Instructor / Assistant Instructor - Summer 2026

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

13d•$18 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Trailside Discovery Camp is an award-winning 12-week summer camp for local Alaskans ages 5-14. The camp offers environmental education and high adventure day programs, as well as overnight trips that take campers into Alaska’s wilderness. Instructors lead groups of campers in environmental education or high adventure topics, responsible for running lessons, activities, and games while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment. Assistant Instructors support Instructors and help lead groups, making this position excellent for those looking to gain experience in childcare, environmental education, and/or high adventures with support from more experienced Instructors. Camp locations include Kincaid Park, Russian Jack Park, Ruth Arcand Park, and Birchwood Elementary (Eagle River). Note for 2026: Applicants will be responsible for finding their own lodging as there is no shared staff housing available.

Requirements

Available for the duration of our summer season
Current First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain during training)
Ability to work well with other instructors, managers, and campers ages 5-14
Skilled at time management and prioritizing tasks
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Desire to be a part of a diverse team
Self-motivated and passionate about environmental stewardship
Committed to reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center Education Fund by working towards justice, equity, and inclusion
Be at least 16 years old (Assistant Instructors)
Ability to follow a schedule and listen to Instructors (Assistant Instructors)
Genuine interest in environmental education (Assistant Instructors)
Be at least 18 years old (Instructors)
Previous experience working with kids in a formal or informal setting (Instructors)
Ability to implement written lesson plans, follow a schedule, and think on your feet (Instructors)

Nice To Haves

Skilled at high adventures such as mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, archery, and/or canoeing
Knowledge of Alaskan ecology and local environmental topics
Previous experience in teaching environmental education or high adventure activities (Instructors)
Pursuing or already have a degree in environmental science, education, or related field (Instructors)

Responsibilities

Lead groups of campers in environmental education or high adventure topics.
Run lessons, activities, and games for campers.
Maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all campers.
Support Instructors and help lead groups (Assistant Instructor).
Arrive on time to scheduled shifts.
Create behavior contracts with camp groups and define clear expectations.
Implement scheduled lessons, activities, and games.
Have back-pocket activities ready for use.
Maintain program binders and keep program bins organized.
Manage camper behavior and be a positive role model.
Remain with assigned group at all times.
Assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury).
Communicate effectively with campers, other staff, and managers.
Supervise loading and unloading of camp vans.
Possess strength and endurance for constant camper supervision.
Appropriately respond to environmental, wildlife, and other natural hazards.
Attend mandatory staff training and meetings.
Sing songs and participate in opening/closing ceremonies.
Work with a diverse clientele.
Review program binder and keep an eye on campers (Instructors).
Fill out daily schedules to share with Program Manager (Instructors).
Communicate effectively with parents (Instructors).
Provide mentorship to the Assistant Instructor (Instructors).
Demonstrate environmental stewardship.
Uphold mission and cultural values with cross-cultural competency.
Maintain American Camping Association standards.
Plan and deliver environmental education and/or high adventure programs.
Implement environmental and high adventure education programs.
Supervise and ensure the safety of campers.
Coordinate with Specialists, Program Manager, Site Manager, and Logistics Manager.
Recognize and appropriately respond to hazards and emergencies.
Encourage personal and social development of children.
Report all accidents, significant illnesses, and signs of abuse to the Camp Director.
Perform attendance each morning.
Submit requests in advance to change daily schedule.
Protect the confidentiality of participant records.
Attend staff training.
Attend weekly staff meetings.
Complete the entire length of the summer as agreed upon in contract.