Program Manager - Summer 2026

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

57d

About The Position

Trailside Discovery Camp is an award winning 12-week summer camp for local Alaskans ages 5-14 that offers environmental education and high adventure day programs as well as overnight trips that take campers into Alaska’s wilderness. 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! In addition, they are responsible for creating and implementing new lessons and activities.

Requirements

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 (we offer a course during staff training!)
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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Communicating closely with Specialist Instructors, Instructors and Assistant Instructors about programming every day
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
Maintaining program binders and keeping program bins well-organized
Conducting weekly supply runs to stores, the office, and the warehouse
Leading a minimum of two involved lessons or activities per week for camp groups
Planning and editing Week at a Glances (WAGS) which lay out weekly activities for every group of campers
Working with other Program Managers to improve environmental education and high adventure program binders that include lessons, activities and games
Managing camper behavior when Instructors need support
Attending mandatory staff training and meetings throughout the summer
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 across sites to build program binders
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 moderate all staff meetings
Coordinating with the Logistics Manager, Site Manager, and Camp Director for the implementation of logistical plans and transportation schedules
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
Attending prep-week for staff training
Leading parts of staff training
Leading some staff meetings
Completing the entire length of the summer as agreed upon in contract