Summer Camp Horsemanship Counselor

About

Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch is an overnight summer camp in Northern California for kids ages 7-16. For over 95 years, we've welcomed children and families to our beautiful 450-acre ranch in the beautiful mountains of Trinity County to experience nature, challenge themselves, form deep friendships, gain a sense of community, and have big fun. Life on the Ranch is rustic and unplugged: we spend our days swimming, hiking, riding, caring for animals, gardening, and making music and art. Campers choose freely from activities that range from horseback riding, gardening, animal care, and maintenance projects, to backpacking trips, crafts, campfires, singing, and much more.

Horsemanship counselors are responsible for caring for the herd of horses (approximately 25 horses), leading trail rides, teaching lessons, etc. We mostly operate a western riding program, with trail rides being our main activity. However, we also teach children English riding lessons, jumping, vaulting, and other arena-based activities. We want our staff to help kids learn about horsemanship, so that really means teaching them what it means to care for a horse, not just to ride. Staff need to be confident riders, and also confident in their ability to help others ride and care for horses on the ground. Our barn counselors are also responsible for a group of campers and participate fully in other camp activities outside of the barn as well.

Qualifications

1. Minimum age 19 by June 2026
2. Experience working with horses, both on the ground and under saddle; teaching experience is a plus
3. Accepting of diversity in culture, race, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
4. Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors
5. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
6. Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
7. Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
8. Willing to take alcohol and/or drug tests on request of employer
9. Able to be a resident at camp from June 6, 2026 to at least August 9, 2026

Essential Functions

1. Ability to lift and carry baskets of laundry of up to 50 lbs.
2. Ability to safely operate laundry and equipment necessary for job performance.
3. Ability to clean and maintain bathrooms and guest rooms effectively using proper sanitary procedures.
4. Possess strength and endurance required to work all day in the laundry room and around the ranch.
5. Ability to demonstrate patience and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse group of campers and staff.
6. Ability to follow clear verbal and written instructions.
7. Ability to sustain moderate physical exertion; including hiking in 100+ degree heat; negotiating uneven terrain; carrying a backpack weighing 35 lbs., and possessing physical strength and endurance required to clean and do laundry daily

Responsibilities

1. Live with and lead a group of 5-15 campers in an almost entirely outdoor environment
2. Perform all childcare related duties including monitoring health and hygiene, bedtime and morning time routines, and supervising living areas
3. Facilitate positive group dynamics and foster a culture of kindness and inclusion
4. Participate enthusiastically in planning and leadership of daily camp program including evening activities and special events.
5. Supervise and offer guidance to campers during all camp activities, including enforcing safety regulations
6. Communicate with the directors regarding any concerns related to campers’ safety and well-being, including but not limited to bullying, physical hazards, and functioning of equipment
7. Set a good example for campers and other staff members by demonstrating punctuality, team work, sharing of chores and clean up, manners and mealtime etiquette
8. Encourage respect for other people, the environment, personal property, camp equipment, and camp facilities
9. Attend and participate in regular staff meetings and be responsible for reading and responding to all postings in the staff area
10. Maintain good public relations with camper parents, visitors, and the local community
11. Follow all camp rules and policies, including for time off
12. Complete necessary forms, reports, and trainings
13. Participate in morning chores, AM/PM feeding rotation, catching, grooming, tacking and watering of horses prior to trail rides
14. Lead/Drag on trail rides daily; teach lessons in the ring
15. Help campers mount/dismount
16. Check tack to make sure everything is working properly and fitting appropriately
17. Helping to plan barn program activities and events for campers

Hours & Compensation

1. Full time June 2 - August 18
2. Starting at $615 per week. View 2026 payscale here: bar717.com/positions-compensation
3. Housing, meals, and laundry service are provided for the duration of our summer camp season for all residential seasonal staff
4. Supportive community of peers and supervisors
5. A rewarding summer spent outside and unplugged in a beautiful place
6. Counselors receive training and professional development on working with youth, leadership, and outdoor skills
7. Lifeguard and Wilderness First Aid training provided on-site or subsidized off-site for counselors

Working at Camp can be one of the most rewarding jobs of your life! We look forward to reading your application!

The Bar 717 Ranch is committed to core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

View the full job description here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UdEBB7mwgyE-5S9vLAEY_aloXQrIVKmd/view?usp=drive_link