Cabin Counselor: Riding Instructor

Job Description

Do you love horses, the outdoors, and the energy of summer camp? Ready to spend your days on horseback and your nights building unforgettable memories with campers? As a Cabin Counselor: Riding Instructor (CC:RI) at Camp Chief Ouray, you won’t just teach riding—you’ll mentor, inspire, and help young people grow in confidence, courage, and connection.

The Experience
This is more than a job—it’s a fully immersive camp adventure. You’ll live in a cabin with 8–10 campers and a co-counselor during 1–2 week overnight sessions, serving as both a trusted role model and an equestrian instructor. From trail rides through stunning mountain landscapes to campfire evenings and cabin laughs, you’ll be part of every moment that makes camp magical.

What You’ll Do
Serve as an overnight cabin counselor, supporting campers’ physical, emotional, and social well-being

Lead western-style riding lessons and trail rides for campers ages 7–14

Help deliver a progressive, 5 level & Intro equestrian curriculum

Care for and work with a herd of 45 horses, learning each horse’s personality and needs

Rotate between riding instruction and barn work, including horse care and facility upkeep

Create a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment for campers and fellow staff

Support evening programs, meals, cleaning, and overall camp operations

Who You Are
At least 18 years old

Experienced in horsemanship and western pleasure riding

Comfortable working with youth in a camp or childcare setting

Patient, positive, and confident leading groups

A strong team player with great time-management skills

CPR/First Aid certified (or willing to obtain)

Passionate about safety, mentorship, and creating meaningful experiences

Our Mission & Culture
At YMCA of the Rockies, we put Christian principles into practice and strive to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. We live our core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith, and we’re committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. At camp, that means every camper and staff member feels safe, supported, and valued.

If you’re ready to saddle up for a summer that matters, grow as a leader, and be part of a tight-knit camp community—you belong here.

Lead with heart. Ride with purpose. Make this summer unforgettable.