Summer jobs in USA(also in careers and NL)

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dopeesophee

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i saw an advert in NES, that was looking for people to go teach horse riding in USA, on a camp for children during the summer

does anyone have any experience of this and what qualifications would i need?

im thinking about taking my BHS exams whilst doing my Alevels... then after a levels go for the summer to somewhere like the usa...(if mum will look after ponies )

thanks

xx
 
I worked on a camp in upstate NY teaching for 5 summers. Had a fantastic time and came home with a husband to boot! Really fun and also really rewarding as so many of the kids got so much out of the experience on so many different levels.

On a serious note the camp I worked at did not require a formal teaching qualification though I think some look for BHS or pony club quals (e.g B test). I had to provide references re: my riding and teaching ability and got the job on that basis. I ended up running the program after my second summer, got hooked and kept going back whilst I was at Uni.

The place that I worked at was a day camp so quite unique in that we had our evenings free. We leased horses for the summer from a dealer who was based in the Bronx! Was all a bit make do and mend at times but we made sure we gave the kids and the horses a good summer. We were lucky enough to borrow one or two school master types for the summer and the rest we had about 2 weeks to suss out before the kids arrived!

I can't recommed the experience enough myself, I met so many special people, travelled all over the states which was more interesting than I ever imagined and came home a better person for the whole experience.

Unfortunately the camp that I worked at no longer runs but you should be able to go to a camp america recruitment fair and suss out a few camps to see which one you would prefer.
 
cheers, overall it seems a good idea
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dad also said i should see if i could go to argentina to work with polo ponies and put my spanish to practise
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x
 
I went to the summer camp which advertises in H&H every year. It is one of the best equestrian camps in the states. It was hard work. You had to be at the yard for 6am 3 mornings a week and were on duty until 10pm everyday. But I really enjoyed.

I had limited teaching experience before I went but a lot had their AI or PTT. Although a few of us just had a lots of riding experience. This camp runs for 12 weeks with them wanting you to be out as much as 3 weeks in advance to get the ponies ready rather than the 8/9 weeks of most camps. They like people to be at least 18 but sometime tale people who are 17.

This is the camp I was at http://www.camprimrock.com/

ETS I also got the most amazing tan.
 
My two best summers ever were at summer camp.

First year I had no qualifications, I loved it so much I decided to take a year out of Uni, did my BHSAI and returned the next year as head of riding. I LOVED it.

I was at a great camp in Maine. All very posh! Great horses, accomodation and wages. http://www.tripplakecamp.com/

Both years I travelled about when I finished work and before I returned to UK.

Can't say enough good things about it. My Mum always jokes that she sent off a quiet shy wall flower and 9 weeks later got me back! I really came out of my shell
 
I went in 2007 and am going again this year, albeit to a different camp.

It is great fun, with a lot of perks, but is very intense at the same time.

I'd definately reccomend it.
 
Yep I did it in my gap year and would thoroughly recommend it. I had no qualifications but had taught a bit (not that much TBH) but my enthusiasm saw me through the interview
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Like others have said, I got out there about 3 weeks before camp started and we got the horses in and ridden ready for the kids to arrive as well as some random DIY stuff (painting fences etc). When camp started we had 1 day off a week, I also looked after a bunk of 8 children so was literally on call 24/7 and it was pretty intense at times but awesome! I found it a really eye opening experience and was shocked at how differently they treat the horses over there but I would still highly recommend it.

One thing I would say is that the pay is pants so make sure you are at a camp that allows you to accept tips as this is what funded my expenses and travelling afterwards!
 
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