Volunteer Information
To be eligible to volunteer for TACO, you must be at least 12 years of age and have transportation available to and from camp each day. We ask that all volunteers wear closed toe and closed back shoes due to safety issues even if you are not working directly with the horses. The use of cell phones is not permitted unless an emergency arises. If you are seen using your cell phone, especially while supervising campers or side walking, you will be asked to leave.
We will assign each volunteer to a station based on your prior experience and, if possible, personal preference. You must stay at your assigned station at all times and may not leave to go to another station unless specifically requested by a TACO leader.
We ask that both returning and new camp volunteers please attend a mandatory pre-camp meeting for summer camp. This meeting is to ensure that you are informed of all safety guidelines and have a chance to learn more about the position you will be serving in. If you have chosen to work with the horses, we will have you practicing side-walking. Please wear appropriate shoes (closed toe and closed back) to the meeting as well as camp. We ask that returning volunteers also attend the meeting because we will be discussing new positions and rules for this year. We also need your help training new volunteers! The dates for these meetings are posted in our upcoming events page.
Every volunteer will need to submit two reference letters from non-related adults with their application.
We will assign each volunteer to a station based on your prior experience and, if possible, personal preference. You must stay at your assigned station at all times and may not leave to go to another station unless specifically requested by a TACO leader.
We ask that both returning and new camp volunteers please attend a mandatory pre-camp meeting for summer camp. This meeting is to ensure that you are informed of all safety guidelines and have a chance to learn more about the position you will be serving in. If you have chosen to work with the horses, we will have you practicing side-walking. Please wear appropriate shoes (closed toe and closed back) to the meeting as well as camp. We ask that returning volunteers also attend the meeting because we will be discussing new positions and rules for this year. We also need your help training new volunteers! The dates for these meetings are posted in our upcoming events page.
Every volunteer will need to submit two reference letters from non-related adults with their application.
Volunteer Positions Available
Horse Leader
- Vital role - leader of the team that works with the horse and the rider
- Need to be comfortable with grooming and tacking a horse
- Be able to be relaxed and aware when leading a horse in class
- Able to stay calm in emergency situations
- Be able to maneuver the horse safely at a walk and a trot and follow the directions of the instructor while being aware of what the rider is doing
- Must be at least 16 years of age and have at least 5 years of experience with horses
Side Walker
- One or two side walkers are with each rider at all times.
- Be able to keep the rider safe and secure while on the horse at a walk and trot.
- Assist the rider in games and processing directions from the instructor.
- Note: You MUST have a great deal of upper body strength
- You must be at least 13 years of age and 5 feet tall to volunteer for this position.
Horse Education
- Be able to assist with teaching campers about various education aspects of horses including grooming, mucking stalls, feeding, breeds, and nutrition.
Craft Project Assistant
- Must enjoy arts and crafts and be able to explain them to the Campers thoroughly
- Maintain order in class and work well with the Campers and assistants.
Snack Assistant
- Take snacks to each class and make sure that every participant gets a snack.
- Help prepare and package individual snacks.
Recreational Activities Supervisor/Assistant
- Plan, organize, and manage recreational activities
- Lead classes in organized recreational activity and maintain safety of participants.
Group Leader
- This is an important role because each camper group will be assigned a group leader.
- They will help them get to each class on time, make sure they obtain their snacks, and can assist in the camper's classes as need be
- The buddy system also reassures the camper that they are part of the group and that they have met a new friend.
- Group leaders should be enthusiastic and promote camp spirit within their group
- You must be at least 16 years of age for this position.
Photographer/Videographer
- We use pictures for promotion of the program and soliciting support. Therefore, we need someone with experience to take quality pictures.
- The videos will be used to show the progress with each rider and for promotional purposes.
- We would like to get pictures and video of all the classes over the length of the camp.
- It would be desirable to have several people available for this position to ensure we cover all of the time slots.
Volunteer Presentation
Please take a moment to view the volunteer presentation online: Volunteer Prezi
Content copyright 2012. Therapeutic Adventure Camp of Orange. All rights reserved
