Equestrian Counselor

Working at Girl Scout Summer Camp

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!

Working at our camps takes a special kind of person! 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

Compensation:

• 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":

Riding Counselor - Job Summary

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.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sufficient eye-to-hand coordination to successfully operate tools and equipment as necessary and respond appropriately to situations where campers require assistance or first aid.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Physical ability to frequently stop, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull, lift, and move objects up to 50 pounds at shoulder height, and occasionally lift more than 50 pounds.
• See and read printed materials, with or without visual aids; distinguish colors; read and understand rules and policies, labels, and instructions.
• Verbal communication including the ability to speak and hear at normal room levels.

Additional, position-specific qualifications can be found here:

Required with Application:

In addition to completing the application, you are required to provide three references (cannot be related to you) who can judge your qualifications for this position. If you have previous experience as a camp staff member at least one reference should be from a camp director or administrator. Use the link below to automatically send the form to the references you've selected. *Note this process is not required if you have previously worked for a GSRV camp.

Don't meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and BIPOC professionals are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Girl Scouts River Valleys, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You might just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Girl Scouts River Valleys is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and racial justice, and is working to boldly lead as an anti-racist organization that uplifts and empowers every Girl Scout to know their worth and lead in their world. This means leading not just with words, but with actions.