Resident Camp Ranch Counselor

YMCA of Greater Hartford; Colebrook (CT); On-site; USD 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition Reimbursement

Free YMCA Membership

Childcare Discounts

Program Discounts

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Hartford is hiring a Resident Camp Ranch Counselor in Colebrook, CT. You will supervise 8–10 campers, lead or assist with daily riding lessons for 5–7 riders, and ensure high-quality horseback activities while prioritizing camper safety.

Responsibilities include maintaining proper horse handling, communicating clearly with parents and staff, and upholding YMCA values. Must be at least 16 and obtain First Aid/CPR within 30 days; CHA/BHS/ARIA certificates are a plus.

Qualifications

• Is at least 16 years of age.
• Desire to care for, work with and motivate campers and counselors.
• Desire to teach riding lessons.
• Desire to live and work with campers in an equine specialty riding program.
• Current certification or the ability to obtain First Aid and CPR within the first 30 days.
• Must meet all state licensing and accreditation requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Certifications in CHA, BHS or ARIA a plus.
• Experience working and handling horses on a regular basis.
• Experience riding horses.
• Preferred experience assisting or teaching riding lessons.

Responsibilities

• Handle horses of various temperaments and conduct ground and under saddle lessons.
• Correct rider position and horse handling; provide corrections and feedback.
• Ground-handle horses and ensure safety for riders.
• Foster a positive and leadership-driven camp climate aligned with YMCA values.
• Report immediately to supervisor any evidence of child abuse or neglect.
• Provide friendly, courteous assistance and build relationships with parents, children and staff.
• Contribute to a safe, clean environment for staff and participants.
• Know and follow emergency procedures and site rules.
• Arrive on time for shifts in proper uniform and name tag.
• Provide a safe environment and program for all participants.
• Guide campers in daily living skills including hygiene, participation, and personal growth.

Skills

Horse handling

Leadership

Communication

First Aid/CPR

Riding instruction

Tools

CHA/BHS/ARIA certifications

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Resident Camp Ranch Counselor

Full Time Manual Labor Colebrook, CT, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 4521

YMCA of Greater hartford Job Description

Job Title: Resident Camp Ranch Counselor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Job Grade:

Primary Department: Resident Camp

Reports to: Camp Director

Revision Date: 10/24/2025

The YMCA of Greater Hartford is an association open to all committed to helping people reach their potential in spirit, mind, and body. Our commitment is based on the belief that the purpose of this three-fold development is to live out the values of Caring, Honest, Respect and Responsibility.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Camp Director, the Ranch Counselor will be responsible for serving as a counselor to a group of 8-10 campers, serving as their positive role model, leader and friend. The Ranch counselor will also either teach or assist with daily riding lessons with a group of 5-7 riders. They will provide safe and high-quality group horseback riding lessons. Primary responsibility is to ensure the well-being of their campers

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Must be able to handle horses of various temperaments and training lessons on the ground and under saddle competently


• Recognize proper position and horse handling of riders and provide corrections.


• Give detailed critiques to improve rider’s performance and the horse’s way of going.


• Must have sufficient experience with horses to ground-handle the majority for reasonably tractable horses.


• Create a climate in the group that will foster the goals and objectives of the YMCA.


• Possess leadership abilities.


• Report immediately to supervisor any evidence of child abuse including physical, mental, emotional and/or neglect.


• Consistently provide friendly, courteous assistance, exceeding customers’ expectations every day, which includes building and maintaining healthy professional relationships with parents, children and staff.


• Support and contribute to a safe, clean environment for staff and customers.


• Is familiar with and carries out emergency procedures, building rules and regulations.


• Arrive on time for scheduled shifts, wearing appropriate uniform and name tag, and prepared for all assignments.


• Provide a safe environment and program for all participants.


• Assume responsibility for leadership and guidance to those campers in daily living skills, with special attention to:
  
  
  • Person hygiene, safety and manners
  
  
  • Camper participation in all camp activities
  
  
  • Camper personal growth, self-confidence and independence
  
  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Is at least 16 years of age


• Has a desire to care for, work with and motivate campers and counselors. This includes understanding their needs and placing these needs and the objectives of camp before personal needs.


• Has a desire to teach and instruct riding lessons


• Has a desire to live and work with campers in an equine specialty riding program


• Person must possess values consistent with the mission of the YMCA.


• Current certification or the ability to obtain First Aid and CPR required within the first 30 days.


• Must meet all state licensing and accreditation requirements.


• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.


• Certifications in CHA, BHS or ARIA a plus.


• Experience working and handling horses on a regular basis


• Experience riding horses


• Preferred experience assisting or teaching riding lessons

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.


• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight.


• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency

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.

GHYMCA Employee Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $1,000 per year.

Post University Tuition Discount: 50% off tuition.

FREE YMCA Membership: Valued at $750 annually.

Childcare Discounts: Available to eligible employees. Discounts vary based on full-time or part-time employment status.

Program Discounts: Discounts on swim lessons, summer camp, sports, and other YMCA programs.

Paid Time Off: Available to eligible employees.

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Available to full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week. The YMCA covers 90% of employee medical premiums for eligible high-deductible health plans.

Generous Retirement Savings: The YMCA contributes 12% of gross pay toward retirement for eligible full-time and part-time employees after two years of service, provided they work at least 1,000 hours each year (approximately 20 hours per week).

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential counseling, services, and resources to support employees.

FREE SNOO Rental: Free six-month SNOO rental for expecting parents working 20 or more hours per week.