Horsemanship Instructor
Horsemanship Merit Badge & Outpost Trip Instructor — Summer 2026
Woodruff Scout Camp — Scouting America
📍 Blairsville, Georgia (North Georgia Mountains)
📅 May 23 – July 19, 2026
💲 $325 per week + Housing & Meals Included
Position Overview
Woodruff Scout Camp is hiring a Horsemanship Merit Badge & Outpost Trip Instructor to serve in our Adventure Zone (AZ) department. This unique role combines teaching horsemanship skills with leading a small group of Scouts on a multi-day off-camp outpost experience (Monday–Thursday each week).
The instructor lives and works with participants during the trip, teaching responsibility, animal care, outdoor living, and confidence while facilitating a memorable high-adventure experience. This position is ideal for students interested in Outdoor Recreation, Agriculture, Animal Science, Education, Parks & Recreation, or Experiential Education.
Responsibilities
Horsemanship Instruction
Teach Horsemanship Merit Badge requirements
Instruct proper grooming, saddling, handling, and safety around horses
Educate Scouts on horse care, equipment, and stable management
Promote respect for animals and responsible stewardship
Outpost Leadership (Primary Role)
Lead a group of Scouts off-camp Monday–Thursday each week
Supervise daily living at the outpost location
Facilitate outdoor living skills and group cooperation
Maintain accountability, schedules, and participant wellbeing
Safety & Supervision
Enforce safety procedures around animals and during travel
Monitor youth behavior and maintain a positive group environment
Communicate with camp leadership and report concerns
Respond appropriately to minor incidents or emergencies
Logistics & Program Support
Prepare program materials and trip equipment
Assist with transportation loading and unloading
Maintain cleanliness and organization at the outpost site
Support Adventure Zone programs while in camp
Qualifications
Required
Comfortable working around horses or willingness to learn quickly
Strong leadership and maturity (must be dependable in remote setting)
Ability to live and work with youth in an overnight environment
Good judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills
Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Preferred
Horse handling or barn experience
Teaching, coaching, or youth leadership experience
Camping/backpacking/outdoor living experience
First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
Training provided during staff training week.
Compensation & Benefits
$325 per week
Free on-site housing and meals when at camp
All trip food and lodging provided while at outpost
Leadership & risk-management experience
Resume-building outdoor education position
Certifications and training opportunities
Access to camp adventure activities during time off
Schedule
Report Date: May 23, 2026
Weekly Outpost Trips: Monday–Thursday
Camper Season: May 31 – July 18, 2026
End Date: July 19, 2026
Staff live on-site at camp except while supervising outpost trips.
Why This Job Matters
This program often becomes a Scout’s favorite part of camp — living outdoors, caring for animals, and learning responsibility. The instructor helps participants build confidence, independence, and respect for nature through real experiences.