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 Summer Student to support the daily care of horses, small animals, program spaces, and the outdoor environment within our Equine Program. This role plays an important part in ensuring that horses, equipment, grounds, and farm facilities are maintained to high standards of safety, cleanliness, and cultural alignment. The Equine Summer Student works closely with the Equine Specialist to assist horse care, barn operations, grounds maintenance, and basic program preparation. This position offers youth the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in barn work, animal care, teamwork, and land-based learning while contributing to a safe and welcoming environment for campers, families, and visitors.
- Equine Programming – Horse care, grooming, horsemanship, tacking, groundwork, basic riding support, animal care education, and equine-assisted activities grounded in respect, safety, and cultural connection.
Position Title: Equine Summer Student
Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 4N8
Report To: Equine Specialist, Youth & Family Wellness Camp
Contract: June 21 – 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
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.
- Engage in learning opportunities related to basic horsemanship, animal care, and farm operation.
- Provide mentorship and professional development throughout the summer, focusing on teaching skills, communication, and cultural awareness.
Horse & Animal Care Support (Performed with guidance and supervision as needed)
- Assist with catching, grooming, and preparing horses for sessions.
- Walk beside horses during sessions to support the safety of riders.
- Learn and practice basic horsemanship skills
- Support with the delivery of engaging, inclusive, and culturally connected equine activities that promote skill development, confidence, and emotional wellness.
- Foster a positive, safety-focused, and collaborative work environment grounded in the Sacred Teachings and the organization’s mission and values.
Barn, Site & Equipment Maintenance
- Clean horse stalls daily and manage manure disposal
- Maintain paddocks, pastures, and farm grounds through weeding, raking, and general outdoor stewardship
- Feed and clean enclosures for chickens, ducks, and rabbits
- Clean, organize, and prepare tack, saddles, and equipment for sessions
- Assist with minor facility equipment maintenance as directed.
- Report hazards, safety concerns, or equipment issues immediately.
Safety & Risk Management
- Maintain awareness of surroundings and report any safety concerns to the Equine Specialist
- Ensure tools, equipment, and animals are handled safely and respectfully
- Support riders and campers in following barn rules and safety procedures
- Document and report incidents in accordance with camp safety policies.
Cultural Integration
- Demonstrate respect for cultural teachings, values, and land-based practices.
- Support the integration of Anishinaabe teachings (respect, humility, courage, responsibility) within daily work.
- Promote a welcoming, culturally safe environment where campers feel comfortable learning, sharing, and building connection through horsemanship.
- Interact with youth and community members in a welcoming, culturally safe manner.
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 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.
- Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language and experience in working in an Indigenous community or organization considered an asset.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be in good physical condition.
- Must be reliable, trustworthy, and able to follow instructions.
- Must be able to work independently with little supervision.
- Must be able to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
- 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.
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