Adventure Outdoors: Spend Your Summer Inspiring Alaska's Next Generation at Trailside Discovery Camp!
Trailside Discovery Camp is an award-winning outdoor education program in Alaska, inspiring kids ages 5-14 through engaging, hands-on environmental adventures. We proudly serve children from diverse backgrounds, fostering a love for the outdoors. Join our team to create meaningful, fun experiences across Anchorage and Chugiak/Eagle River that make a lasting impact.
Located in the stunning landscapes of Alaska, Trailside Discovery Camp offers a workplace surrounded by natural beauty. From the trails of Anchorage to the lush forests of Chugiak/Eagle River, you'll
About Trailside Discovery Camp
At Trailside Discovery Camp, we’ve been inspiring Alaskan youth to explore and connect with nature for over 40 years. Every summer, our team of passionate educators and adventurers transforms the outdoors into a vibrant classroom where kids learn, grow, and play.
As a member of our team, you will guide campers through activities like hiking, canoeing, and hands-on science experiments while fostering curiosity and environmental stewardship. You’ll spend your days outdoors in the best backyard ever—Alaska’s stunning landscapes—making memories and creating magic for the next generation.
We believe in the power of positive role models. Every employee at Trailside is a mentor, leader, and source of inspiration for our campers. If you’re someone who thrives on adventure, creativity, and making a difference, Trailside Discovery Camp is the place for you.
Join us this summer to grow as a leader, connect with an incredible team, and create lifelong memories. Let’s make a difference together!
The Employee Experience
At Trailside, you’ll spend your summer immersed in Alaska’s stunning outdoors, guiding young adventurers while growing as a leader. We value positive role models, teamwork, and environmental stewardship, creating a supportive and inspiring environment for our staff.
What’s Fun and Enriching?
- Daily adventures in Alaska’s incredible landscapes.
- Lifelong friendships with a passionate, collaborative team.
- Opportunities to mentor and inspire young minds.
Your Takeaway
After a season with us, you’ll leave with leadership skills, lifelong memories, and the pride of knowing you’ve made a difference. Trailside is more than a job—it’s a life-changing experience.
Ideal Candidate
A successful employee at Trailside is someone who thrives in a dynamic, outdoor environment and embraces their role as a positive role model for our campers. The best fit for our team is someone who is adaptable, enthusiastic, and ready to inspire curiosity and fun in every activity.
Qualities We Value
- Leadership: Confidence in guiding groups and fostering teamwork.
- Creativity: Bringing energy and innovative ideas to engage campers.
- Dependability: Being a reliable, supportive presence for both campers and teammates.
- Love for the Outdoors: A genuine appreciation for nature and a willingness to share that passion.
If you’re someone who values connection, embraces challenges, and takes pride in making a difference, you’ll find Trailside a rewarding and unforgettable place to work.
Room and Board
Trailside Discovery Camp provides subsidized employee housing to ensure staff have a comfortable and convenient living arrangement during their time with us.
Employee Accommodations
- Rooming: Staff should expect to share a room with at least one other person, potentially someone of the opposite sex. Room assignments are generally grouped by gender, but exceptions may occur. Specific roommate preferences can be accommodated if requested in advance.
- Facilities: Shared living spaces include common areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. Housing is fully furnished, with bedding provided.
Housing Costs
- Rent: Subsidized rent is $200–$250 per pay period, totaling $400–$500 per month.
- What’s Covered: Rent includes furniture, bedding, initial food and supply stocking, and other essentials to make your stay comfortable.
Additional Details
- Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays unless housemates mutually agree to other times.
- Guests: Guests are welcome during daylight hours but are not allowed to stay overnight. All guests must respect housemates' privacy and schedules.
- Transportation: A Trailside van is stationed at staff housing for commuting to and from work. Staff may also use the van for grocery runs or staff bonding events with prior approval.
Move-Out Expectations
Staff are responsible for leaving housing in a clean and orderly condition. Any damages or cleaning fees will be shared among housemates, and fees may be deducted from the final paycheck.
Meal Plans
Trailside Discovery Camp does not provide a formal meal plan, but housing includes fully equipped kitchens for staff to prepare their meals. Initial food and supply stocking is included in the housing fee to help new staff settle in.
Our housing accommodations aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment where staff can build community, focus on their work, and enjoy their time in Alaska.
Employee Perks
Why Join Our Team? The Perks Beyond Paycheck
At Trailside Discovery Camp, we believe in rewarding our team with more than just wages and tips. Here are some of the benefits that make working with us an unforgettable experience:
- Gear Up for Adventure: Staff have access to borrow TDC equipment, including camping gear, kayaks, canoes, bikes, and fishing gear, making it easy to explore and enjoy the great outdoors in your free time.
- Team Bonding Fun: Enjoy fun staff bonding events that foster camaraderie and create lasting memories.
- Balanced Schedule: With a schedule that is mainly weekdays during business hours and weekends off, you’ll have time to relax and recharge.
- Investing in Your Growth: We offer paid training and opportunities to gain valuable certifications like water safety and CPR/First Aid, helping you build skills for both work and life.
Join us and be part of a team that values your growth, well-being, and love for adventure!
Getting Here and Getting Around
Flight Reimbursement
For staff traveling to Alaska specifically to work at Trailside, we offer a flight reimbursement of up to $500 upon completion of at least eight weeks. Reimbursement requests must be submitted before the end of the summer season.
Our housing accommodations aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment where staff can build community, focus on their work, and enjoy their time in Alaska.
Transportation
A Trailside van is stationed at staff housing for commuting to and from work. Staff may also use the van for grocery runs or staff bonding events with prior approval.
For Fun
Experience Anchorage with Trailside Discovery Camp!
Anchorage, Alaska, is where city life meets the rugged beauty of the wild. With long summer days under the midnight sun, Trailside Discovery Camp opens the door to endless opportunities for adventure during your free time.
Outdoor Adventures:
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Hiking: Explore trails like Flattop Mountain, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding wilderness.
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Biking: Ride the 32-mile Moose Loop, connecting Anchorage's major bike trails and providing opportunities to spot local wildlife.
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Kayaking and Rafting: Paddle in nearby lakes and rivers, experiencing Alaska's waterways up close.
Cultural Experiences:
- Museums: Discover Alaska’s art, history, and science at the Anchorage Museum, a hub for learning and inspiration.
- Alaska Native Heritage Center: Immerse yourself in Alaska’s Indigenous cultures through hands-on exhibits, live performances, and authentic replicas of traditional dwellings, offering a unique and unforgettable window into Alaska’s rich heritage.
- Festivals: Celebrate summer with Anchorage’s diverse festivals, from the Downtown Solstice Festival, which marks the longest day of the year with live performances, food trucks, and family activities.
Wildlife and Nature:
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Wildlife Viewing: Spot moose, eagles, and other wildlife along trails and in parks like Kincaid Park.
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Fishing: Cast a line at Ship Creek, known for its salmon runs, or participate in local fishing derbies.
Community and Recreation:
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Local Markets: Stroll through downtown markets featuring local crafts, foods, and produce.
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Parks and Picnics: Relax at Kincaid Park's beach or have a picnic with views of Cook Inlet.
Joining Trailside Discovery Camp means embracing a lifestyle filled with exploration and connection to Alaska's natural beauty and vibrant culture. Your summer in Anchorage promises unforgettable experiences and adventures at every turn.
How to Apply
To apply, please fill out an application for the position(s) that you are interested in via the link below.
If you are a returning applicant, please note that we have switched to a new hiring portal and you will need to create a new profile. If you have any questions or issues with the application process, please contact us at trailside@akcenter.org.
