Equestrian Counselor and Specialist

Equestrian Counselor and Specialist

Join to apply for the Equestrian Counselor and Specialist role at Girl Scouts River Valleys
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Girl Scout camp is where many campers find their strengths and challenge themselves as they navigate activities on the water, at the campsite, and along the trail. Girl Scouts River Valleys’ camp sessions allow campers to develop a strong sense of self and positive values, build healthy relationships, seek challenges, and have fun while making memories of a lifetime!

Our campers treasure the relationships and sense of community they develop with our camp staff. Likewise, working at one of River Valleys’ Girl Scout Camps is a unique experience that will have a positive impact on you for the rest of your life. Your passion can make a difference in the lives of girls!

You’ll be a great fit to work at our camps if you…

• Are friendly and calm, especially under pressure
• Are a team player
• Love working outdoors
• Are passionate about delivering an inclusive camp experience for all campers
• Are good at switching gears and wearing many different hats
• Are willing to learn new things
• Are willing to disconnect from technology for the majority of the day
• Can commit to a schedule and work the entire summer

• For staff living on-site, pay starts at $650 per week (based on a 6-day work week).
• For those commuting, the starting pay rate is $17.50 per hour.
• Experience and certifications obtained prior to hire may qualify candidates for a higher starting rate.

For more details, including the complete pay rate chart, please visit our website under Compensation: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Riding Counselor supports the overall camper experience within the horseback riding program while serving as a primary caregiver and mentor for campers. This role focuses on creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where youth can build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy their time at camp.

Riding Counselors work alongside Riding Specialists during riding activities, helping supervise campers, assist with instruction, and ensure safety procedures are followed. When not in the riding area, Riding Counselors take an active role in cabin life and all‑camp programming, including supervising daily routines, leading activities, and supporting campers’ social and emotional well‑being.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working directly with youth, value relationship‑building, and want to contribute to a positive camp community while gaining experience around horses.

The Riding Specialist is responsible for the care, management, and safety of the horses and riding program le this role also works directly with youth, its primary focus is ensuring that horses are healthy, well‑trained, and appropriately matched with campers to support a safe and successful riding experience.

Riding Specialists lead riding instruction, oversee horse handling and barn operations, and ensure all riding activities meet safety standards. They collaborate closely with Riding Counselors to support camper learning and engagement, while taking primary responsibility for horse care tasks such as feeding, grooming, tacking, turnout, stall maintenance, and monitoring horse health and behavior.

This role is ideal for individuals with strong horse experience who are passionate about animal care and enjoy teaching riding skills in a youth‑centered camp environment.

• All staff members must be at least 18 years of age or have graduated from high school by the start of the camp season.
• Must be willing to live on‑site in GSRV assigned housing and comply with conditions of GSRV housing agreement. This includes the ability to live in the rustic, communal setting of summer camp with campers and staff of all ages.
  * This requirement does not apply to Day Camp Counselors
• Must be First Aid/CPR certified or be able to obtain this certification (GSRV can assist with the certification process).
• Ability to interact well with all age levels and…