Work as a Summer Camp Counselor in Alaska!

Duration: May 27 - August 1, 2025

This is a full-time position (35-40 hours a week), starting at $18-22 per hour, depending on experience. Summer Camp Leaders will work 8 weeks of day camps, plus 1 week of training before camp and 1-2 days of midsummer training. A 4th of July break is included for all staff; additional days/weeks off may be negotiable.

Part-time naturalist work is available in April and May, if desired.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

For over 35 years, Discovery Southeast’s education and exploration programs have deepened Southeast Alaskans’ connection with nature on Lingít Aaní. We are a regional nonprofit started by outdoor leaders in Southeast Alaska to ensure that local residents, particularly children, experience the outstanding natural areas that travelers from around the world come to visit. Today, with many of those same founders still involved, our programs teach children to experience, be comfortable in, and explore nature with a field-based, hands-on approach. We strive to reach all Juneau youth, particularly those who might not otherwise be introduced to the outdoors at a young age. We aim to recruit, retain, and develop staff who bring Traditional Ecological Knowledge, diverse backgrounds, and a mindset of curiosity about the complete history of Southeast Alaska.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a Summer Camp Leader, you will spend your days outside with kids, supporting them as they explore, learn, and play. Our camp takes place on the traditional lands of the Áakʼw and Tʼaakʼú Ḵwáan in Juneau, Alaska. It is a beautiful place with a vibrant community of outdoor-loving people and endless opportunities for adventure. The job will bring you to many of these wonderful natural spaces where you and a co-leader will be responsible for up to 12 kids in an age group. There are 5 age groups: Dragon Flies (ages 4-6), Flying Squirrels (ages 6-8), Trailhead Camps (ages 7-9), Marmots (ages 8-11), and Mountain Goats (ages 11-14).

Each week of camp will focus on a different nature theme. Some weeks will be more active and include hiking, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Other weeks will be more science and art-focused and include botany, earth art sculptures, flower pressing, the salmon life cycle, and outdoor skills like fire building. In addition to your co-leader, you will collaborate with other Discovery Southeast staff and community partners in the field for specific activities. Your main role will be to ensure the safety and management of the group, building your knowledge of child development and practicing inclusivity and cultural responsiveness.

Camps run Monday-Friday every week. Staff will work from 8:00am-3:30pm each day and participate in a weekly hour-long staff meeting. Before and throughout the summer, leaders will receive training and experience in inquiry-based, hands-on field leadership and Southeast Alaska natural and cultural history.

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Provide support for and ensure the physical and emotional safety and well-being of a group of up to 12 children

● Promote good decision-making skills, leadership, and a curiosity for the outdoors

● Plan, prepare, and facilitate fun, engaging games and activities with a focus on outdoor skills, natural history, and curiosity

● Perform weekly duties including: restocking supplies, cleaning the vans, and other tasks as necessary

● Participate in weekly staff meetings, mandatory training, and regular, open communication with co-workers

QUALIFICATIONS

● Experience and interest in working with preschool, elementary, or middle school-aged children, particularly in group or outdoor education settings

● Experience managing groups of 6-12 children, such as sleepaway camp, day camp, classroom experience, or coaching

● Experience planning and implementing engaging activities and games in an outdoor setting

● Experience in, and comfort with, the outdoors, such as guiding, backcountry travel, or natural history interpretation, preferably in Southeast Alaska

●Traditional Ecological Knowledge (strongly desired)

● Enthusiasm for our goal of providing children with formative experiences outdoors and a strong connection with nature

● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work on a team, be flexible, problem solve, and create a safe and engaging experience for all participants

● First Aid and Child/Infant CPR certification (or higher) by the start of employment, Wilderness First Aid or Responder is great but not required

● Ability to maintain energy throughout an 8-hour day which could include: hiking or walking up to 6 miles per day, carrying extra gear in a daypack, and other outdoor activities, often in wet weather

● Must be able to attend training May 27-30, 2025

● Comfort driving a 15-passenger van (not required)

Discovery Southeast provides regular training as well as on-the-job opportunities to learn from experienced leaders. Applicants will need to pass a background check before employment.

HOW TO APPLY

For more information, including, how to apply, visit our website:

https://www.discoverysoutheast.org/about/#volunteer-or-work

We prefer to receive applications by February 4th. Later applications will be considered as needed.