Ranch Hand

Ranch Hands take the lead in creating a welcoming, safe, fun, community where campers and staff can grow and flourish. As a team, Ranch Hands provide continuity of program and ethos throughout all camps at The Bishop’s Ranch.

During youth camps, Ranch Hands are first and foremost counselors, facilitating activities and small groups, keeping campers engaged and safe. They sleep in cabins, but occasionally rotate out for a week. During intergenerational camps, they take leadership with the youth-specific activities and serve as support staff. Ranch Hands need to be flexible, energetic, love working with kids, and be willing to pitch in– wherever needed.

Specific Responsibilities

• Work to build an inclusive community of unconditional love.
• Foster camaraderie and a safe place for campers.
• Welcome camp counselors and volunteer counselors into the staff community with warmth and support.
• Provide leadership and overnight supervision for a cabin of 6-8 campers daily.
• Offer emotional support and behavior redirection as needed for campers.
• Work cooperatively with camp chaplains to carry out each camp program.
• Enthusiastically participate in all aspects of the BREAD camp program including wake ups, meals, morning programs, cabin time, free time, workshops, evening activities, campfires, compline services, music and games.
• Lead, or co-lead a small group in daily morning conversations, and hold information confidential (unless a source of concern, then report to a supervisor).
• Brainstorm, prepare, lead or co-lead, and cleanup workshops.
• Supervise afternoon free time and pool activities while integrating with campers.
• In teams, brainstorm, prepare, lead and clean up evening activities and campfires.
• Seek to include all campers throughout the program, providing attention equally across the camp community.
• Monitor and uphold safety and health standards as dictated by The Bishop’s Ranch, the Diocese of California, and the American Camp Association.
• Take on supportive tasks as assigned with grace and good humor (may range from cleaning tables, to organizing supplies, office work, clearing trails, etc.)

Requirements

• Life guard certification (4 Ranch Hands will need to be certified)
• First Aid/CPR certification (offered during staff training)
• Full attendance at staff training (June 14-19, 2020)
• Job interview
• National background check and voluntary disclosure statement
• Sign and agree to live according to our Camp Community Covenant
• Complete a Safe Church online training and a Medical Information Form
• Commitment to work the entire summer program (June 16 – August 4, exceptions may be possible)
• At least two years older than the campers they serve as cabin counselors:
  • For BREAD Explorers: staff who serve as cabin counselors are 20 years old and/or have completed two years of college or the equivalent.
  • Staff who do not meet the age requirements may serve in supportive roles.

Physical Requirements
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 the position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs; willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, etc.

Compensation

• $450 per week for seven weeks ($3,150)
• Room and board at The Bishop’s Ranch for the period of employment

We plan to hire 8 Ranch Hands. We’re looking for Ranch Hands who have had experience working with children and youth, preferably with camp experience. At least 4 Ranch Hands will need to be lifeguard certified.