About this Job (campchestnutridge.org/discover)
Seeking energetic equestrian-focused counselors who enjoy playing with children in an outdoor environment, and who want to be positive role models. Each year, we hire 50-60 summer camp counselors, including 5 equestrian specialists, who are eager to make a positive impact in the lives of children and youth.
Chestnut Ridge is a Christian Camp on 362 acres in Efland, NC
Staff lead campers in activities like:
- horseback riding
- farm/garden
- zipline & ropes course
- swimming
- canoeing
- archery
- hiking & nature activities
- and more – get paid to play!
Job starts in late May 2026 and lasts through the summer. Staff live on-site in the cabins with the campers providing supervision to the campers in their care. Camp Sessions run weekly from Sunday afternoon to Friday evening.
Requirements:
- Have substantial horseback riding experience
- Be at least 18 years old by June 1st.
- Enjoy being around kids
- Enjoy the outdoors
Staff receive from $315 per week + free housing in camp cabins and food in the dining hall.
Internship Opportunities:
Many colleges and universities give internship/class credit for summer positions at Camp. With the highly varied nature of roles and responsibilities at camp, we can help cater responsibilities of highly qualified candidates to fit internship requirements for many majors, including Psychology, Education, Arts, Marketing, Environmental Science, Recreation Management, Communications, Nursing, and more
Your Role
As a staff member, you are responsible for helping supervise campers and facilitating activities with a particular focus on equestrian activities. Counselors are responsible for helping with the general care of the horses, leading and assisting with trail rides and arena lessons, teaching basic horsemanship to campers and insuring that campers and horses remain happy and safe throughout the summer.
Housing and Meals
Housing is provided throughout the summer. Meals are provided throughout the week and on weekends when we have retreat groups on site. The 5 cabins and 2 lodges at Chestnut Ridge are air-conditioned and have bathrooms in the cabins. Some weeks you will be assigned to a “camper cabin”, which typically has 2 counselors and 10 campers. Other weeks you will be assigned to a “staff cabin”. These have a detached bathroom, electricity and air conditioning.
About Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center:
We are 362 acres of fun, hospitality, excitement, and growth.
Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center is a non-profit, ACA accredited, co-ed summer camp associated with the United Methodist Church. Chestnut Ridge is located in Efland, NC, and offers day and overnight camps for campers in K – 12th grade.