High Adventure & Trips Instructor - Summer 2027

Trailside Discovery Camp is an award-winning 10 week summer camp for local Alaskans ages 5-14 that offers environmental education, high adventure day programs, and overnight trips that take campers into Alaska’s wilderness.

Our 2027 Summer Camp season will run from June 1, 2027, through August 6, 2027, with Daily Pop-Up Camp and Kindercamp daily sessions running August 9th-18, 2027 . In-person staff training will take place May 24-28, 2027 , during the week prior to the start of camp. Additional virtual training opportunities will begin in mid-April (dates TBD).

Camp Locations (preferences to be discussed in the interview process but not guaranteed):

Kincaid Park, 2nd Anchorage location TBA, and Birchwood Elementary (Eagle River)

Trips are operated out of one Anchorage locations but some guides may move from my site to site dependent on staffing needs.

Individuals unable to commit to working the full summer are encouraged to apply and accommodations can be discussed for consideration during interviews with the Camp Director. Individuals with prior experience may be able to coordinate makeup training for specific missed training dates after discussion with camp leadership. All Trips guides are required to demonstrate skills verification prior to leading any trips with campers.

Position Summary:

• The High Adventure & Trips Instructor is a dual-role position that supports Trailside Discovery Camp's High Adventure, Environmental Education and Overnight Trip programs. Staff in this position will primarily serve as High Adventure Instructors, leading outdoor recreation and adventure education programs for campers ages 8 to 14. Trailside runs between 6-7 trips each season. Based on experience, demonstrated competency, certifications, and program needs, High Adventure & Trips Instructors may be assigned to 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, staff will work as High Adventure Instructors and may also support Environmental Education programs, field trips, and day camp activities. The High Adventure & Trips Instructor reports directly to the Year Round Camp Leadership Team, but works closely with Program Managers, Site Managers, Logistics Staff, Environmental Education Instructors, and other Trips staff. This position may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed by the Camp Director, Program Managers, Site Managers, or Year Round Camp Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities

High Adventure Program Leadership

Lead safe, engaging, and educational high adventure activities for campers ages 8 to 14

Teach outdoor recreation skills including kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, biking, hiking, navigation, camping, campcraft, survival skills, and team-building activities

Develop and implement lesson plans that support environmental education, outdoor skills development, leadership, and stewardship

Create positive and inclusive learning environments that encourage personal growth and confidence

Facilitate adventure-based learning experiences that promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving

Teach and model Leave No Trace principles and responsible outdoor recreation practices

Support special events, field trips, guest presenters, and camp-wide activities

Trip Leadership & Environmental Education Support

Lead/assist with overnight and multi-day wilderness trips based on qualifications, skills, certifications, and program needs

Teach outdoor living skills including camping, backpacking, paddling, navigation, fishing, campcraft, and expedition skills

Prepare campers for overnight experiences through team-building activities, orientation sessions, and skill development

Facilitate environmental education lessons and place-based learning experiences throughout overnight programs

Support campers in developing confidence, independence, leadership, and resilience through outdoor experiences

Support Environmental Education programming when assigned

Assist with field studies, nature exploration, and environmental stewardship activities

Support place-based educational experiences that connect campers to Alaska's natural environments

Camper Supervision & Risk Management

Maintain responsibility for the safety and well-being of assigned campers during all activities

Continuously assess and respond to environmental, medical, behavioral, and logistical risks

Maintain active supervision of campers during activities, transportation, meals, field trips, and overnight experiences

Establish group expectations and behavior agreements that support safety and positive group dynamics

Follow camp emergency procedures and administer first aid as necessary

Maintain ACA standards for staff-to-camper ratios

Encourage the personal and social development of participants

Program Planning & Logistics

Collaborate with Program Managers, Site Managers, Trip Staff, and Camp Leadership to implement quality programming

Prepare lesson plans, activity materials, and equipment needed for program delivery

Assist with logistics, trip planning, food preparation, gear organization, and logistical 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

Transportation & Equipment Management

Safely transport campers, staff, and equipment using camp vehicles as assigned

Conduct vehicle safety inspections before and after use

Monitor the condition, care, maintenance and inventory of camp equipment

Supervise proper participant use of outdoor recreation and safety equipment

Environmental Stewardship

Model environmental stewardship and ethical outdoor recreation including Leave No Trace Principles

Support Trailside Discovery Camp's mission of connecting youth with Alaska's natural environments

Teach campers about Alaska's ecosystems, wildlife, conservation, and responsible recreation

Foster appreciation for Alaska's outdoor spaces and communities

Qualifications

Minimum 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

Available for the duration of the summer season

Ability to successfully complete all required camp training and skills verification processes

Current Pediatric & Adult CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain prior to camp start

Preferred Qualifications

Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or other advanced first aid certifications

Experience backpacking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or 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

Personal Skills

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