Zara Lawton
Palmerston North,Manawatu
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience at Camp Arowhon, excelling in team management and youth mentorship. Proven track record in program coordination and safety compliance, fostering engaging learning environments. Adept at collaborative problem-solving, ensuring high-quality experiences while promoting independence and responsibility among campers. Committed to delivering exceptional results in challenging settings.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Wedding hospitality
Arowhon Outdoor Center
, Canada
06.2025 - Current
- Event set up and break down
- Admin and reception
- Cabin and site turnover
Head of the riding Programme
Camp Arowhon
, Canada
06.2024 - 09.2025
- Resource management
- Managed daily operations of the camp’s riding program, including care and supervision of a team of 8 horses.
- Led and mentored a team of ride staff to ensure safe, engaging, and educational experiences for campers aged (4-16)
- Developed and delivered riding lessons appropriate to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.
- Ensured adherence to strict safety standards, including tack checks, trail safety, and emergency procedures.
- Oversaw horse health, feeding, grooming, and general stable management; coordinated with vets/farriers as needed.
- Scheduled lessons, trail rides, and staff shifts to meet camp needs and maintain program quality.
- Taught campers about horsemanship, responsibility, and teamwork through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
- Communicated with camp directors and other departments to align with broader camp goals and policies.
- Resolved camper and team challenges using empathy, active listening, and group-based solutions
- Encouraged youth participation in decision-making to build independence and responsibility
- Worked alongside camp staff to support behavioural needs and manage group dynamics
- Delivered regular feedback, training, and support to staff
Support Worker
Manawatu
09.2024 - 02.2025
- Provided person-centred support to individuals with
- Assisted with daily living activities including personal care, meal preparation, and medication management.
- Supported service users to access community services, attend appointments, and engage in social activities.
- Encouraged independence and developed life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and travel training.
- Maintained accurate records and reported on individual progress and concerns.
- Worked closely with families, healthcare professionals, and external agencies to coordinate care plans.
- Responded to challenging behaviour using de-escalation techniques and empathy
- Helped facilitate activities for the young adult and youth community in the Manawatu
Education
Bachelors - Animal Science
Massey University
Palmerston North11.2023
Orewa College
Auckland11-2020
Skills
- Team management
- Youth mentorship and engagement
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Program coordination and resource management
- Adaptability and resilience
- Effective communication
- Safety compliance
- Person-centred support
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Wedding hospitality
Arowhon Outdoor Center
06.2025 - Current
Support Worker
09.2024 - 02.2025
Head of the riding Programme
Camp Arowhon
06.2024 - 09.2025
Bachelors - Animal Science
Massey University
Orewa College
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