High Adventure & Trips Instructor - Summer 2027 @ Trailside

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 development

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hike several miles while supervising participants
• Ability to participate in paddling, biking, hiking, camping, and other physically demanding outdoor activities
• Ability to carry, load, and unload outdoor equipment and supplies
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies

Training & Attendance Expectations

• Attend all required pre-season staff training and preparation days, including High Adventure and trip leadership training
• Read and understand all Trailside Discovery Camp policies, procedures, and emergency protocols
• Participate in staff meetings, debriefs, and planning sessions throughout the summer
• Fulfill the employment commitment outlined in the employment agreement
• Be willing to participate in overnight and multi-day trips when assigned
• Complete skills verification requirements for specific trip leadership assignments
• Demonstrate flexibility in work assignments based on program needs throughout the summer season

Starting at $18.50