Children’s Counselor

Smith Fork Ranch is an upscale guest ranch in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  The ranch specializes in fine dining, excellent service, extensive wine cellar and luxurious guest accommodations in the rustic style.  Our main activity offerings are trail riding and fly fishing, with other activities that include hiking, archery, team penning cattle on horseback, and a very active children’s program.  With a capacity of 26-28 guests per week and a staff of approximately 27, SFR employs energetic, hardworking and flexible individuals who understand the main goal is to give guests a wonderful and memorable vacation.

Job description:

Our children’s counselors are people-persons who are outgoing, engaging and who genuinely care about others- and most importantly, they relate to children of all ages and have a gentle, playful nature.  They spend their days providing opportunities for children to play, explore, and generally enjoy the ranch.  Our kid’s program focuses on 3-7 year old children but sometimes includes toddlers/babies as well as whole family groups.  SFR has a tree house, two Ute Indian Tipis and the Homestead Hangout, where children can play.  In addition, there are horse/tire swings and a swimming hole.  We have two ponies for riding, petting and grooming, and best of all, there are boundless acres of field, stream, and woodlands to explore and play in- what fun!  A typical work week is approximately 60 hours- some weeks more, some weeks less.

Responsibilities include:

• Help plan and execute children’s program for kids 3-7 years old
• Take children on nature hikes/walks, frog hunting, and scavenger hunts sharing knowledge of flora & fauna  
• Take children to creek for fishing, creek walks, boat races, and panning gold
• Organize yard games for children and adults at weekly cookout
• Organize rainy day games and activities for children and families (just in case)
• Demonstrate and assist with arts and crafts in Homestead Hangout
• Take children on pony rides, using lead rope
• Teach children to groom and basic horsemanship (counselors tack ponies for rides)
• Supervise children’s dinner and activities during adult dinner and baby sit later as needed
• Photograph children during activities, using ranch digital camera
• Assist Cabin Hosts with Sunday turn-over’s, mid-week linen changes, and when there are few children or if there is great need
• Meet and greet ranch families on Sundays at cocktails/dinner
• Help operate the ranch store
• Contribute to the whole guest ranch experience with participation in weekly events such as Staff/Guest luncheon, Saturday night cookout, campfire, and dances, and other special events
• Participate with other staff in dish duty rotation (typically one to two times a month)
• Maintain a level of dedication and pride in the work at Smith Fork Ranch by helping out in times of need and completing each job to the best of your ability
• Be a part of the SFR team, contributing talents, input, and enthusiasm

Requirements:

• Teaching, child care, babysitting or experience
• Must be at least 19 years of age
• Must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs.
• Must have CPR/First Aid certification
• Must wear proper SFR attire
• Maintain high level of safety with guests at all times
• Musical ability, such as playing the guitar, is a plus