Horse Wrangler

General Function

Wranglers are directly responsible for horses and equipment as well as the well-being of campers, participants, and members under the supervision of the Head Wrangler and the Day and Overnight Camp Directors.

Know How

All Wrangler positions require:

1. Age minimum 18 years. – To be a Overnight camp wrangler, one year past high school grad.

2. A driver’s license and a good driving record.

3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children and families.

4. Extensive knowledge of experience in taking care of horses and equipment, teaching riding techniques, teaching how to prepare the horses for rides and communicating with staff and veterinarians.

5. Certification in First Aid and in Infant, Child, and Adult CPR.

Principal Activities

All Wrangler positions require each person to:

1. Live by and teach the Four Principles of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center: Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.

2. Take care of the horses and equipment, including weekends and evenings.

3. Be prepared to teach riding techniques, how to prepare the horses for rides, incorporate the 4 principles into the program and communicate with staff and veterinarians.

4. Be prepared to serve as a camp counselor for the half of the day the day campers are not involved in the horse camp program.

5. Horse camp involves a 2 hour instructional in the morning as well as a 2 hour instructional and trail rides in the afternoon. Wranglers will be involved in night rides, overnight campouts, early morning rides, and specially scheduled rides with Overnight campers. A horse program will be given on Friday afternoons before check out so the campers can show their friends and families what they have learned throughout the week. A weekly lesson plan will be required. Be prepared to serve as the cabin counselor for the Wrangler Camp horse program, living with the campers, leading the cabin group and taking them to activities other than horseback riding, etc.

6. Maintain that the health and safety of campers, members, and participants is the #1 priority of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center at all times.

7. Attend Mandatory staff training which will be anywhere from 6-10 days in length.

8. Assist the campers, members, and participants as they increase their understanding of their natural and social environments.

9. Ensure that all applicable YMCA, ACA (American Camp Association), local, state, and federal regulations are fulfilled.

10. Recognize campers, members, and participants for their personal growth, exemplary behavior, and skill attainment.

11.Guide and direct campers, members, and participants toward their potential by creating a loving and supportive environment.

12.Actively participate in teaching and assisting in activities.

13. Provide evening/overnight coverage Sunday-Friday for Overnight Camp when requested.

Please note: Camp is often unpredictable. There will be times when you will be requested to help in addition to your principle activities.

Effect on End Results:

The effectiveness of all Wranglers is measured in part by:

1. The achievement of the goals and objectives of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center.

2. Campers have learned a new skill (achievement), made a new friend (relationships) and feel a sense of belonging.

3. YMCA Campers, Members, and Participants having a happy, safe, and rewarding experience.

4. Each Staff member and Volunteer having a rewarding growth experience.

5. Positive formal and informal performance reviews.