4-H HORSEMANSHIP CAMP
JUNIOR & ADULT LEADER REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Adult Leader must be 19 years of age or older. Junior Leader must be 16 years of age or older (must be an eligible 4-H member) and have previously attended camp as a camper.

2. Emotionally mature.

3. Have good moral character and integrity.

4. Have good health and vitality.

5. Enjoy the out-of-doors.

6. Like to work with boys and girls and be willing to place the needs of campers and the camp ahead of personal desires.

7. Have skills and ability to help the campers have a fun and rewarding week at camp.


GENERAL COUNSELOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Learn the objectives of the camp program and make prior preparation to be a capable counselor.

2. Set a good example in dress and personal appearance.

3. Be cooperative with all other camp counselors -- volunteers, Extension agents and resident staff.

4. Take a personal interest in and show interest in all campers. Learn the campers' names. Be aware of shy or boisterous campers, create an atmosphere for participation by all with respect for all.

5. Be firm, yet pleasant, in demand for obedience to rules of health and safety both in the barn and cabin areas. Help each camper become acquainted with the general camp program and rules so that they will understand why these are important.

6. Help campers to be involved in the program at all times as much as possible.

7. Help campers to use camp equipment and facilities properly and help maintain camp in a clean condition.

8. Help the campers at all times to have fun and to develop a greater appreciation for our natural environment.

9. Promote leadership and citizenship.

10. Oversee assigned barn areas during all riding, demonstration or feeding periods. Assist with lessons.


ADDITIONAL 4-H HORSE CAMP ADULT & JUNIOR LEADER DUTIES

1. Required meeting with camp director, resident staff and horse staff during the Saturday & Sunday orientation meetings to:
a. Become acquainted
b. Discuss program and activities for the week
c. Receive assignment to specific group and special barn responsibilities and possible teaching responsibilities
d. Learn general camp rules
e. Become acquainted with camp facilities

2. Assume total responsibility for health, safety and welfare of campers on a 24 hour basis.

3. Go to cabin with campers, help them to get settled, get acquainted. It may be necessary to show campers how to make a bed or clean up and where to put
clothes, dispose of trash or hang wet swim suits. Remember you are setting an example.

4. As an adult leader (1-2 per group), meet with assigned cabin and work group to help each become acquainted with the general program for week and plan
responsibilities for the week.

5. As a junior leader, participate with assigned group for classes, playground activities, evening programs, workshop service, etc. when your service is not
needed at the barn. Guide and direct your group to be prepared for various activities and to arrive on time.

6. Assist your group members with grooming, saddling and unsaddling both before and after riding sessions.

7. Assist with playground activities such as supervise archery, referee ball games, supervise canoeing, etc.

8. As cabin counselor, help campers clean their quarters thoroughly each morning before breakfast and encourage cleanliness and order during the day. Go with the
campers to their cabin for bedtime each evening. Stay with your cabin at bedtime unless other wise directed.

9. Eat at the table with campers and encourage good eating habits. Try to help them enjoy the meal.

10. Check on campers personally to see that they are taking showers each day, getting enough rest, changing clothes when needed, having proper bowel
movements, illnesses/injuries are cared for and see that campers are considerate of each other at all times. Report all illness or accidents to camp director or
resident staff for proper attention. Report any facility problems to the Camp Millstone director.

11. Help cabin group prepare stunts and skits for special programs, etc. Help each camper to develop as an individual each week. See that no one is left out. See that
shy campers become involved.

12. Help campers have group prayers or opportunity for individual prayers before going to bed and for some quietness after lights out. Have lights out on scheduled
time (at least by 10:30 p.m.).

13. If person is homesick, make a special effort to keep him/her involved. Do not promise he/she they may call home, consult the Camp Directors or Extension
Personnel first.

14. Organize your group in work crews to carry out assigned clean-up duties in proper manner and actively help with cleaning bathrooms, cabins, dining hall duty,
cleaning classrooms, grounds, etc.

15. Teach the campers the location of the dining hall, recreation areas, flag pole, first-aid station, and off limit areas. Help the campers know and understand the
"signals" for assembly, meals, flag ceremonies, light out and emergencies. Review with them the personal behavior and conduct expected at each event.

16. Support your fellow staff members with a positive attitude.

17. Above all be positive, patient, have a good sense of humor so that the campers will have fun. Remember most of these youth have never had this much responsibility at one time and many have never been away from Mom and Dad this long.

18. Supply Horsemanship Camp Director with a program evaluation at the end of the program for future improvements/suggestions.

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Click here for a 4-H Junior Leader Application

Click here for an Adult Volunteer Leader Application

Page last modified February 18, 2008

Extension Horse Husbandry, Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University