Equestrian Summer Staff
We are looking for energetic, creative, hardworking, community builders, who want to make the world a better place by making the Love of Christ visible. We do this by welcoming each and every person who comes to camp, through our care for creation and by building relationships with the people around us.
As a staff member, you will work harder than ever before as well as make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Equestrian Staff
Spend the mornings and afternoons leading trail rides and helping campers learn and feel comfortable near and on the horses. They participate in the rest of camp life when not working at the Equestrian area.
Eligibility
Applying to work at Chestnut Ridge is a competitive process. We typically have more applicants than spaces available. Senior Staff members must be 18. Junior Staff must be 16 and have finished their junior year of high school. Priority is given to applicants who are available to work the entire summer.
Your Role
Patience, flexibility and endurance are the three most important qualities when working as a summer staff. Your role as a counselor requires you to work long hours, present your best self and selflessly serve others. The vast majority of our summer camp staff are residential. As a staff member, you are responsible for helping with 24-hour supervision of the campers. A typical cabin has 2 senior staff members and 10 campers. During the day, you will either lead or assist in major and elective program areas or work with Mudpuppies or Pollywogs, our youngest campers. Staff are given the opportunity to experience a variety of camp activities throughout the summer.
Energy
Going 110 percent every day is important. Campers are inspired by your energy and enthusiasm, so staff must have high energy every day. If you’re having fun and giving your energy and talent to the campers, the campers have fun, and get inspired to be more and learn more.
Important Dates
Staff Training: May 28th - June 14th
During staff training, you will have the opportunity to obtain certifications in Life-guarding, CPR/First Aid, High Ropes Facilitation and Tree Climbing. (Junior Staff are required to attend junior staff training)
Junior Staff Training: May 4 - 5
Trip Leader Training: May 22 - 24
Camp Sessions: run weekly, Sunday-Friday, June 8 - August 23rd (understanding that many college students are not available the last week of camp) We also encourage all of our staff to take a week off during the summer for vacation.
SALARY & BENEFITS: Salaries are based upon position, experience, certifications and skills.
First Year Summer Staff: $220/week
Second Year Summer Staff: $240/week
Third Year Summer Staff: $260/week
Fourth Year Summer Staff: $270/week
Fifth Year Summer Staff: $280/week
Junior Staff: $140/week
Junior Staff Second yr: $160/week
Increase in pay: for certifications obtained
Lifeguard Certification$10/week - offered during staff training
Belay Certification$10/week - offered during staff training
(Salaries listed include an incentive bonus for Senior staff that you will receive upon successful completion of your contract.)
Commercial Driver's License $5/week
Housing and Meals
Housing is provided throughout the summer. Meals are provided throughout the week and on weekends when we have retreat groups on site. The 5 cabins and 2 lodges at Chestnut Ridge are air-conditioned and have bathrooms in the cabins. Some weeks you will be assigned to a “camper cabin”, which typically has 2 counselors and 10 campers. Other weeks you will be assigned to a "staff cabin". These have a detached bathroom, electricity and air conditioning.
Time Off
Most staff take off a week each summer for vacation, mission trips, etc. Additionally, each week staff have off one night (from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm) and are off from approximately 9:00 p.m. Friday evening until 12:30 pm Sunday afternoon. Retreat groups doing programs on Saturdays offers the staff opportunities to make additional money at an hourly rate.
Networking
Being a staff member at camp allows you to connect to our alumni network of former staff and parents who are business owners and employers who recognize your commitment. Sharing camp with alumni and parents is a common language that demonstrates your dedication, commitment and strong work ethic.
Professional Development
Camp is invested in your development and your success. Our objective is to fully equip you with the leadership skills that will enable you to be an effective leader at camp, at school, and in today’s workforce. We focus on building excellent skills in the areas of collaborative teamwork, effective communication, creative thinking and problem-solving. While at camp, we are helping you identify and develop your strengths in these areas. Many colleges and universities give internship/class credit for summer positions at Camp.