High Adventure & Trips Instructor - Summer 2027

The Alaska Center Education Fund: Trailside Discovery Camp•Anchorage, AK

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The High Adventure & Trips Instructor is a dual-role position supporting Trailside Discovery Camp’s High Adventure, Environmental Education, and Overnight Trip programs. Staff primarily lead outdoor recreation and adventure education programs for campers ages 8 to 14. The camp runs 6–7 trips each season; based on experience, demonstrated competency, certifications, and program needs, instructors may lead or assist with overnight and multi-day camping, backpacking, paddling, fishing, biking, and adventure trips throughout Southcentral Alaska. When not assigned to overnight trips, instructors work as High Adventure Instructors and may support Environmental Education programs, field trips, and day camp activities. The position reports directly to the Year Round Camp Leadership Team and works closely with Program Managers, Site Managers, Logistics Staff, Environmental Education Instructors, and other Trips staff. Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the Camp Director, Program Managers, Site Managers, or Year Round Camp Leadership Team. The 2027 summer season runs June 1 through August 6, with Daily Pop-Up Camp and Kindercamp sessions August 9–18. In-person staff training is May 24–28, with additional virtual training opportunities beginning in mid-April. Camp locations include Kincaid Park, a second Anchorage location to be announced, and Birchwood Elementary in Eagle River. Location preferences may be discussed but are not guaranteed. Trips operate from one Anchorage location, though guides may move between sites based on staffing needs. Applicants unable to commit to the full summer may discuss possible accommodations during interviews. Trips guides must complete skills verification before leading trips with campers.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Experience working with youth in educational, recreational, camp, childcare, or outdoor settings.
Experience or demonstrated interest in outdoor recreation, adventure education, or environmental education.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
Availability for the duration of the summer season; applicants with limited availability may discuss accommodations during interviews.
Ability to complete all required camp training and skills verification processes.
Current Pediatric and Adult CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification before camp starts.
Excellent judgment and risk-management abilities.
Strong leadership and group-facilitation skills.
Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
Flexibility and adaptability in changing outdoor conditions.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; self-motivated, dependable, and organized.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating welcoming outdoor experiences for all participants.
Enthusiasm for outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and youth development.
Ability to hike several miles while supervising participants and participate in paddling, biking, hiking, camping, and other physically demanding outdoor activities.
Ability to carry, load, and unload outdoor equipment and supplies; work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather; and respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.
Ability to attend required pre-season training and preparation days, participate in staff meetings and planning sessions, fulfill the employment commitment, and complete skills verification requirements for assigned trips.
Willingness to participate in overnight and multi-day trips when assigned.

Nice To Haves

Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or other advanced first-aid certification.
Experience backpacking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or participating in other outdoor activities.
Knowledge of Alaska’s ecosystems, trails, recreation sites, and outdoor opportunities.
Experience facilitating environmental education or outdoor skills instruction.
Experience leading overnight or multi-day wilderness trips.
Watercraft safety certifications or paddlesports experience.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

Lead safe, engaging, and educational high-adventure activities for campers ages 8 to 14.
Teach outdoor recreation skills such as kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, biking, hiking, navigation, camping, campcraft, survival skills, and team-building.
Develop and implement lesson plans supporting environmental education, outdoor skills, leadership, and stewardship.
Create positive and inclusive learning environments that encourage personal growth and confidence.
Facilitate adventure-based learning that promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Teach and model Leave No Trace principles and responsible outdoor recreation.
Support special events, field trips, guest presenters, and camp-wide activities.
Lead or assist with overnight and multi-day wilderness trips based on qualifications, skills, certifications, and program needs.
Teach outdoor living and expedition skills, including camping, backpacking, paddling, navigation, fishing, and campcraft.
Prepare campers for overnight experiences through team-building, orientations, and skill development.
Facilitate environmental education and place-based learning during overnight programs; support environmental education programming, field studies, nature exploration, and stewardship activities when assigned.
Support campers in developing confidence, independence, leadership, and resilience through outdoor experiences.
Maintain responsibility for assigned campers’ safety and well-being and actively supervise them during activities, transportation, meals, field trips, and overnight experiences.
Assess and respond to environmental, medical, behavioral, and logistical risks; follow emergency procedures and administer first aid as necessary.
Establish group expectations and behavior agreements, maintain ACA staff-to-camper ratios, and encourage participants’ personal and social development.
Collaborate with Program Managers, Site Managers, Trip Staff, and Camp Leadership to deliver quality programming.
Prepare lesson plans, activity materials, and equipment; assist with logistics, trip planning, food preparation, gear organization, and coordination.
Inspect, organize, maintain, and inventory outdoor equipment and supplies; support transportation schedules, packing, and activity planning.
Help maintain camp facilities, storage areas, and program spaces.
Safely transport campers, staff, and equipment in camp vehicles as assigned and conduct vehicle safety inspections before and after use.
Monitor equipment condition, care, maintenance, and inventory, and supervise participants’ proper use of recreation and safety equipment.
Model environmental stewardship and ethical outdoor recreation, teach campers about Alaska’s ecosystems, wildlife, conservation, and responsible recreation, and foster appreciation for Alaska’s outdoor spaces and communities.
Attend required pre-season training and preparation days, read and understand camp policies and emergency protocols, participate in staff meetings and planning sessions, fulfill the employment commitment, complete required skills verification, and remain flexible in assignments.
Be willing to participate in overnight and multi-day trips when assigned.