Merakzim, the management team, are the shapers of the summer to come. It’s also a category that houses some essential positions who help keep camps cogs turning on a daily basis. These positions should also expect to some communication before camp starts and know that their summer schedule will be a little bit more hectic than others. We look to these staff members as the role models for our tsevet kehilah (staff community) and expect them to set a high bar for others to look to.

Program Manager

The Program Director (Head of Programs) supervises the tsevet mumchim (program staff) running activity areas and provides support where needed. They, along with the Camp Program Coordinator are responsible for setup and dissemination of the camp schedule and monitoring the day to day flow of camp. They provide feedback to the tsevet mumchim throughout the summer, making sure that programmatic goals in each area are being met and that tsevet mumchim are creating a programmatic flow that works for the age groups they are working with. Applicants for this position should have at least two years working in camp or outdoor education, with specific experience leading a variety of camp-style programs to be a good resource to the tsevet mumchim, and have experience with creating a schedule.

Judaics Program Manager

The Judaics Program Coordinator oversees Jewish themed programming, such as Shabbat services, prayers, and Shabbat prep activities, across camp. They are responsible for leading services and having the service at camp be camper-led and inclusive of all ages and demographics. They also serve as partners to program staff to help infuse thematic Judaism and Jewish values across camp program. They seamlessly weave Jewish values and ideas into every day camp life.

Barn Program Manager

The grand vizier of all mammals that aren’t humans, at Ranch Camp. This position is not only responsible for programmatic oversight and logistical oversight of scheduling horses for program, but also is responsible for assessing equine soundness and daily basis. Applicants must be American Association for Horsemanship Safety Instructor certified and have 10 or more years working with equines in a professional setting. The Barn Program Manager also oversees the farm and garden program at camp.

Office Manager

Ranch Camp’s Office Manager is the overseer of the most chaotic place at camp – the office. They are primarily responsible for answering phones, checking voicemail, assisting in coordination of pickup and drop-off, as well as checking camper forms for clarity and completion. Filing paperwork is a major duty of this position. Applicants for the Office Manager position should have prior experience in a clerical-type job, have a typing speed of 75 WPM, and be able to deal with busy work in a hectic environment.

The Mir’Pa’Ah (Wellness Center) is the department of both maladies and happiness. They are there to help chanichim (campers) stay as healthy as possible so they can enjoy camp to the absolute maximum. They are also responsible for all medication administration and storage, ensuring that all Colorado Regulations and American Camping Association guidelines are being followed.

Camp Clinic Director

The Camp Health Director supervises the Mir’Pa’Ah  and the regulation of all things medical at camp. They will be expected to assist all chanichim at any time of day or night, if needed. They are provided private housing nearby to the Mir’Pa’Ah. All campers who come through the Mir’Pa’Ah must be logged digitally, with enough detail and clarity for future reference. The Camp Health Director is also responsible for coordinating the medication being taken out on trips, ensuring it is both being stored and administered properly by only trained staff members. Being part of a medical team for summer camps can be very different than being one for a traditional care facility, and can at times feel even more hectic. The Camp Health Director must be an RN, LPN or MD.

Camp Clinic Assistant

The Clinic Assistant helps out the Camp Health Director in every possible way, assisting as their certifications allow in emergencies, as well as helping with the more clerical side of the Mir’Pa’Ah. They also assist with the administration of medication throughout the day, and are often the first line of defense in the Mir’Pa’Ah. The Clinic Assistant should be an active EMT, WEMT, Paramedic or other commensurate certification.

Rashim (Unit Heads) are the captains of each Unit at Ranch Camp. Units are the larger groupings of camp – the age groups that the chanichim (campers) are broken down into. The Rosh (Head) of each unit each have very similar responsibilities, but the form they take depends on the age of chanichim they are managing. The most important role a Unit Head plays is as a resource and guide to the tsevet (staff) who work in their Unit.

Unit Head: Chalutzim (2nd – 4th grade)

Our smallest and first time chanichim range from 2nd – 4th grade. Some stay for half sessions while some stay for the full kit. Most of these chanichim have never been to camp before, and will need a lot of help adjusting to the camp environment. Some of them may have come with friends from school and some independently. The Unit Head should expect to see some homesickness and fearfulness of this new experience. Applicants for this Unit Head position should have, or be in the process of obtaining a Bachelors Degree in a field related to education, and have experience working with campers in this age range. Work experience that is similar to this position can be substituted for education.

Unit Head: Metapsim (5th & 6th grade)

Metapsim is our largest Unit, and is comprised of chanichim who mostly have been to camp for one or two years. The Unit Head for this age group can expect to see chanichim who know each other and are beginning to grow socially at an exponential rate. These chanichim need guidance on how to grow and appropriately interact with each other. The 6th graders go on a day tiyul to go hiking, nearby to camp. This Unit Head should have, or be in the process of obtaining, a Bachelors Degree in a field related to education, and have experience working with campers in this age range. Work experience that is similar to this position can be substituted for education.

Unit Head: Toshavim (7th & 8th Grade)

The Toshavim Unit Head is responsible for managing and assisting the staff in the oldest group of onsite chanichim. These chanichim have been to camp before and have a great foundation to build on, but need guidance on how to be role models for their kehilah (community). Additionally, we look to facilitate the skills they learn and use at camp and want the chanichim to start using these skills in the outside world. The 8th grade campers in this Unit go on a four day tiyul (trip) and the 7th graders go on a three day tiyul. The Toshavim Unit Head should have a, or be in progress of obtaining, a Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to education, and have experience working with children in this age range. Work experience that is similar to this position can be substituted for education.

Camper Care Coordinators

Each Unit Head is paired with a Camper Care Coordinator who works alongside them in making sure each camper’s experience at camp is successful. They keep in touch with campers’ parents, ensure each camper’s needs are met within the bunk, and assist campers who need help integrating into the camp environment. Ideal candidates have a background, degree or are pursuing a degree in social work.

Some of the program areas at Ranch Camp have some more specific and detailed needs, both for safety and for the flow of the program. We look for experienced and talented staff who are versed in these specific areas of expertise to lead these program areas.

Rakaz Brecha

The Rakaz Brecha (Aquatics Manager) is the manager of all things aquatic at Ranch Camp. They are responsible for the supervising the lifeguards who work at the pool, creating programs that mix swim instruction with fun, and creating a safe pool environment for all chanichim (campers) to enjoy. They are additionally responsible for ensuring the pool is kept clean and organized, coordinating with lifeguards to ensure that the area is cleaned at the end of swim programs. Applicants should be familiar with the basic workings of the pool, including filter basket cleaning, chlorine level management, pH management; as well as vacuum assembly and appropriate vacuum usage. Applicants for this position should have 2 or more years of lifeguarding experience, and have an active Water Safety Instructor and/or Lifeguard Instructor certification through a Nationally accredited agency, as well as an active Lifeguard Certification. Certified Pool Operator preferred but not required.

Rakaz Adventure

Rakaz Adventure (Adventure Coordinator) is the leader of the challenge course team. They supervise the high and low ropes courses, as well as the staff who work there. They are responsible for the physical upkeep of the course, checking elements and equipment for wear and tear, as well as the daily setup and breakdown of the challenge course. The person in this position should be aware of ropes course practice and procedures, leaving the course in such a way that unauthorized access is impossible. Applicants for this position should have 3+ years working on challenge courses and be familiar with ACCT (Association of Challenge Course Technology) standards for ropes course safety practices. They are also the lead for the Outdoor Adventure program track and work with other program staff to make their programmatic dreams a success!

Lead Wranglers

Our lead wranglers are busy bees. They manage all Western riding programs for chanichim in the Ranch program, which is over 100 campers. Campers ride three time per session, with the goal of the final riding program to have the entire cabin go out on a trail ride. Chanichim in the Equestrian program spend over two thirds of each day in the riding arenas working with horses. Staff will spend most of their day with these campers, getting into the nitty gritty of riding skills and horse care. Chanichim are responsible for full care of a horse for a session, essentially becoming their horse at camp. They groom, tack, feed and ride; forming a strong bond with the horse and the staff who work with them during this program. Applicants should have a passion for teaching advanced Western riding, and a desire to see chanichim grow both as riders and as young adults during both programs. We can provide American Association for Horsemanship Safety Certification for successful applicants. Completing the training successfully is required for employment.

Staff-In-Training Program Coordinators

The SIT Program Coordinators work as a team to supervise the Staff-in-Training program. They develop and lead trainings and educate teens on youth development. They work directly alongside the Staff-In-Training to guide them in becoming competent and capable future staff. One of the SIT Program Coordinators main focus is making sure the physical, social, emotional, and mental needs of the Staff-In-Training are met daily. Our ideal candidates are passionate about shaping the future generations of staff members and excited to work with teens.

The Tiyul (Trip) program at Ranch Camp is a huge part of our camp. There are different stages of trips ranging from chanichim (campers) in 8th grade, to campers in 11th grade. These trips range in duration and difficulty. Detailed information on each trip can be found on there specific program pages. Different positions we are hiring for are:

Base Camp Managers

Base Managers are the leaders, parent communicators, trainers and programmatic designers for the Trips program. They will be responsible for the planning, booking, coordination and pack-out of each and every trip that leaves Ranch Camp. They are additionally responsible for the supervision of the Tsevet Tiyul (Trip Staff) and providing them with constructive feedback throughout their summer. They work in conjunction with their partner to ensure parent communication regarding chanichim that are out on trip is consistent and timely. They also ensure that each trip leaves with appropriate paperwork, medication, supplies, and any other additional needs that present themselves based on the needs of the chanichim and the location of the tiyul. They are present for the packout of supplies for each trip, and are there ensuring that the prep work for trip departures is completed in an appropriate fashion. Lastly, but extremely importantly, they work alongside Ranch Camp year-round staff to develop and implement a cohesive, thought out and structured Tiyul-specific training that covers items such as camper safety, emergency procedures, Judaics on Tiyulim, food handling procedures, and so on. Applicants for the Base Camp Manager positions should have a Bachelors Degree in education, guiding, or 4 years experience as a professional guiding. Personal experience in the back country is a great addendum to professional experience but those with more professional experience will receive higher consideration. Certifications in WEMT, EMT, WFR a plus but not mandatory. Must have a clean driving record and be willing to undergo a background check.

Tsevet Tiyulim

Tsevet Tiyulim (Trip Field Staff) are the boots on the ground trip staff that go out with campers. The adventures can send you all over Colorado, for as short as 4 days offsite to as long as 21 days. Staff will spend a few days on-site per session but will spend most of their time backpacking in the woods with campers. Staff should be comfortable navigating with map and compass, ready to act in the event of any emergency, and prepared to deal with surprise situations that the weather of Colorado throws around pretty often. We offer a WFR course to successful applicants for Trip Staff positions, as well as Medication Administration Training. Coming in with WFR can get you a stipend for pay if we do not provide it for you. Staff should have decent experience on trail and experience in various outdoor activities.

Click here for information about 8th Grade Trips

Click here for information about T.A.S.C. Trips

Click here for information about Pack & Ride Trips

Click here for information about Teen Village Trips

Madrichim (counselors) are the backbone of camp – the staff that the chanichim (campers) remember and look forward to seeing year after year.

Lead Madrichim should have a serious passion for working with children, and be fully committed to fulfilling the potential every child has to be great. They should prioritize the physical, emotional, spiritual health-safety and well-being of every camper in their cabin above all other things at camp. Interested applicants should have prior experience working in a residential or day camp environment, with other work with children supplementing. In addition to living in a bunk, staff are additionally responsible for leading programs at camp. For more information, scroll down to program roles!

Inclusion Madrichim work directly with campers each day to guide them through their summer activities, provide mentorship and support as campers develop their skills, and create a fun and supportive environment where kids want to come back again and again! As an Inclusion Counselor, you will be responsible for providing ongoing support to campers with identified needs including cognitive, social-emotional, psychological, physical and behavioral needs. Your primary goal is to integrate children with identified needs to participate in the daily camp activities.

Most applicants are in the process of getting degrees to work with children. Due to rules set down by Colorado Child Care licensing, applicants must be 18 or older.

Tsevet Mumchim, (Program Staff) create and operate the programs at camp, and there are quite a few. In addition to running programs throughout the morning, they also function as madrichim (counselors) while not running their programs. Each program area also has a lead staff member who assists in creating and developing programs for their area. As we mentioned earlier, if you have a special idea or skill that isn’t listed here that you would like to bring to camp, let us know!

Omanut

Omanut (Art) is the section of camp where campers get to express themselves creatively! We leave this program open ended to let our skilled Tsevet Omanut be free to shape the program as they would like for chanichim (campers). We look for someone who has a passion for guiding campers to be as creative as possible, while making omanut fun and exciting. Applicants should have experience as artists, preferably with experience teaching art to children 7 – 15.

STEM

We are incredibly excited to bring STEM programming to Ranch Camp. We’ve partnered with NASA to create an open-ended STEM program to allow our team the freedom to build a unique and individualized experience for our campers. Our ideal candidate is passionate about guiding campers to experiment, question, and explore in meaningful, inclusive, and fun ways. Applicants should have experience in STEM, preferably with experience teaching children 7- 15 years old.

Rikkud

Rikkud (Dance) is our high-energy Israeli dance program. It’s a highlight of camp that is not nly a scheduled activity for chanichim, but an all camp program every Shabbat. The tsevet for this position should have a detailed knowledge of Israeli line dances, and be very comfortable dancing and instructing dances in front of a crowd of potentially 200 people.

Shira

Shira (Music) is our camp program where campers get to learn how to play guitar, drums and get to have fun with music. It is also where campers learn songs for Kabbalat Shabbat and get introduced to a mix of music and Judaism at the same time. Successful applicants will have 1 or more years as a songleader, and be competent playing and instructing guitar, piano, or drums.

Drama & Theater

Our drama program is a place for campers to express themselves and take a step out of their comfort zone. We leave this program very open ended as well, leaving it up to the tsevet to define what they want campers to get out of the program. Applicants should have 2+ years experience teaching an acting/theater related subject to youth.

Teva Farm

If ducks, rabbits, goats, chickens, cows and gardening sounds like a good time to you – look no further. Ranch Camp has it’s own mini educational farm that campers use and learn in throughout the summer. They learn to plant and harvest, provide care for animals, and begin to understand what it takes to manage your own food supply. Staff should have an appreciation for wildlife and be able to teach about the variety of animals that we have. Applicants with farming experience or wildlife education experience have the highest chance of being hired for this position.

Field Sports

Our sports field is one of the highlights of camp and a hub of activity. We have soccer, flag football and more! We have sports games going on for many hours a day, so applicants for this position should not only be familiar with the sports at hand but ready to be moving, up and active for a few hours. Successful applicants for this position have coaching experience or are enrolled in a sports education program.

Court Sports

The other side of our sports coin is beach volleyball and basketball, both courts used all day throughout the summer. We run a Friday Knockout where the entire camp is allowed to participate, that the Court Sports specialist helps run and score. Successful applicants for this position have coaching experience or are enrolled in a sports education program.

Archery

Archery is one of our most popular activities, and we do it with chanichim of all ages! We look for the staff member who is going to spice archery up each week, making it different and exciting instead of just doing the same thing over and over. Successful applicants for this position are required to have a Level 1 National Archery Instructor Certification, which we can supply at cost to the applicant if they do not already have it.

Teva Wild

Survival skills. Hiking. Outdoor cooking. If you’ve got a serious passion for the outdoors and the skills it takes to live in them, stop right here. Teva Wild is a program that encompasses hiking, wild edibles and some fun skills that can be used in the backcountry. An opportunity to show off some backpacking life hacks. Successful applicants for this position should have experience as an outdoor educator or be enrolled in a college-level environmental science/outdoor education program.

Israeli Culture

Israeli Culture is a cornerstone of Ranch Camp. This staff member has a lot of schedule flexibility but is expected to bring the culture of Israel into Ranch Camp. Whether it comes to designing something to be left at Ranch Camp for the years to come, or running programs that give chanichim a chance to see Israel in an experiential manner, this is the place for it. The tsevet for this position are also responsible for designing, coordinating and executing ‘Yom Israel,’ an all day camp program that celebrates Israel and incorporates all the chanichim at camp. Applicants are preferably Israeli or have lived in Israel for an extended period of time. Applicants should be creative and resourceful to design meaningful programs and artwork that can outlast their summer employment.

Lifeguard

Our pool is one of the highlights of our program and one of the coolest spots at camp, all puns intended. We have a pool that can hold a maximum of 75 people at a time, and need our lifeguards to be experienced and ready for response to anything. We look for lifeguards that are not only safety conscious, but are there to have fun with campers at the same time. We can provide applicants who we feel would be a good fit, training at cost, but would prefer Lifeguards who come with active certification and experience.

Wranglers

Wranglers are the instructors for the Corral team. They work in both the Equestrian program and in the Ranch program, leading campers by example as well as providing direct instruction from the ground. Applicants should have 2+ years of personal riding experience and a passion for equine instruction.

Junior Wranglers

Junior Wranglers are positions in the Corral for staff who are not yet 18 and cannot be independent instructors. These are very competitive positions and are usually filled in-house by applicants who have gone through our W.I.T. (Wrangler In Training) program as campers. Exceptional applicants with personal riding experience are still considered.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking is a core program of camp and a key in out outdoor adventure activities. We have miles of trail that circle around the outer forests of camp, and chanichim in grades 6 and up are on them all day. Mountain Biking Tsevet can expect to ride a few miles of trails per day with varying levels of difficulty. Interested applicants should have 2-3 years of personal mountain biking experience, applicants with experience instructing will be more highly considered. Experience with bike maintenance preferred, but not required.

Tsevet Maslul Chavallim

Tsevet Maslul Chavallim are the belayers and facilitators for the challenge course. They are responsible for proper equipment use and safety while campers are being spotted on the low ropes course, and for belay checks and proper facilitation while on the high challenge course. Interested applicants should be competent belayers with ample experience, preferably with experience facilitating challenges for teambuilding and low ropes environments. Applicants with experiential and outdoor education experience have highest chance of being hired for this position.

The Ops team consists of positions that are primarily behind the scenes, but are integral to making camp successful. Without one of these cogs in place, the wheel of camp simply cannot spin efficiently.

Head Chef

The Head Chef at Ranch Camp has a tough job, with tough hours. This person is responsible for managing and monitoring all food being prepared, cooked and served at Ranch Camp. The Head Chef is responsible for ensuring that all food is cooked, served and stored in a manner that adheres to Colorado Food Service regulations. They work alongside the kitchen manager to create a fun, effective and healthy food service establishment at Ranch Camp. While very behind the scenes in work, we encourage this person to show face with the community and interact with both campers and staff. The Head Chef(s) can expect to plan and prepare over 1,000 meals per day, providing our campers and staff with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Applicants should have at minimum a degree from an accredited culinary institute, as well as a ServSafe certification. Food Handler Certificate a plus but not required. Additionally, applicant should have 2 prior years of working in food service management. Large scale management (hotels, camps, schools) is a plus.

Kitchen Manager

The Kitchen Manager works alongside the Head Chef to ensure meals are being run in an organized and efficient manner. They are responsible for overseeing the setup of the Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall) and taking care to set up tables, serving areas, and drink stations, in a way that makes the meal move fluidly and quickly, while not feeling too chaotic and rushed. The Kitchen Manager is also responsible for overseeing cleanup of meals, ensuring that it happens in a timely manner that adheres to Colorado Food Service regulations. The Kitchen Manager should have prior culinary supervisory experience and have spent at least 2 years in a professional food service environment.

Cooks

Cooks are directly responsible for preparing food and assisting the Head Chef in making sure meals are prepared in a timely and sanitary manner. They also assist with kitchen clean-up and Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall) clean-up when necessary. Interested cooks should have some experience working professionally in a kitchen, or be in culinary school. Applicant must be 18 or older to be considered for the position.

Prep Cooks/Dishwashers

Prep Cooks are responsible for setting up parts of the meal that don’t require cooking and open flame. They prepare the salad bars, fruit bars, mid-day snacks, etc. They also help clean up after and during the meal, cleaning up what was used to prepare the meal, as well was what was used during serving. Applicants must be 18 or older to be considered for the position.