Specialist - Summer 2027

Trailside Discovery Camp is an award-winning 10-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.

Our 2027 Summer Camp season will run from June 1, 2027, through August 11, 2027, with Daily Pop-Up Camp and Kinder Camp daily sessions running August 12-18, 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).

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.

The Specialist Instructor reports directly to the Site Manager and works closely with Program Managers, Lead Instructors, Asst. Instructors, and the Year Round Camp Leadership team.

Position Summary:

Specialist Instructors provide instructional support, curriculum expertise, and mentorship to camp staff while helping maintain program quality across all camper groups. This position will also assist with behavior management as needed including implementing positive behavior management strategies for individual campers and small group management. This role is ideal for educators, outdoor recreation leaders, those working in child development and behavior, and individuals with specialized skills or knowledge they are excited to share.

Camp Locations (preferences to be discussed in the interview process but not guaranteed; not all sites will have a specialist):

- Kincaid Park

- 2nd Anchorage location TBA

- Birchwood Elementary (Eagle River)

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Program Delivery & Guidance

- Lead engaging environmental education, outdoor recreation, and high-adventure activities for campers ages 5 to 14.

- Deliver high quality lessons aligned with weekly camp themes and learning objectives.

- Facilitate hands on learning experiences that promote curiosity, exploration, and environmental stewardship.

- Adapt activities to meet 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.

Behavior Support & Camper Supervision

- Help maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all campers.

- Implement positive behavior management strategies with campers who need additional support

- Review the weekly behavior conditions report and assist in creating a plan of effective support across all camper groups

- Support instructors with group management

- Work with families and camp leadership to provide support to campers with diverse needs

- Encourage teamwork, cooperation, and respectful interactions among campers.

- Support the social and emotional development of campers.

Curriculum Development & Program Support

- Collaborate with Program Managers to provide support with lessons, activities, games, and educational resources and ensure adequate program materials for lesson success each day.

- Support the preparation and organization of program materials and instructional resources.

- Assist with maintaining curriculum binders, lesson plans, and activity guides.

- Evaluate activities and provide recommendations for program improvements.

Staff Mentorship

- Model effective lesson delivery, group management, and camper engagement techniques.

- Support Lead Instructors and Assistant Instructors in implementing camp programming and group management.

- Share activity ideas, instructional strategies, and best practices with camp staff.

- Step into Lead Instructor responsibilities when needed to support site operations.

Safety & Risk Management

- Maintain active supervision of campers while leading activities.

- Recognize and appropriately respond to environmental, medical, and behavioral emergencies.

- Follow camp safety protocols and American Camp Association standards.

- Assist with incident response, emergency procedures, and risk management practices.

- Ensure safe use of program equipment and activity materials.

- Respond appropriately to changing weather, wildlife encounters, and outdoor hazards.

Team Collaboration & Communication

- Work collaboratively with Program Managers, Site Managers, Lead Instructors, Asst. Instructors, and Year Round Leadership.

- Communicate effectively with campers, families, and staff.

- Support camp-wide events, special programs, and all-site activities.

- Contribute to a positive, team-oriented camp culture.

- Maintain flexibility in supporting changing program and staffing needs.

Environmental Stewardship

- Model environmental stewardship and responsible outdoor recreation practices including Leave No Trace principles

- Support Trailside Discovery Camp's mission of connecting youth to Alaska's natural environments.

- Teach campers about local ecology, wildlife, conservation, and environmental responsibility.

- Uphold the mission and values of Trailside Discovery Camp and the Alaska Center Education Fund.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

- Must be at least 18 years of age.

- Available for the duration of the summer season.

- 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 the start of camp.

- Experience facilitating educational, environmental, recreational, or outdoor programming.

- Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.

- Passion for environmental stewardship and youth development.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in supporting and managing camper behavior through positive, developmentally appropriate and proactive approaches

- Specialized skills in areas such as biking, kayaking/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.

Personal Skills

- 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.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to spend the majority of the workday outdoors in varying weather conditions.

- Ability to hike, walk, stand, and participate in physical activities for extended periods of time.

- Ability to lift, carry, and transport program supplies and equipment.

- Ability to actively engage with campers throughout the day.

- Ability to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.

Training & Attendance Expectations

- Attend all required pre-season staff training.

- Participate in staff meetings and ongoing professional development opportunities.

- Assist with staff training and activity demonstrations when requested.

- Complete all required certifications and onboarding requirements.

- Fulfill the full summer employment commitment outlined in the employment agreement.

- Follow all Trailside Discovery Camp policies, procedures, and safety standards.