Equestrian Director- YMCA Camp Cosby

General Function:

In accordance with the Christian principles of the YMCA, this summer position involves providing a safe and successful horsemanship program for summer campers and staff ensuring their safety, well-being, happiness, growth and development. The Equestrian Director assures all trail rides have a trained staff and suitable horses. The Equestrian Director is the primary staff member working with the barn staff and is responsible for supporting staff, upholding and enforcing all policies and procedures, planning activities, gathering supplies, leading activities, building a positive staff culture and being present as a mentor.

This position will schedule horse specialty camp, trail rides and other requests of the barn and horses.

Know How:

Belief in the YMCA Mission and sets an example of high moral standards, Christian character and values.

An attitude of teamwork and enthusiasm of service to others.

Have 2 years of prior experience with children preferably in a camp setting.

Current certification in horseback riding or equivalent experience level.

Prior experience in a leadership position.

Physical ability to cover entire camp grounds and participate in all barn activities.

Ability to positively work with staff from different backgrounds.

Train and mentor staff to work safely with the horses and teach children to ride.

Know all Camp Cosby and YMCA of Greater Birmingham policies and procedures, adhere to these policies and assure all staff adhere to these policies.

Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certifications.

Must be 21 years of age or older.

Principle

Activities:

1. Lead assigned sessions during staff training.
2. Support all staff at camp and know how to inspire them to be great leaders with our campers.
3. Be responsible of the safety, health, welfare and happiness of each staff member and camper in your program.
4. Attend all staff meetings.
5. Assure ACA, Department or Health and YMCA of Greater Birmingham standards are followed in all areas of camp.
6. Assure all activity equipment is properly cared for, returned where it belongs and reported to Activities Director if replacement is needed.
7. Adhere to schedules and planned activities of the camp.
8. Support the decision of camp leaders and work in unison with Activities Director and Cabin Life Director to assure a safe and excellent camp program.
9. Notify Cabin Life Director of all incidents, behavior concerns and discipline problems.
10. Create an environment that cares for staff and campers socially, emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.
11. Assure there is always a staff member 19 or older within earshot or eyesight of the campers.
12. Plan, direct and supervise a safe and fun horseback riding program.
13. Write lesson plans, evaluate riding abilities of campers and staff and deliver a creative riding program.
14. Help with daily camper sign ups.
15. Set daily and session schedules for horse program,16. Train, supervise, evaluate and mentor barn staff.
17. Work with Activities Director to schedule horse specialty camp, regular trail rides and other barn requests.
18. Manage the physical facilities and equipment in the horseback riding program.
19. Daily documentation and safety observations.
20. Daily checks of horses for health needs and behavior issues.
21. Assist with other camp activities as needed including, but not limited to Check in day, check out day, evening program and meals.

Effects on End Result:

The effectiveness of this position can be measured by an Equestrian Director who shows an aptitude to lead in an attitude of enthusiasm of service to others providing a safe and engaging program that builds a positive image of Camp Cosby and the YMCA. Successful completion of this position will