Year-Round Instructor

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

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Instructor is responsible for successful lesson implementation and the safety and well-being of an assigned camper group. Instructors lead environmental education, outdoor recreation, and high-adventure activities for children ages 5 to 14, creating an engaging, inclusive, and educational camp experience while supporting positive group dynamics and campers’ social and emotional development. The Instructor reports to the on-site manager, likely a member of the year-round leadership team. Winter Break Camp runs at Russian Jack Elementary on December 18, 21–23, and 28–30, 2026. Instructors may work one or more days depending on their availability and coordinate a workable schedule with the year-round leadership team. Returning staff do not need specific training for Winter Break Camp; new staff must attend a training session, with the date to be determined. Staff are expected to attend pre-camp training if they are not returning, participate in staff meetings and professional development throughout the summer, follow camp policies and safety standards, and assist with additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years of age.
Previous experience working with children or youth in a camp, educational, recreation, childcare, or similar setting.
Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification before camp starts. Certification must be through an in-person or blended course meeting American Camp Association standards and provided by a nationally recognized and accredited program.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet camp driving requirements for staff interested in driving; drivers must be at least 21 years old.
Available to work at least one day of Winter Break Camp.
Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to remain calm and effective in changing outdoor environments.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to collaborate with diverse staff, campers, and families.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating welcoming outdoor spaces for all participants.
Positive attitude and willingness to learn; dependable, punctual, and responsible.
Ability to adapt to changing schedules, weather conditions, and camper needs, and remain patient, energetic, and engaged throughout the camp day.
Ability to spend most of the workday outdoors in varying weather conditions, including cold and snow; walk, hike, stand, and participate in physical activities for extended periods; carry camp supplies and equipment; and actively supervise campers outdoors.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching environmental education, outdoor recreation, or adventure-based programming.
Experience leading groups of children in outdoor settings.
Experience mentoring, supervising, or training staff.
College coursework or a degree in education, environmental studies, natural sciences, recreation, youth development, or a related field.
Knowledge of Alaska’s ecology, wildlife, and natural history.
Experience with high-adventure activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, hiking, or fishing.

Responsibilities

Actively supervise campers throughout the camp day and maintain primary responsibility for their safety and well-being.
Establish group expectations and behavior agreements that promote safety, inclusion, and fun; foster a positive camp culture and support campers’ social and emotional development.
Manage group dynamics and behavioral concerns using positive behavior management strategies.
Remain with the assigned group during activities, transportation, meals, and transitions, and model professionalism, enthusiasm, and responsible outdoor behavior.
Recognize and respond appropriately to hazards, injuries, illnesses, emergencies, and changing environmental conditions; assess risks involving weather, wildlife, terrain, transportation, and activities.
Ensure compliance with camp policies, safety procedures, and American Camp Association standards; assist with emergency response, incident management, and evacuation procedures as needed.
Supervise loading and unloading camp equipment and transportation vehicles.
Lead environmental education, outdoor recreation, and high-adventure activities for campers ages 5 to 14.
Deliver engaging lessons, games, and activities supporting camp learning objectives; review curriculum and activity plans in preparation for programming.
Adapt activities and lesson plans to weather, camper needs, site logistics, and teachable moments; develop backup activities when schedules change.
Maintain an engaging learning environment and support camp traditions, songs, ceremonies, and group-building activities.
Model effective childcare, outdoor leadership, and teaching practices; collaborate with managers and other instructors.
Communicate effectively with campers, families, and staff and contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and positive team environment.
Model environmental stewardship, help campers appreciate Alaska’s natural environments, support Trailside Discovery Camp’s nature-connection mission, and leave camp sites, trails, and natural areas clean and cared for.
Attend required pre-camp training if not a returning staff member and participate in staff meetings and professional development throughout the summer.
Coordinate availability and work scheduled Winter Break Camp hours with the year-round leadership team; follow camp policies and assist with additional duties as assigned.