Specialist - Summer 2027

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

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Specialist Instructors provide instructional support, curriculum expertise, and mentorship to camp staff while helping maintain program quality across all camper groups. The role also assists with behavior management, including implementing positive behavior strategies for individual campers and small groups. It is suited to educators, outdoor recreation leaders, people working in child development and behavior, and individuals with specialized skills or knowledge to share. The Specialist Instructor leads environmental education, outdoor recreation, and high-adventure activities for campers ages 5–14; delivers lessons aligned with weekly themes and learning objectives; adapts activities to different age groups; supports camper behavior and development; contributes to curriculum and program materials; mentors instructors; and helps maintain safety and environmental stewardship practices. The position reports directly to the Site Manager and works closely with Program Managers, Lead Instructors, Assistant Instructors, and the Year Round Camp Leadership team. The 2027 summer season runs June 1 through August 11, with Daily Pop-Up Camp and Kinder Camp sessions August 12–18. In-person staff training is May 24–28, with additional virtual training opportunities beginning in mid-April (dates to be determined). Applicants unable to commit to the full summer may discuss possible accommodations during interviews. Camp locations include Kincaid Park, a second Anchorage location to be announced, and Birchwood Elementary in Eagle River; preferences are discussed during interviews but are not guaranteed, and not all sites will have a specialist.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Available for the duration of the summer season; fulfill the full summer employment commitment outlined in the employment agreement.
Experience working with children or youth in educational, recreational, childcare, camp, or similar settings.
Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification before camp starts.
Experience facilitating educational, environmental, recreational, or outdoor programming.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
Passion for environmental stewardship and youth development.
Ability to remain calm and caring during child behavior management.
Strong teaching and facilitation abilities.
Creativity and enthusiasm for experiential learning.
Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
Adaptable, solution-oriented, and self-motivated.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating welcoming outdoor spaces for all participants.
Ability to spend most of the workday outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to hike, walk, stand, and participate in physical activities for extended periods.
Ability to lift, carry, and transport program supplies and equipment.
Ability to actively engage with campers throughout the day and respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.
Attend all required preseason staff training and participate in staff meetings and ongoing professional development.
Complete required certifications and onboarding requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting and managing camper behavior through positive, developmentally appropriate, proactive approaches.
Specialized skills in biking, kayaking or canoeing, fishing, archery, wilderness skills, or natural sciences.
College coursework or a degree in environmental science, education, outdoor recreation, natural resources, or a related field.
Knowledge of Alaska’s ecology, wildlife, and environmental topics.
Experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, or educational activities.
Experience training, mentoring, or supporting staff.

Responsibilities

Lead engaging environmental education, outdoor recreation, and high-adventure activities for campers ages 5–14.
Deliver high-quality lessons aligned with weekly camp themes and learning objectives.
Facilitate hands-on learning that promotes curiosity, exploration, and environmental stewardship.
Adapt activities to the developmental needs and interests of different age groups.
Serve as a content expert in environmental education, outdoor skills, or specialized recreation programs.
Support camp traditions, songs, ceremonies, and group-building experiences.
Help maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all campers.
Implement positive behavior management strategies for campers needing additional support.
Review the weekly behavior conditions report and help create effective support plans across camper groups.
Support instructors with group management and work with families and camp leadership to support campers with diverse needs.
Encourage teamwork, cooperation, and respectful interactions, and support campers’ social and emotional development.
Collaborate with Program Managers on lessons, activities, games, educational resources, and adequate daily program materials.
Prepare and organize program materials and instructional resources; help maintain curriculum binders, lesson plans, and activity guides.
Evaluate activities and recommend program improvements.
Model effective lesson delivery, group management, and camper engagement techniques.
Support Lead Instructors and Assistant Instructors with programming and group management; step into Lead Instructor responsibilities when needed.
Share activity ideas, instructional strategies, and best practices with camp staff.
Maintain active supervision of campers and recognize and respond appropriately to environmental, medical, and behavioral emergencies.
Follow camp safety protocols and American Camp Association standards; assist with incident response, emergency procedures, and risk management.
Ensure safe use of program equipment and materials, and respond appropriately to changing weather, wildlife encounters, and outdoor hazards.
Collaborate with camp staff and leadership; communicate effectively with campers, families, and staff.
Support camp-wide events, special programs, and all-site activities; contribute to a positive team culture and adapt to changing program and staffing needs.
Model environmental stewardship and responsible outdoor recreation, including Leave No Trace principles.
Teach campers about local ecology, wildlife, conservation, and environmental responsibility, and support the camp’s mission of connecting youth to Alaska’s natural environments.
Uphold the mission and values of Trailside Discovery Camp and the Alaska Center Education Fund.
Attend required preseason staff training, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development; assist with staff training and activity demonstrations when requested.
Complete required certifications and onboarding, fulfill the summer employment commitment in the employment agreement, and follow camp policies, procedures, and safety standards.