2025 Summer Camp Lead Wrangler - Tomahawk Ranch - Girl Scouts of Colorado - Girl Scouts of Colorado

Summer Camp Wrangler at Tomahawk Ranch

Make a difference in the life of a girl and spend an unforgettable summer in the Rocky Mountains! Tomahawk Ranch is located one-hour southwest of Denver in Bailey, Colorado. Activities include arts and crafts, backpacking, boating, horseback riding, zip lining, farm with ranch animals, dance & drama, archery and sports, photography, international cultures, nature and science, astronomy, homesteading, gardening, and outdoor skills. Camp themes include Wizarding, Fantasy (Percy Jackson, Zombies, Renaissance), Wild West & Mountain Adventure! Tomahawk Ranch is licensed by the State of Colorado and accredited by the American Camp Association.

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT: Late May to Mid-August 2025 (approximate dates TBD)

For more information about Tomahawk Ranch please visit our website!

Tomahawk Ranch Overnight Camp | camp (girlscoutsofcolorado.org)

Lead Wrangler General Duties:

As a member of a horse and barn staff team, the lead wrangler is responsible for the oversight and implementation of on-site horse program based on camp wide goals, policies, and procedures at a Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) camp property. This position is also responsible for, as a team, caring for a herd of 15-20 horses. Additionally, this role supports the property, hospitality, operational, program, health, & cabin leadership team as needed as part of the camp team. A primary function of this, and every other job at camp, is to ensure that each member, guest and visitor receives the highest caliber of service.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES ***(Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job)

• General Responsibilities
• Work on a team of 2-4 other ranch staff caring for horses and farm animals including but not limited to; feeding, grooming, tacking, general first aid of animals and mucking. 
• Assist Barn Specialist with daily care of various barn animals need as needed.  
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of all farm/barn/arena/pasture areas. 
• Assist in the care & management of program, horse, and barn equipment, including storage, maintenance, cleanliness, and usage in coordination with fellow team members.
• Provide and/or support emergency procedures during on-site and off-site trip incidents.
• Provide and/or support health and wellness practices.
• Provide assistance/coverage as necessary to all additional operational and program staff.
• Support the work of the cabin, health, site, kitchen, and housekeeping staff as needed.

• Program Responsibilities

• Instruct & supervise western horse riding (including but not limited to trail rides around property, maneuvers, and activities in arenas) to 12-15 riders at a time. Ensuring safety and adaptations to meet the needs of all riders.

Camper Leadership & Supervision

• While on horse trails or when assigned as needed, act 'in loco parentis' and guide a group of campers during overnight camp sessions.
• Support & counsel campers in daily living, camp activities, and developing peer relationships.

• Staff Leadership & Supervision
• Supervise a team of 2-4 wranglers for the delivery of the horse program.
• Create daily (7 days a week), weekly, and summer chore schedules for wrangler staff.
• Train & orient of proper use of specialized areas, materials, and delivery of program.
• Verify wrangler & general staff competence before assigning them to participate in horse riding or a supervisory role. Monitor their performance throughout the season.
• Provide evaluation and coaching for assigned staff.

Administration

• Manage administrative responsibilities in a timely, independent, and detail-oriented manner.
• Work on the development, review, and assist in the creation of daily, weekly, and activity schedules, in cooperation with other staff, based on camp program, camper planning, and camp goals.
• Provide a system for accurate logs, forms, inventory, and record keeping.
• Provide & participate in camper and staff feedback forms as necessary for the overall camp's strategic planning.
• Participate in regular staff meetings and training for planning purposes, communication resolutions, and carrying out assignments.
• Coordinate and communicate schedules to campers & staff as necessary.
• Carry out ongoing observations to assure that goals and expectations of leadership & program delivery are positive and appropriate.
• Interact with digital systems including WorkBright, Slack, Instagram, & Facebook.
• Respect the confidential nature of all information pertaining to staff, volunteers, and campers.
• Follow policies, procedures, and standards set by the American Camping Association, Girl Scouts Safety Activity Checkpoints, Colorado Department of Health and Human Services, and other certifying industry organizations.

PRIMARY CROSS-FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• In accordance with the philosophy of Girl Scouts of Colorado, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.

• Support the efforts and commitments of Girl Scouts of Colorado in pluralism and diversity throughout the organization and within each community served.

• Embrace diversity and inclusiveness by contributing to positive relationships between diverse racial, ethnic, and social groups in the Council as a whole and between employees and volunteers.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education and/or Formal Training 

• High school diploma or GED and at least one year of college or equivalent work experience.
• Must have current OR willingness to obtain the following certifications: First Aid/CPR, Child Abuse Mandated Reporter, Universal Standard Precautions, Medication Administration.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Documented experience in supervision and leadership of peers and/or staff.
• Proven experience of western riding skills. 
• Holds a current certification as an instructor from a recognized organization and/or provides documented endorsements of successful experience in teaching formal horseback riding instruction within the past 2 years.
• A minimum of 2 years in horse care and safe practices around equine & farm animals.  
• Preferred experience or desire for working with children.
• Proven experience in horse & rider classification.  
• Ability to ride 6-8 hours daily, 6-7 days per week. 
• Preferred experience working in an outdoor program and/or camp setting.
• Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Willing to provide innovative and engaging program development and facilitation in an informal, outdoor setting.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check acceptable to GSCO standards.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED 

• This position works with program related equipment:
• Riding equipment: saddles, bridles, saddle pads, etc. 
• Horse & animal feed: bales and bags (roughly 50lbs-75lbs) 
• Equine & barn animals. 
• This position works occasionally with program related equipment in areas such as hiking, hot elements, and other outdoor skills activities.
• Subject to injuries from falls, accidental strikes, cuts from equipment, etc.
• Handheld radios.
• As directed, golf carts, gator, trucks, and leased vehicles.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES 

• Camps are at altitudes of 8,000-9,500 feet.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends, extended overnight periods and extended work hours, up to 22 hours per day.
• Required daily, frequent exposure to highly stimulating and loud environments.
• Program activities are carried out in the out-of-doors often in inclement weather.
• Willing to be on-call at all times, for health, emergency purposes, camper supervision, and program implementation.
• Required to live on-site in shared housing. (All staff living quarters are shared with other staff and/or campers).
• Requires extensive walking/hiking >2miles/day over uneven and unpaved terrain.
• Able to carry, lift and/or transfer at least 75 pounds.
• Ability to hear, listen, see, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, use hands & fingers to handle or feel, reach with hands & arms, and balance.
• Must have interpersonal skills/behaviors (i.e. working with individuals with a range of moods & behaviors in a tactful, congenial personal manner, so as not to alienate, or antagonize them).

We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities. Our workplace is inclusive, and we strive to create an accessible and accommodating environment for all employees. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding accommodations for disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are invited to interview and require accommodations, please inform us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and accessible interview experience. If you have questions about accessibility or need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at careers@gscolorado.org or 877-404-5708. We are here to help.

Girl Scouts of Colorado celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse community. People from historically marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: GSCO is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at GSCO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations where we operate. GSCO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.