At the Youth and Family Wellness Camp, we’re not just a destination—we’re a close-knit community. This summer, we’re gearing up for an extraordinary series of day and overnight camps, inviting youth from surrounding first nation communities, to embark on a journey of growth and fun. With a diverse array of land and water-based adventures to arts, sports, and team building, our camps are designed to foster valuable life skills, boost self-esteem, and cultivate lasting friendships
Position Description:
The Youth & Family Wellness Camp is seeking one (1) dedicated and confident Equine Activity Specialist to support the delivery of safe, culturally connected, and therapeutic equine programming for youth ages 6–15 from Kenora and Treaty 3 communities. This specialist plays a key role in teaching horsemanship, ensuring quality animal care, supervising equine sessions, and supporting youth as they build confidence, responsibility, and connection through working with horses. The Equine Activity Specialist works closely with the Equine Farm Manager to ensure that all equine activities, equipment, and program spaces are maintained to the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and cultural alignment. This role combines youth leadership, physical outdoor work, and hands-on animal care within a land-based, wellness-focused environment.
Position Title: Equine Summer Student
Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 4N8
Report To: Equine Specialist, Youth & Family Wellness Camp
Contract: May 25 – August 21, 2026
Hourly Rate: $19.00/Hour (40 per week) + Bonus Opportunity, $1.00 for every hour worked if contract is successfully completed
Special Considerations: Summer Programming, Training & Program Support Prior
(4 Weeks – July) Day Camp
(2 Weeks, 3 Nights/4 Days – August) Overnight Camp – 12 Hour Shift
Duties and Responsibilities:
Be a Role Model of Inspiration:
- Arrive punctually each day, ready to set the standard for behavior and engagement.
- Fully engage in staff training sessions
- Wear the staff uniform, embodying the essence of camp professionalism.
- Model engaging and well-planned activities that inspire campers and staff alike.
Training & Professional Development
- Participate in YES Program training workshops and onboarding.
- Attend regular check-ins and professional development sessions.
- Complete all job-specific training and demonstrate confidence in assigned cleaning tasks.
- Assist with the design and delivery of staff training, including orientation for summer staff
- Provide mentorship and professional development throughout the summer, focusing on teaching skills, communication, and cultural awareness.
Leadership & Supervision
- Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to summer camp staff and counsellors taking part in equine programming.
- Conduct daily safety briefings and participate in weekly team meetings to review program goals, schedules, and risk management protocols.
- Deliver engaging, inclusive, and culturally connected equine activities that promote skill development, confidence, and emotional wellness.
- Assist with the safe transportation and movement of campers to and from cultural program areas on site.
- Observe camper interactions with horses and provide supportive, constructive instruction.
- Foster a positive, safety-focused, and collaborative work environment grounded in the Sacred Teachings and the organization’s mission and values.
Safety & Risk Management
- Prioritize the safety and well-being of campers by maintaining constant supervision, along with camp counsellors.
- Ensure all activities meet safety protocols and are delivered in a manner that prioritizes camper well-being.
- Conduct daily inspections of activity spaces and report any concerns immediately to supervisor.
- Conduct daily inspections of the barn, paddocks, tack, and equipment and report concerns immediately to supervisor.
- Support campers in following equine rules and expectations respectfully and consistently, ensuring safety and adherence to camp policies and procedures.
- Document and report incidents in accordance with camp safety policies.
Cultural Integration
- Reinforce teachings, language, and cultural values throughout all programming (respect, responsibility, humility, courage).
- Collaborate with the Cultural Lead to ensure traditional knowledge, and land-based practices are integrated respectfully.
- Promote a welcoming, culturally safe environment where campers feel comfortable learning, sharing, and building connection through horsemanship.
- Ensure cultural content is delivered in a respectful, culturally aligned, and community-approved manner.
Site and Equipment Maintenance
- Conduct regular checks of equipment and communicate supply or safety needs promptly.
- Maintain barn cleanliness, including daily stall clean-out, manure management, and paddock upkeep.
- Clean, maintain, and organize tack, helmets, and program equipment.
- Perform minor facility or equipment maintenance as needed.
- Report any safety concerns, site hazards, or equipment malfunctions immediately to support quick action and prevent risk.
Other Duties as Assigned:
- Willingness to adapt working hours based on needs of program
- Be flexible and adaptable, ready to support camp operations in any capacity required.
Qualifications:
- Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
- Experience working with children in a camp environment or similar setting.
- Experience with horses, barn care, or farm settings.
- Ability to plan, organize, and lead a variety of engaging equine activities for children of different ages.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with campers, parents, and other staff members.
- Knowledge of safety procedures and ability to respond to emergency situations.
- Physical fitness and ability to participate in camp activities alongside campers.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changes in schedule, program, or weather conditions.
- Creativity and willingness to bring new ideas and approaches to the camp program.
- Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language and experience in working in an Indigenous community or organization considered an asset.
- High Five Certification is an asset.
Education and/or Experience:
- College diploma or equivalent community work experience in the following areas:
- Community Services (Agriculture/Equine Studies, Recreation and Leisure, Social Service Worker, Early Childhood Educator); Aboriginal specific programs (Community Advocacy, Education, Child and Family Services
- Aboriginal Studies, Studies in Traditional Teachings, Traditional Knowledge or Cultural Teaching Programs
- Experience working with children and youth in equine, recreation, or land-based programming is preferred.
- Understanding of the Ojibway language is considered an ass
Additional Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license and vehicle;
- Must be willing to travel when required;
- Must be in good physical condition.
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Search.
- First Aid qualifications (minimum of Emergency First Aid) is an asset or must be willing to obtain certificate prior to commencement of work assignment.
Criteria
- Between the ages of 15 to 24
- Be available for the whole summer
- Identity as Indigenous – Asset: Treaty 3
- Enrolled in Post Secondary – Asset
We’re looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for creating the best experience for our clients and within KCA.
Discover What’s Possible!
Please forward resume cover letter and 3 references to:
Human Resource Department
Kenora Chiefs Advisory
P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor
Kenora ON P9N 3X4
Fax: 807-467-2656
Email: resume@kenorachiefs.org
*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting
