Job Description
Job Description
Salary : $16-$18 hourly
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 Alaskas wilderness.
Instructors lead groups of campers in environmental education or high adventure topics. Instructors are responsible for running lessons, activities, and games for their campers while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Assistant instructors support Instructors and help lead groups. This position is excellent for those looking to gain experience in childcare, environmental education, and / or high adventures with support from more experienced Instructors.
Camp Locations (preferences to be discussed in the interview process) :
- Kincaid Park
- Russian Jack Park
- Ruth Arcand Park
- Beach Lake Chalet (Eagle River)
Qualifications for both positions :
Available for the duration of our summer seasonCurrent First Aid / CPR certification (we offer a course during staff training!)Ability to work well with other instructors, managers, and campers ages 5-14Skilled at time management and prioritizing tasks in order to facilitate the best experience possible for campersStrong interpersonal and communication skillsDesire to be a part of a diverse team from different life backgroundsSelf-motivated and passionate about our mission of environmental stewardshipCommitted 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 orientationPreferred : Skilled at high adventures such as mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, archery, and / or canoeingPreferred : Knowledge of Alaskan ecology and local environmental topicsQualifications for Assistant Instructors :
Be at least 16 years oldAbility to follow a schedule and listen to Instructors in order to provide useful support during lessons, activities, and gamesGenuine interest in environmental educationQualifications for Instructors :
Be at least 18 years oldPrevious experience working with kids in a formal or informal settingAbility to implement written lesson plans, follow a schedule, and think on your feet to come up with your own lessons, activities, and games when neededPreferred : Previous experience in teaching environmental education or high adventure activitiesPreferred : Pursuing or already have a degree in environmental science, education, or related fieldEssential functions for both positions :
Arriving on time to scheduled shiftCreating behavior contracts with your camp groups and defining clear expectations so campers can have fun and be safeImplementing scheduled lessons, activities, and games for assigned camp groupHaving your own back-pocket activities ready to be used if / when scheduled activities move quicker than expectedMaintaining program binders and keeping program bins well-organizedManaging camper behavior and being a positive role modelRemaining with assigned group at all times, including during snack and lunch breaks and all activities during the camp dayAssisting campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury).Communicating effectively with campers, other Assistant Instructors / Instructors, Specialists, and ManagersSupervising loading and unloading of camp vansPossessing strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campersAppropriately responding to environmental, wildlife, and other natural hazardsAttending mandatory staff training and meetings throughout the summerSinging songs and participating in opening / closing ceremoniesWorking with a diverse clientele from the Anchorage communityAdditional Essential Functions for Instructors :
Spending first 30 minutes of workday reviewing program binder while keeping an eye on campersFilling out daily schedules to share with Program ManagerCommunicating effectively parentsProviding mentorship to the Assistant Instructor who is assigned to your groupOther Job Responsibilities :
Program
Reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center by demonstrating environmental stewardshipUpholding Alaska Center Education Fund and Trailside Discovery Camp mission and cultural values by exhibiting cross cultural competencyMaintaining the standards of the American Camping AssociationPlanning and delivering environmental education and / or high adventure programs for campers ages 5-14Working with Instructors, Specialists, and Managers to provide high quality education experiences to all Trailside Discovery Camp participantsImplementing environmental and high adventure education programsSupervising and ensuring the safety of campersCoordinating with Specialists, Program Manager, Site Manager, and Logistics Manager for the implementation of logistical plans and transportation schedulesKeeping the program binders and program bins intact and well organizedChildcare
Recognizing and appropriately responding to hazards and emergenciesMaintaining American Camping Association standardsEncouraging the personal and social development of childrenReporting all accidents, significant illnesses, and / or signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse to the Camp DirectorRemaining with camp group at all timesManaging camper behavior and defining clear expectationsRecords
Perform attendance each morning to ensure an accurate group headcountSubmit requests in advance to change daily schedule if desiredProtect the confidentiality of the participants recordsSupervision and Support
The Instructor and Assistant Instructor reports to the Program Manager of their siteThe Instructor supports the Assistant Instructor that they are paired with each weekAttendance
Attend staff training (May 19th - 23rd)Attend all staff meetingsComplete the entire length of the summer as agreed upon in contract (May 27th - August 13th)Compensation : See our wage schedule based on education and experience.