Substitute Instructor

**We currently do not have any full summer jobs available, but we are hiring for substitute instructors to help support our programming this summer!**

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 Alaska’s wilderness. 

Substitute Instructors support instructors and help lead groups of campers in environmental education or high adventure topics. Substitutes help run lessons, activities, and games for campers while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Camp Locations (preferences to be discussed in the interview process):

• Kincaid Park


• Russian Jack Park


• Ruth Arcand Park


• Beach Lake Chalet (Eagle River)

Qualifications:

• Be at least 16 years old


• Available for the duration of our summer season
  


• Current First Aid/CPR certification (we offer a course during staff training!)


• Ability to work well with other instructors, managers, and campers ages 5-14


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 


• Desire to be a part of a diverse team from different life backgrounds 


• Self-motivated and passionate about our mission of environmental stewardship


• Committed 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 orientation
  


• Preferred: Skilled at high adventures such as mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, archery, and/or canoeing


• Preferred: Knowledge of Alaskan ecology and local environmental topics


• Ability to follow a schedule and listen to Instructors in order to provide useful support during lessons, activities, and games
  


• Genuine interest in environmental education 
  

Essential functions:

• Arriving on time to scheduled shift


• Implementing scheduled lessons, activities, and games for assigned camp group


• Having your own back-pocket activities ready to be used if/when scheduled activities move quicker than expected


• Managing camper behavior and being a positive role model


• Remaining with assigned group at all times, including during snack and lunch breaks and all activities during the camp day
  


• Assisting campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury).


• Communicating effectively with campers, other Assistant Instructors / Instructors, Specialists, and Managers
  


• Supervising loading and unloading of camp vans
  


• Possessing strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers


• Appropriately responding to environmental, wildlife, and other natural hazards


• Attending mandatory staff training and meetings throughout the summer


• Singing songs and participating in opening/closing ceremonies
  


• Working with a diverse clientele from the Anchorage community
  

Other Job Responsibilities:

Program

• Reflecting the values of Trailside Discovery Camp and The Alaska Center by demonstrating environmental stewardship


• Upholding Alaska Center Education Fund and Trailside Discovery Camp mission and cultural values by exhibiting cross cultural competency 


• Maintaining the standards of the American Camping Association


• Planning and delivering environmental education and/or high adventure programs for campers ages 5-14


• Working with Instructors, Specialists, and Managers to provide high quality education experiences to all Trailside Discovery Camp participants


• Implementing environmental and high adventure education programs


• Supervising and ensuring the safety of campers

Childcare

• Recognizing and appropriately responding to hazards and emergencies


• Encouraging the personal and social development of children


• Reporting all accidents, significant illnesses, and/or signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse to the Camp Director


• Remaining with camp group at all times


• Managing camper behavior and defining clear expectations 

Records

• Perform attendance each morning to ensure an accurate group headcount


• Protect the confidentiality of the participants records

Supervision and Support

• Reports to the Site Manager of their site, who will connect them with their assigned group each day

Attendance

• Attend staff training (May 19th - 23rd)
  


• Attend agreed-upon shifts

Compensation: This position is $16-$18/hour depending on experience.