CCO Assistant Barn Director

Position Summary

The Assistant Barn Director assists the Barn Director to implement the riding program, supervise barn staff, maintain facilities, and care for the horse herd. The role leads advanced horseback riding lessons (High Rider level), provides leadership and horsemanship instruction for the Wrangler‑In‑Training program & CIT’s, and manages out‑of‑camp pack trips. The Assistant Barn Director lives with campers in the WIT program, collaborating with their co‑counselor to ensure each camper’s physical, social, and emotional health and safety needs are met.

YMCA of the Rockies upholds Christian principles through programs, staff and facilities, building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Employees demonstrate our core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith.

• Create a safe space for campers, families and staff, promoting safe work practices.
• Build rapport and positive relationships, putting camper needs first.
• Respond to camper and customer requests, troubleshoot problems and develop solutions respectfully.
• Contribute to a cooperative camp community; be a team player.
• Maintain camp facility cleanliness and report repairs promptly.
• Assist other departments as needed.

• Participate in administrative and staff training before working with campers; help coordinate curriculum for staff training.
• Be concerned with the needs of camper and staff development and growth.
• Supervisory
  • Help supervise Wranglers‑In‑Training within the Riding Program.
  • Direct and supervise riding program areas as assigned, including classes, trail rides, pack trips, WIT and CIT.
  • Coordinate with the CIT coordinator for horses/barn experience.
  • Act as “on‑duty” staff for one stayover weekend.
  • Support Cabin Counselor Wranglers by addressing concerns.
  • Assist with overall camp administration as organized by the Camp Executive.
  • Assist in nighttime responsibilities, ensuring safety after lights out.
• Training
  • Assist with coordination and implementation of curriculum for staff training.
  • Evaluate trainings after delivery.
  • Support the implementation of Wrangler Training week for Barn Staff.
  • Help with training and in‑services appropriate to supervised areas.
  • Acquaint all camp staff with the Riding Program and coordinate it with other programs.
• Program
  • Maintain standards and procedures from the Riding Manual and required agencies.
  • Organize, operate and maintain a program for campers’ ages, interests and abilities.
  • Assist in developing and reviewing lesson plans for each instruction level.
  • Keep barn areas clean, safe and well‑maintained.
  • Expand campers’ knowledge of safety riding and horse care.
  • Ensure trail rides and instruction are supervised and conducted safely.
  • Enforce safety rules and regulations, ensuring staff and campers practice good horsemanship.
  • Coordinate with Trail Department for pack trip preparation.
  • Maintain meal plans and sanitation standards.
  • Plan the details of each pack trip, including route, activities, emergency procedures and Leave No Trace principles.
  • Lead High Rider classes with support from the Barn Director.
  • Assist in barn program promotion and collaboration with other camp programs.
• Meetings
  • Meet weekly with the Summer Camp Director and Barn Director to discuss the Riding Program.
  • Consult with directors on program improvement suggestions.
  • Support the Barn Director for weekly one‑on‑one staff meetings.
  • Meet weekly with other camp administrators to evaluate programs.
• Reports / Evaluations
  • Assist the Barn Director with mid‑season and end‑of‑season evaluations.
  • Help inventory at the season’s start and end, recommending purchases and repairs.
  • Submit end‑of‑season reports evaluating programs, leadership, facilities and recommendations.
  • Maintain records of campers, achievements, daily activities and summarize camper success weekly.

• Minimum 20 years of age and experience working with youth in a summer camp setting.
• At least two years of education, training, or experience related to horse management, horsemanship and riding.
• Backcountry travel and living experience.
• Strong organizational and scheduling…