Summer Equestrian Instructor

Equestrian Instructor for At-Risk Youth

Do you want to be part of the most exciting and fulfilling job you’ve ever imagined?

• Join the Team
• Create a Legacy
• Change Lives… yours, too!

Instruct small groups of youth in residential treatment and other youth in state custody through an exhilarating 10-week therapeutic summer adventure camp program. You’ll instruct groups in horse care, grooming, saddling, riding techniques, and take them on trail rides each day as they live in tents in the woods, cooking over a fire, and participating in 5-10 day therapeutic adventure programs. You’ll get to teach progressive riding skills to many groups and even teach some to work and drive cattle. You’ll have the opportunity to use horses in intentional ways to grow our young people’s confidence, relationships, and purpose, as well helping them heal from the past and grow hope for the future.

KVC’s Meramec Adventure Ranch

Who we are:

Using the transformative power of the wilderness and adventure, KVC’s Meramec Adventure Ranch is dedicated to serving individuals and families whom much of the world has given up on, including youth struggling with traumatic pasts, youth in residential treatment, youth on the Autism Spectrum, and Wounded Warriors. Since 2006, the Ranch has grown to be one of the most extensive adventure bases in the Midwest and has served over 100,000 youth and families. The ranch is a unique program; the only one of its kind in Missouri and one of the few therapeutic adventure programs left in the country that serve youth in the state system.

During the summer you’ll serve youth in residential treatment, Siblings separated in the Foster care system, youth on the Autism Spectrum and families of Wounded Warriors. Youth are between the ages of 6-18, have experienced histories of severe trauma and abuse, and are working through significant emotional and behavioral challenges. Approximately 40-70 campers will attend each week. During these trips you’ll use horses in intentional ways as a catalyst to build relationships and produce victories that grow awareness, efficacy, connection, purpose, and hope.

Adventure experiences are not an escape from the daily grind. They are reality where, in an “off-balance” environment, the true self always eventually surfaces and must be faced, concrete victories are earned, natural consequences are plentiful, roles and gifts are discovered, and positive relationships are built. Evidence bears out that these experiences become defining moments for young men and young women as they grow, heal, and hope.

You can be a part of this critical program and play a vital role in the life stories of the incredible individuals we are honored to stand alongside each day!

What you get to do in this position:

• Live on-site with the full-time camp staff during Adventure Camp.
• Lead groups through daily equestrian activities including horse care, grooming, saddling, riding instruction, trail rides, and cattle drives.
• Facilitate group processing and individual growth throughout each activity, all the while maintaining safety and trust.
• Lead your group in daily camp routine and living, evening activities and special events.
• Take every opportunity to tell others about the Ranch, our mission, and about the young men and women we serve.

When is Camp?

May 19th–June 4th: Camp Preparation/Training/Adventure Race
June 5th–July 2nd: Camp Sessions 1-4 (Residential Treatment Youth)
July 3rd–7th: Break
July 8th–Aug 3rd: Camp Sessions 5-8 (Wounded Warrior Families, Siblings separated in Foster Care, Kids with ASD)

Do I get paid for these positions?

Yes! Salaries are based on position and experience and range from $425-$475 per week. Meals and lodging are provided during camp, and housing is provided for time off if you desire to remain in the area. Practicums and internships are welcome.

Challenges:

• Kids who are extremely challenging to build relationships and trust with, and many times will act out in extreme ways to find out if you really are who you say you are.
• Long times in the woods with heat, bugs, snakes, ridiculously long hours, and few showers.
• Opportunities to leave a lasting impact on the program. Our team has created what the Ranch is today and our team will create what it becomes tomorrow.
• Quality performance is not based on the greatness of your techniques or strength of your skills, but on the quality and character of person you are.

Benefits:

• All those “challenges” mentioned above!
• Never have two days that are the same.

• Shared Housing is provided for all staff.
• All food is provided when running programs.

• PRODEALS, PRODEALS, PRODEALS!
• Free stickers for your Nalgene Bottle…Everyone needs a few more!
• You can bring your hammock to work…though we won’t guarantee that you’ll spend much time in it.
• Looking up a night sky from your sleeping bag and saying to yourself, “This is where I belong!”
• Stand beside people who have seen incredible adversity, hurt, and pain, and be a part of their stories as they grow to change the world!

Experience Needed:

• Experience with horse care, riding, and leading activities
• A Calling/Passion to be HERE!
• GRIT
• Disciplined Work Ethic
• Honesty
• Willingness to have fun and act silly
• Creativity and Ideas
• Self-Awareness
• Wisdom and Discernment
• Willingness to learn
• Humility
• Unconditional Care, Unwavering Belief, and Consistent Accountability for yourself, the Ranch Family, and those we serve
• Experience in Residential Care is also very useful.

For more information:

www.facebook.com/meramecranch/

https://missouri.kvc.org/meramec-adventure-ranch/

bbailey@kvc.org

573-775-5513

If you are passionate about being part of what is happening at the Meramec Adventure Ranch, send your resume to bbailey@kvc.org

We would be honored to team up with you and stand alongside some pretty amazing youth!