living by our camp rules and policies and always strive to foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere.

Flexibility & Adaptability

Embrace spontaneity in programming, ensuring minimal disruption to the camp experience during unforeseen changes to scheduling and day-to-day procedures. Encourage promptness and efficiency among campers and staff, contributing to a smooth-running schedule.

Open Communication and Collaboration

Maintain open and honest communication with supervisors, seeking guidance when needed and addressing concerns promptly. Participate enthusiastically in pre-camp preparations, weekly clean-ups, and post-camp duties as assigned, contributing to a shared sense of ownership and teamwork.

Health and Safety

Actively monitor and maintain hygiene standards for campers and yourself, working in collaboration with the Camp Nurse to address health needs. Report maintenance requirements and incidents promptly via the appropriate channels to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all. Complete mandated reporter training and submit reports as required. Take responsibility for the cleanliness of shared spaces, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability; remember to always See It, Own It, Do It. Maintain an alcohol and drug-free environment, ensuring a safe and positive atmosphere for everyone.

Skills, Education, and Relevant Experience:

• Incumbent must be 18 years or older. Preferred: 21 years of age.
• A certification as an instructor from a nationally recognized organization or riding school preferred, obtained within the past three years, and/or equivalent documented experience. A list of organizations can be found on the ACA website.
• College degree or demonstrated experience in leadership and supervision of equestrian resident camp program activities or similar experience.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and physically meet the demands of camp life (i.e. work irregular and long hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities, and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.).
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or be willing and able to successfully complete training prior to arrival of campers (paid for and arranged by GSCM during pre-camp training).
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy the opportunity to successfully interact with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds.
• Must possess excellent verbal communication skills with both children and adults.
• Must possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of staff and campers during a 6-day workweek and during 14+ hour days.
• Visual, auditory, and physical ability to quickly identify and appropriately respond to environmental and other hazards related to activities and emergencies at camp, as well as generally uphold all safety standards.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, with clear driving record, proof of insurability and willingness to drive a 15-passenger van and/or minivan.
• Preferred: lifeguard, ropes (high, low), archery, rock wall, and/or canoeing/kayaking certification, or be willing and able to successfully complete training in these areas during staff training.
• Must be able to pass background and fingerprint check as well as a drug screening prior to starting employment and beginning summer residency at camp.

Time Commitment:

June 2-4 (at-camp pre-camp training for management staff; live at camp throughout this period)

June 5-7 (in-office pre-camp training; commute daily to council office)

June 9-21 (at-camp pre-camp training; live at camp throughout this period)

June 23-August 9 (camper sessions + camp in-service training)

August 11-13 (camp clean-up)

August 14-16 (management staff final clean and wrap-up)

Staff will also have two hours of scheduled time off daily, as well as the opportunity for some nights off with a designated curfew, and at least one day off per week (usually Saturday).

Pay: $4650/Camp Season

Join our team and be part of a transformative experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Embrace teamwork, personal growth, and the joy of creating lasting memories for campers and staff alike at GSCM’s Resident Camp!