YMCA of the Rockies , Granby, Colorado
YMCA of the Rockies
ProfileOverview
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.
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.
Employee Experience
Working at YMCA of the Rockies is less like a traditional job and more like being part of a close-knit mountain community rooted in purpose and service. Employees are connected to a mission that focuses on building healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, and many find deep fulfillment in knowing their work directly impacts families, guests, and fellow staff every day. The experience is highly community-driven, with coworkers often becoming friends through shared work, housing, meals, and outdoor adventures. The culture is values-based and supportive, emphasizing caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, with leaders who are approachable and mission-focused. Employees enjoy a unique mountain lifestyle with easy access to hiking, skiing, wildlife, and YMCA recreation facilities, along with opportunities to learn new skills, cross-train, and grow personally and professionally. While the work can be physically demanding and requires flexibility due to weather, altitude, and seasonal changes, many employees describe the experience as meaningful, memorable, and life-shaping—leaving with strong connections, valuable skills, and a lasting sense of purpose.
The Perfect Fit
The perfect fit for this position is someone who is mission-minded, genuinely caring about service, community, and making a meaningful impact rather than just earning a paycheck. They resonate deeply with the YMCA’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, and find fulfillment in helping others feel welcome, safe, and supported. People-centered in their approach, they enjoy working with guests, families, children, coworkers, and volunteers, demonstrating patience, friendliness, and calm under pressure, while feeling comfortable connecting with individuals from all backgrounds. Adaptable and team-oriented, they thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments and value collaboration, strong communication, and working together to achieve shared goals.
Perks & Housing
Job Perks
Employees at YMCA of the Rockies enjoy a unique set of perks that make mountain living both affordable and rewarding. Many positions offer access to on-site housing with utilities and Wi-Fi included, along with three meals a day in the dining commons, which removes much of the cost and stress of living in a resort mountain town. Employees receive free or discounted access to YMCA facilities such as fitness centers, climbing walls, trails, courts, and recreational programs, as well as opportunities to participate in seasonal activities like Nordic skiing, tubing, canoeing, hiking, and biking depending on location and time of year. Additional perks often include discounted lodging for friends and family, employee discounts on activities and gear, and access to corporate ski passes or reduced-rate lift tickets at nearby resorts. Beyond tangible benefits, seasonal staff gain a strong sense of community, participate in staff events and outings, and build transferable skills while working in a mission-driven environment surrounded by Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Housing Options
Rocky Mountain Living Package It’s not just a job; It’s an experience! What is included? • Housing in dormitory style rooms • Free utilities (electric, heat, water) • Free internet • Free laundry • Free cleaning supplies and vacuums • Housing lobbies feature o Refrigerators, microwaves, & Keurig’s o large screen TV’s o cable • 3 buffet style meals daily – eat in our dining halls or take your meals to-go. • Discounted lodge room nights for friends and family. • Access to all of YMCA of the Rockies facilities, free gear rentals, free or discounted tickets to local attractions, and the ability to sign up for free passes for skiing, indoor climbing and golf.
Meal Plan
Meals Included: 3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner). 7 days/wk
Things To Do In The Area
Estes Park Center -Rocky Mountain National Park -Fall River Visitor Center -Estes Park Aerial Tramway -Open Air Adventure Park -National Park Gateway Stables or Jackson Stables Snow Mountain Ranch -Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing -Winter Tubing & Ice Skating -Canoeing & Paddleboarding -Archery & Indoor Climbing -Whitewater Rafting
RV / CamperVan Space
RV/Camper Spots have limited availablabillity depending on season at Snow Mountain Ranch
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