Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) is headquartered in San Antonio, TX and serves more than 14,000 Girl Scouts (girls and adults) across twenty-one counties in southwest Texas. Girl Scouts is the world’s preeminent leadership development organization for girls, building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.    

Girl Scouts take the lead in bettering their communities and the world. Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWTX) serves more than 10,000 girls and nearly 4,000 adult volunteers in a 21-county jurisdiction. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) is a collection of activities and experiences where girls earn badges, sell cookies, go on exciting trips, explore the outdoors, and participate in or lead take-action projects that make a difference. The GSLE empowers girls to discover their own world as they develop a strong sense of self and strengthen values, connect with others in a global community as girls form caring relationships, promote cooperation and embrace diversity, and take action in the world as girls identify and solve problems they care about. 

We are currently looking for individuals to fill the following Summer Camp position at Camp La Jita. 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 Specialist (Reports to the Horseback Riding Director)

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

Essential Job Functions:

• Becomes acquainted with horses, equipment, facilities, and trails during pre-camp training.
• Assists the Riding Director and other horseback Riding Specialists in developing a plan of work, to include feeding and caring of horses and maintenance and care of equipment, corral, riding ring, and surrounding area.
• Reports serious injuries or illness, and necessary repairs or equipment needs, to the Camp Director.
• Assists in carrying out the riding program with various activities, including instruction, ring practice, trail rides, and opportunities for girls to complete badge requirements. Plans for girls to progress from beginning and intermediate to advanced riding program (special rides, meal rides, overnights, etc.).
• Instructs girls in program pertaining to riding: saddling, grooming, care of tack and tack room, medications, feeding and other instruction. Is prepared to offer 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 (unit program and responsibilities) assigned by the Camp Director through the Horseback Riding Director.
• Assists in keeping records, reports, and inventories of equipment.
• Assumes Riding Director responsibilities in his/her absence.
• 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.
• Attends weekly staff meetings.
• Acts as a host/hostess for camp visitors and parents.
• Follows “Safety Wise” and adheres to the National and Council policies, procedures, and plans.
• Follows and adheres to National and Council policies, procedures, and plans.
• Acts as host/hostess for camp visitors and parents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Job Duties:

• 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. 

Equipment Used: Summer horse herd comprises approximately 20 horses. Western Riding is the method taught at camp.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements: (Minimum qualifications and experience)

• Must be at least 21 years of age or older. 
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR by the American Red Cross. 
• Documented training and teaching children horseback riding.
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors in varied conditions.
• Must attend mandatory staff training sessions for the position May 28 – June 1, and June 3 – 7, 2024.
• Must be available to stay at camp June 9 – July 26, 2024, from 10:00 am Sunday morning until 6:00 pm the following Friday evening. Staff may stay on camp property over the weekend if necessary. (Camp will not be in session June 30 – July 6,2024.)

Physical Demands: 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.

• Ability to communicate and work with participating groups (all 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 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 position could include endurance: sitting on a horse for extended time and some bending, stooping, and stretching.
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate horse riding equipment and horseback riding activities.
• Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/program.
• Requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.     

Work Environment

• Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering camp programs.
• Work daily with exposure to the sun and heat.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and does not constitute a contract.

Location: Utopia, Texas 78884 

Compensation: $600 per week (plus meals and housing included)

EOE