Current Job dates:
Currently recruiting for the season that runs from May 19th, 2025 to August 13th, 2025.
- Available for the duration of our summer season
- Have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and be at least 21 years old
- Current First Aid/CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications (Wilderness First Responder certification preferred)
- Previous leadership experience in the backcountry, preferably leading overnight wilderness trips
- Previous experience kayaking, backpacking, fishing, and/or front country camping
- Previous experience working outdoors with kids in a formal or informal setting
- Comfortable driving a 15 passenger van and willingness to learn to drive with a trailer
- Ability to work well with other managers, instructors, trip guides, and campers ages 8-14
- Ability to spend multiple days with little support in the backcountry while caring for a group of up to 13 campers
- Skilled at time management and prioritizing tasks in order to facilitate the best experience possible for campers
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Self-motivated and passionate about our mission of environmental stewardship
- Proficiency at using the Google Suite, particularly Google Drive and Sheets
- Committed to reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center Education Fund by working towards justice, equity, and inclusion in the world of environmental activism - this includes respecting all aspects of human diversity, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, and sexual orientation
- Skilled at high adventures such as mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, and/or canoeing
- Enthusiastic about leading campers on high adventure field trips around the Anchorage, Chugiak and Palmer areas
- Knowledge of outdoor recreation activities and interest in developing curriculum for biking, boating and archery programs
- Experience preparing for the backcountry and willingness to help prepare and unpack for our overnight Quest Trips
- Working with the Logistics Manager, Kincaid Managers, and other Trip Guides to coordinate logistics required for trips including a travel plan, meal planning and preparation, and acquiring necessary equipment
- Working with your co-Trip Guide to maintain safety and have fun while out on Quest trips
- Remaining with an assigned group of campers at all times while at camp and out on trips
- Creating group contracts to establish clear expectations for camper behavior
- Preparing campers for the backcountry prior to the Quest trip excursion by building group morale, facilitating team bonding, teaching backcountry skills and practicing techniques
- Assisting campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury)
- Preparing group meals, delegating meal time and clean up roles to campers, and teaching campers backcountry cooking skills
- Teaching campers Leave No Trace principles and following them closely while out on trips
- Ensuring group’s timeliness for scheduled activities and communicating with campground hosts, rangers, water taxis, tour guides, etc.
- Reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center by demonstrating environmental stewardship
- Upholding Alaska Center Education Fund and Trailside Discovery Camp mission and cultural values by exhibiting cross cultural competency
- Maintaining the standards of the American Camp Association
- Working with the Trip Guides, High Adventure Instructors, Logistics Manager, Site Manager, Program Managers, and Camp Director to provide high quality adventure education experiences to all Trailside Discovery Camp participants
- Preparing lesson plans and implementing environmental and adventure education programs and activities
- Supervising participants and ensuring the safety of all staff and campers.
- Transporting participants in 15 passenger vans to tours, charters, campgrounds, trailheads, etc.
- Coordinating with the Logistics Manager and Camp Director for the implementation of logistical plans and transportation schedules
- Supervising the use and care of all Trailside outdoor equipment
- Preparing and rationing the food for overnight trips
- Recognizing and appropriately responding to hazards and emergencies
- Maintaining ACA standards for instructor to camper ratios
- Encouraging the personal and social development of children
- Observing children and reporting all accidents, significant illnesses, and/or signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse to the Camp Director
- Updating health and attendance records on a daily basis
- Protecting the confidentiality of the participant’s records
- Having parents sign any required waivers required for trips
- Filling out required medical papers while out on trips
- Trip Guides will report to the Camp Director
- Trip Guides will be supported by the Kincaid Site Manager, Kincaid Program Manager and the Logistics Manager
- Attend staff training (May 19th - 23rd)
- Complete the entire length of the summer as agreed upon in contract (May 27th - August 13th)
- Must read the entirety of our Trips Manual and attend Trip Guide debriefing before camp begins
- Be prepared to participate in multi-day trips as needed
- Trip placement will depend on experience and skill set
- Trip Guides are expected to act as High Adventure Instructors for weeks that they are not out on trips
- Kincaid Park
- Russian Jack Park
- Ruth Arcand Park
- Beach Lake Chalet (Eagle River)
- Available for the duration of our summer season
- Be at least 18 years old
- Previous experience working with kids in a formal or informal setting
- Current First Aid/CPR certification (we offer a course during staff training!)
- Ability to work well with other instructors, managers, and campers ages 4-14
- Skilled at time management and prioritizing tasks in order to facilitate the best experience possible for campers
- Previous experience in teaching environmental education or high adventure activities
- Interest in creating new programs with environmentally focused lessons, activities and games
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Desire to be a part of a diverse team from different life backgrounds
- Self-motivated and passionate about our mission of environmental stewardship
- Willingness to be flexible and step into Instructor role when scheduling necessitates
- Committed to reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center Education Fund by working towards justice, equity, and inclusion in the world of environmental activism - this includes respecting all aspects of human diversity, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, and sexual orientation
- Skilled at high adventures such as mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, archery, and/or canoeing
- Pursuing or already have a degree in environmental science, education, or related field
- Knowledge of Alaskan ecology and local environmental topics
- Arriving on time to scheduled shift and assisting with check-in or check-out depending on shift
- Working with Program Manager to prepare program bins for Instructors
- Leading a minimum of one involved lesson or activity per day for camp groups
- Assisting Instructors with setting up for and cleaning up from more involved activities
- Creating new lessons, activities and games for programs later in the summer based on templates and example programs provided by the Program Manager
- Maintaining program binders and keeping program bins well-organized
- Managing camper behavior and being a positive role model for other Instructors
- Assisting campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury).
- Communicating effectively with campers, parents, Assistant Instructors, Instructors, and Managers
- Working with a diverse clientele from the Anchorage community
- Possessing strength and endurance required to maintain supervision of campers
- Appropriately responding to environmental, wildlife, and other natural hazards
- Attending mandatory staff training and meetings throughout the summer
- Singing songs and participating in opening/closing ceremonies
- Reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center by demonstrating environmental stewardship
- Upholding Alaska Center Education Fund and Trailside Discovery Camp mission and cultural values by exhibiting cross cultural competency
- Maintaining the standards of the American Camping Association
- Planning and delivering environmental education and/or high adventure programs for campers ages 5-14
- Working with Instructors, Specialists, and Managers to provide high quality education experiences to all Trailside Discovery Camp participants
- Preparing lesson plans and implementing environmental and high adventure education programs
- Supervising and ensuring the safety of campers
- Coordinating with Assistant Instructors, Instructors, Program Managers, and Site Managers
- Keeping the program binders and program bins intact and well organized
- Recognizing and appropriately responding to hazards and emergencies
- Maintaining American Camping Association standards
- Encouraging the personal and social development of children
- Reporting all accidents, significant illnesses, and/or signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse to the Camp Director
- Remaining with camp group at all times
- Managing camper behavior and defining clear expectations
- Perform attendance each morning to ensure an accurate group headcount
- Submit requests in advance to change daily schedule if desired
- Protect the confidentiality of the participants records
- The Instructor reports to the Program Manager of their site
- The Instructor supports the Assistant Instructor that they are paired with each week
- Attend staff training (May 19th - 23rd)
- Attend all staff meetings
- Complete the entire length of the summer as agreed upon in contract (May 27th - August 13th)
- Kincaid Park
- Russian Jack Park
- Ruth Arcand Park
- Beach Lake Chalet (Eagle River)
- Available for the duration of our summer season
- Have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and be at least 21 years old
- Previous management or leadership experience
- Previous experience working with kids in a formal or informal setting
- Formal or informal experience in youth environmental education, education, environmental sciences, or a related field
- Confidence in driving a 15 passenger van with a trailer
- Current First Aid/CPR certification
- Ability to work well with other managers, instructors of all ages, and campers ages 5-14
- Skilled at time management and prioritizing tasks in order to facilitate the best experience possible for campers at all sites
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Desire to be a part of a diverse team of managers from different life backgrounds
- Self-motivated and passionate about our mission of environmental stewardship
- Proficiency at using the Google Suite, particularly Google Drive and Sheets
- Committed to reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center Education Fund by working towards justice, equity, and inclusion in the world of environmental activism - this includes respecting all aspects of human diversity, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, and sexual orientation
- Skilled at high adventures such as mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, archery, and/or canoeing
- Pursuing or already have a degree in environmental science, education, or related field
- Knowledge of Alaskan ecology and local environmental topics
- Supporting the Program Manager, Specialist Instructors, Instructors and Assistant Instructors at the site
- Coordinating with other Site Managers, the Floating Manager, the Logistics Manager, and the Camp Director to ensure that all five sites share resources fairly
- Communicating effectively with parents via group texts, emails, and in person at check-in and check-out
- Creating the staff schedule according to staff preferences and getting staff their schedules in a timely manner
- Ensuring the safety of campers and staff at the site by following and enforcing group ratios, wildlife safety measures, and proper medical protocols when necessary
- Resolving conflicts between campers, staff and mediating parent concerns
- Being the primary contact at the site for coordinating field trips and guest speakers
- Communicating with park staff and other organizations that we work closely with in order to ensure that camp runs smoothly
- Preparing for and leading staff meetings over Zoom as well as in person
- Reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center by demonstrating environmental stewardship
- Upholding Alaska Center Education Fund and Trailside Discovery Camp mission and cultural values by exhibiting cross cultural competency
- Maintaining the standards of the American Camping Association
- Working with the Camp Director to provide high quality education experiences to all Trailside Discovery Camp participants
- Communicating via Slack with staff regularly
- Supervising participants and staff and ensuring the safety of all staff and campers
- Helping to plan and moderate all staff meetings
- Coordinating with the Logistics Manager and Camp Director for the implementation of logistical plans and transportation schedules
- Coordinating field trips and guest speakers
- Maintaining and overseeing the use of supplies and program equipment
- Recognizing and appropriately responding to hazards and emergencies
- Maintaining American Camping Association standards for Instructor to camper ratios
- Encouraging the personal and social development of children
- Working with staff to provide appropriate behavior modification to campers
- Moderating concerns between campers, parents and staff
- Maintaining accurate records
- Assisting the Camp Director with registration as needed
- Protecting the confidentiality of the participant and staff records
- Using CampBrain to accurately record camper attendance during check-in and check-out
- The Site Manager reports to the Camp Director
- This position supports the Program Manager, Specialist Instructors, Instructors, and Assistant Instructors at their site
- Attend evening manager training before staff training
- Attend staff training (May 19th - 23rd)
- Lead parts of staff training
- Attend all staff meetings
- Complete the entire length of the summer as agreed upon in the contract (May 27th - August 13th)
- Kincaid Park
- Russian Jack Park
- Ruth Arcand Park
- Beach Lake Chalet (Eagle River)
- Available for the duration of our summer season
- Previous experience working with kids in a formal or informal setting
- Formal or informal experience in youth environmental education, education, environmental sciences, or a related field
- Confidence in driving a 15 passenger van with a trailer
- Current First Aid/CPR certification
- Ability to work well with other managers, instructors of all ages, and campers ages 5-14
- Skilled at time management and prioritizing tasks in order to facilitate the best experience possible for campers at all sites
- Interest in creating new programs with environmentally focused lessons, activities and games
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Desire to be a part of a diverse team of managers from different life backgrounds
- Self-motivated and passionate about our mission of environmental stewardship
- Proficiency at using the Google Suite, particularly Google Drive and Sheets
- Committed to reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center Education Fund by working towards justice, equity, and inclusion in the world of environmental activism - this includes respecting all aspects of human diversity, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, and sexual orientation
- Have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and be at least 21 years old
- Previous management or leadership experience
- Skilled at high adventures such as mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, archery, and/or canoeing
- Pursuing or already have a degree in environmental science, education, or related field
- Knowledge of Alaskan ecology and local environmental topics
- Communicating closely with Specialist Instructors, Instructors and Assistant Instructors about programming everyday
- Communicating with Site Manager, Logistics Manager, and Camp Director about daily camp functions
- Keeping supply bins stocked for Instructors daily with the items needed to successfully run activities
- Conducting weekly supply runs to stores, the office, and the warehouse
- Planning and editing Week at a Glances (WAGS) which lay out weekly activities for every group of campers
- Working with other Program Managers and Specialists to build environmental education and high adventure program binders that include lessons, activities and games
- Managing camper behavior when Instructors need support
- Assisting the Site Manager in coordinating field trips and guest speakers
- Reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center by demonstrating environmental stewardship.
- Upholding Alaska Center Education Fund and Trailside Discovery Camp mission and cultural values by exhibiting cross cultural competency
- Maintaining the standards of the American Camping Association
- Working with all Trailside staff to provide high quality education experiences to all Trailside Discovery Camp participants
- Communicating via Slack with other Program Managers and Specialists across sites to build program binders for programs in second half of summer
- Preparing lesson plans and implementing environmental and adventure education programs and activities
- Supervising participants and staff and ensuring the safety of all staff and campers
- Helping to plan and moderate all staff meetings
- Coordinating with the Logistics Manager, Site Manager, and Camp Director for the implementation of logistical plans and transportation schedules
- Helping Site Manager coordinate field trips and guest speakers
- Maintaining and overseeing the use of supplies and program equipment
- Recognizing and appropriately responding to hazards and emergencies
- Maintaining American Camping Association standards for instructor to camper ratios
- Encouraging the personal and social development of children
- Working with staff to provide appropriate behavior modification to campers
- Moderating concerns between campers, parents and staff
- Reviewing WAGs with Instructors and ensuring Instructors fill out their Daily Schedules for morning check-ins
- Maintaining accurate records
- Assisting the Camp Director with registration as needed
- Using CampBrain to record camper check-ins and check-outs
- Protecting the confidentiality of the participant and staff records
- The Program Manager reports to the Site Manager
- This position supports Specialist Instructors, Instructors, and Assistant Instructors
- Attend evening manager training before staff training
- Attend staff training (May 19th - 23rd)
- Lead parts of staff training
- Attend all staff meetings
- Complete the entire length of the summer as agreed upon in contract (May 27th - August 13th)
- Kincaid Park
- Russian Jack Park
- Ruth Arcand Park
- Beach Lake Chalet (Eagle River)
- Available for the duration of our summer season
- Current First Aid/CPR certification (we offer a course during staff training!)
- Ability to work well with other instructors, managers, and campers ages 5-14
- Skilled at time management and prioritizing tasks in order to facilitate the best experience possible for campers
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Desire to be a part of a diverse team from different life backgrounds
- Self-motivated and passionate about our mission of environmental stewardship
- Committed to reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center Education Fund by working towards justice, equity, and inclusion in the world of environmental activism - this includes respecting all aspects of human diversity, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, and sexual orientation
- Preferred: Skilled at high adventures such as mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, archery, and/or canoeing
- Preferred: Knowledge of Alaskan ecology and local environmental topics
- Be at least 16 years old
- Ability to follow a schedule and listen to Instructors in order to provide useful support during lessons, activities, and games
- Genuine interest in environmental education
- Be at least 18 years old
- Previous experience working with kids in a formal or informal setting
- Ability to implement written lesson plans, follow a schedule, and think on your feet to come up with your own lessons, activities, and games when needed
- Preferred: Previous experience in teaching environmental education or high adventure activities
- Preferred: Pursuing or already have a degree in environmental science, education, or related field
- Arriving on time to scheduled shift
- Creating behavior contracts with your camp groups and defining clear expectations so campers can have fun and be safe
- Implementing scheduled lessons, activities, and games for assigned camp group
- Having your own back-pocket activities ready to be used if/when scheduled activities move quicker than expected
- Maintaining program binders and keeping program bins well-organized
- Managing camper behavior and being a positive role model
- Remaining with assigned group at all times, including during snack and lunch breaks and all activities during the camp day
- Assisting campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury).
- Communicating effectively with campers, other Assistant Instructors / Instructors, Specialists, and Managers
- Supervising loading and unloading of camp vans
- Possessing strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers
- Appropriately responding to environmental, wildlife, and other natural hazards
- Attending mandatory staff training and meetings throughout the summer
- Singing songs and participating in opening/closing ceremonies
- Working with a diverse clientele from the Anchorage community
- Spending first 30 minutes of workday reviewing program binder while keeping an eye on campers
- Filling out daily schedules to share with Program Manager
- Communicating effectively parents
- Providing mentorship to the Assistant Instructor who is assigned to your group
- Reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center by demonstrating environmental stewardship
- Upholding Alaska Center Education Fund and Trailside Discovery Camp mission and cultural values by exhibiting cross cultural competency
- Maintaining the standards of the American Camping Association
- Planning and delivering environmental education and/or high adventure programs for campers ages 5-14
- Working with Instructors, Specialists, and Managers to provide high quality education experiences to all Trailside Discovery Camp participants
- Implementing environmental and high adventure education programs
- Supervising and ensuring the safety of campers
- Coordinating with Specialists, Program Manager, Site Manager, and Logistics Manager for the implementation of logistical plans and transportation schedules
- Keeping the program binders and program bins intact and well organized
- Recognizing and appropriately responding to hazards and emergencies
- Maintaining American Camping Association standards
- Encouraging the personal and social development of children
- Reporting all accidents, significant illnesses, and/or signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse to the Camp Director
- Remaining with camp group at all times
- Managing camper behavior and defining clear expectations
- Perform attendance each morning to ensure an accurate group headcount
- Submit requests in advance to change daily schedule if desired
- Protect the confidentiality of the participants records
- The Instructor and Assistant Instructor reports to the Program Manager of their site
- The Instructor supports the Assistant Instructor that they are paired with each week
- Attend staff training (May 19th - 23rd)
- Attend all staff meetings
- Complete the entire length of the summer as agreed upon in contract (May 27th - August 13th)
Trips Guide
Trip Guides lead groups of campers on 1 to 4 night trips focusing on a range of skills, including frontcountry camping, backpacking, kayaking, and fishing. This position is great for adventurous and responsible people who love spending time in nature and can make sound judgment calls in the backcountry.
Our Quest Trips are based out of our Russian Jack location.
Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Essential Functions:
Other Job Responsibilities:
Program
Child Care
Records
Supervision and Support
Attendance
Miscellaneous
Compensation: See our wage schedule based on education and experience. Two hours of overtime pay + $45/night stipend while out on trips
Specialist Instructor
Specialist Instructors rotate through all groups of campers in environmental education or high adventure topics related to weekly themes. Specialist Instructors are responsible for creating and implementing new lessons, activities, and games for their campers while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all. In addition, behavior specialists assist with managing camper behavior in a group setting.
Camp Locations (preferences to be discussed in the interview process):
Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Essential Functions:
Other Job Responsibilities:
Program
Childcare
Records
Supervision and Support
Attendance
Site Manager
The Site Manager is responsible for maintaining a safe, fun environment for campers and staff at their site. This person will be the point of contact at their site for guest speakers, field trips, parents and camp staff from other locations.
Camp Locations (preferences to be discussed during interview process):
Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Essential Functions:
Other Job Responsibilities:
Program
Childcare
Records
Supervision and Support
Attendance
Program Manager
The Program Manager will create and support environmental education and outdoor recreation activities. This role will be responsible for ensuring that all Instructors at their site are properly prepared to lead fun and educational activities!
Camp Locations (preferences to be discussed during interview process):
Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Essential Functions:
Other Job Responsibilities:
Program
Childcare
Records
Supervision and Support
Attendance
Instructor / Assistant Instructor
Instructors lead groups of campers in environmental education or high adventure topics. Instructors are responsible for running lessons, activities, and games for their campers while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Assistant instructors support Instructors and help lead groups. This position is excellent for those looking to gain experience in childcare, environmental education, and/or high adventures with support from more experienced Instructors.
Camp Locations (preferences to be discussed in the interview process):
Qualifications for both positions:
Qualifications for Assistant Instructors:
Qualifications for Instructors:
Essential functions for both positions:
Additional Essential Functions for Instructors:
Other Job Responsibilities:
Program
Childcare
Records
Supervision and Support
Attendance
How to Apply
To apply, please fill out an application for the position(s) that you are interested in via the link below.
If you are a returning applicant, please note that we have switched to a new hiring portal and you will need to create a new profile. If you have any questions or issues with the application process, please contact us at [email protected].