Children’s Counselor

Smith Fork Ranch is an upscale guest ranch located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The ranch specializes in fine dining, horseback riding, fly fishing, and excellent service. Smith Fork Ranch prides itself on having an extensive wine cellar, luxurious guest accommodations in the rustic style, world class small stream fly fishing, miles upon miles of riding trails, 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 staff members who understand the main goal is to give guests a wonderful and memorable vacation. SFR employees are team players that are extremely versatile and open to learning.

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. SFR has a variety of facilities and opportunities for children; our kid's program focuses on 3-7 year old children but sometimes includes teenagers as well. 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 - our uppermost pond with floating dock - for cool dips (supervised) on hot days. We have two ponies for riding, petting and grooming by small children. Best of all, there are boundless acres of fields, stream, and woodlands to explore and play in…… what fun!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Help plan and execute children's program
• 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 or field 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 / childcare during adult dinner
• Photograph children during activities, using ranch digital cameras'
• Assist Cabin Hosts with Sunday turn-over's as well as mid week linen changes
• Meet and greet ranch families on Sundays at cocktails/dinner
• Help operate the ranch store
• Help plan birthday celebrations
• Contribute to the overall guest ranch experience with participation in weekly events such as Staff/Guest luncheon, Saturday night cookout, campfire, and dances, and other special events.
• Take part in evening dishwashing “rotation” (among all staff, duty is about twice monthly)
• 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, and mothers helper experience
• Must be at least 19 years of age
• Must be able to lift and carry 40 lbs.
• Must have CPR & First Aid certification
• Team sports or gymnastics experience
• 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
• Ability to work 6 days a week
• Must be available for employment from May 15 – August 30
• Must have valid drivers license
• Have a genuine concern for the level of enjoyment of our guests