Looking for a Summer Job?

Now Hiring: Outdoor Camp Counselors & Specialty Staff for Camp La Jita In Utopia TX

Imagine yourself at Girl Scouts!

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) is a community-based organization dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. GSSWT has nearly 30,000 girl and adult members in its 21-county area, including Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Maverick, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson and Zavala.

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is the world’s preeminent organization for girls, with a membership of 2.8 million girls and adults. Today, as when founded in 1912, GSUSA helps cultivate values, social conscience and self-esteem in young girls, while also teaching them critical life skills that will enable them to succeed as adults. In Girl Scouting, and its special girl-only environment, girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together.

We are currently looking for individuals to fill the following Summer Camp positions at Camp La Jita. Camp La Jita meaning “precious possession” was aptly chosen as the name for our resident camp on the beautiful Sabinal River near Utopia, Texas. Camp La Jita rests on 236 acres of Texas Hill Country land, one hour and twenty minutes west of San Antonio.

Horseback Riding Staff

Reports to: Horseback Riding Director

Purpose: To further the mission of the camp through assisting in the development and delivery of a horseback riding program that is safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ ages and abilities. Assist in the care and maintenance of the horses and related equipment.

Equipment Used: Summer horse herd comprises approximately 40 horses. Western Riding is method taught at camp.

Essential Job Functions:

• Becomes acquainted with horses, equipment, facilities and trails during pre-camp.
• Assists the Riding Director and/or Assistant Riding Director in developing a plan of work, including feed and care of horses, and maintenance and care of equipment, corral, riding ring, and surrounding area. Reports serious injuries, illness or necessary repairs and equipment needs to the Camp Director.
• Assists in carrying out the riding program with a variety of activities including instruction, ring practice, trail rides, and opportunities for girls to complete badge requirements. Plans for girls to progress from beginning, intermediate, to advanced riding program (special rides, meal rides, overnights, etc.)
• Involves girls in program pertaining to riding: saddling, grooming, care of tack and tack room, medications, feeding and other instruction. Is prepared to offer a group an alternate program in case of rain.
• Enforces local and state health and sanitation requirements-programs for campers, staff and visitors.
• Participates in all camp activities outside own field (unit program and responsibilities) assigned by the Camp Director through the Riding Director.
• Assists in keeping records, reports and inventories of equipment.
• Assumes Assistant Unit leader responsibilities when not working at the barn or on break.
• Is familiar with and helps implement all ACA guidelines for the stable area.
• Assists with opening and closing of camp as related to the riding activities; makes inventories and reports.
• Follows Safety Wise and adheres to the National and Council Policies, Procedures and Plans.
• Acts as host/hostess for camp visitors and parents.
• Attends weekly staff meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Assist in the planning of any special events.

Job Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Successful completion of a background check
• Attend training sessions for the position June 5, 2023 – June 9, 2023
• Must be available to stay at camp June 11, 2023 – August 5, 2023 (some weekends required, with alternate day off)
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and reliable means of transportation
• Current certification in first aid and CPR. Advanced certification may be required based on activity location and possible off-site trail rides.
• Documented training and experience in horseback riding.
• Training and experience in teaching children horseback riding.
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors in varied conditions.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper and staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Some physical requirements of a Horseback Riding Staff Position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching.
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate Horseback Riding equipment and Horseback Riding activities. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility available.
• Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat.

Job Type

• Temporary/Seasonal

Benefits:

• Meals and housing are provided
• Great memories and tons of fun!
• Make lifelong friends!
• Have the best summer ever!

Location: Utopia, Texas, 78884

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer