Trip Guide - Summer 2027 (21+)

Job Description

Job Description

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 6, 2027, 

with Daily Pop-Up Camp and Kinder Camp daily sessions running August 9th-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).

Camp Locations (preferences to be discussed in the interview process but not guaranteed, and all staff should be prepared to travel between sites dependent on staffing needs):

• Kincaid Park
• 2nd Anchorage location TBA
• Birchwood Elementary (Eagle River)

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. All Trips guides are required to demonstrate skills verification prior to leading any trips with campers. 

Position Summary:

The Trip Guide is responsible for leading safe, engaging, and educational multi-day outdoor adventures for campers ages 8 to 14. Trip Guides lead overnight experiences ranging from one to four nights, including frontcountry camping, backpacking, kayaking, fishing, and other adventure based programs throughout Southcentral Alaska.

The Trip Guide reports directly to the Year Round Camp Leadership Team and works closely with the Logistics Manager, Site Managers, Program Managers, and other Trip Guides.

Key Responsibilities

Trip Leadership & Outdoor Education

• Lead overnight and multi-day wilderness trips for groups of campers ages 8 to 14.
• Teach outdoor living skills, including camping, backpacking, kayaking, fishing, navigation, campcraft, and trip-specific skills.
• Prepare campers for expedition experiences through team-building activities, skill development, and orientation sessions.
• Facilitate environmental education lessons and place-based learning experiences throughout trips.
• Create a positive, inclusive group culture that promotes personal growth, responsibility, and teamwork.
• Teach and model Leave No Trace principles and responsible outdoor recreation practices.
• Support campers in developing confidence, independence, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Camper Supervision & Risk Management

• Maintain primary responsibility for the safety and well-being of assigned campers throughout all trip activities.
• Continuously assess environmental, medical, behavioral, and logistical risks.
• Maintain active supervision of campers during travel, activities, meals, camp setup, and overnight stays.
• Establish group expectations and behavior agreements that support safety and positive group dynamics.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, illnesses, injuries, wildlife encounters, severe weather, and other unexpected situations.
• Administer first aid and follow emergency procedures as necessary.
• Maintain accurate health information and medical documentation while in the field.

Trip Planning & Logistics

• Collaborate with fellow Trip Guides, Logistics Staff, and Year Round Camp Leadership to plan and implement trip itineraries.
• Prepare travel plans, menus, equipment lists, and emergency response plans.
• Inspect, organize, pack, and maintain group gear, safety equipment, and food supplies.
• Coordinate campground reservations, transportation schedules, permits, charters, and activity providers as needed.
• Ensure groups remain on schedule and meet trip objectives while maintaining flexibility when conditions change.
• Prepare, ration, and manage food supplies for overnight programs.
• Document and photograph campsite before and after pictures and complete other commercial permit usage requirements. 

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Work closely with co-guides to provide effective leadership and decision-making in the field.
• Communicate regularly with Camp Leadership regarding trip status, participant needs, and risk-management concerns.
• Collaborate with Site Managers, Program Managers, High Adventure Instructors, and Logistics Staff to ensure successful trip experiences.
• Model professionalism, adaptability, and sound judgment in all interactions.

Transportation & Equipment Management

• Safely transport campers, staff, and equipment using camp vehicles, trailers, and approved transportation methods.
• Conduct vehicle and trailer safety checks before and after trips.
• Monitor the condition, use, and maintenance of camp equipment.
• Ensure equipment is cleaned, inventoried, repaired, and stored appropriately following each trip.
• Assist with packing and unpacking gear before and after expeditions.

Environmental Stewardship

• Model environmental stewardship and ethical outdoor recreation.
• Support Trailside Discovery Camp's mission of connecting youth with Alaska's natural environments.
• Teach campers about local ecology, wildlife, conservation, and responsible land use.
• Promote respect for public lands, communities, and outdoor recreation spaces.
• Uphold Leave No Trace principles throughout all camp and expedition activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Available for the duration of the summer season.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification for Lead Trips Guide or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) for part time guides. 
• Experience leading outdoor trips, recreation programs, or adventure-based activities.
• Experience working with youth in educational, recreational, camp, or outdoor settings.
• Comfort operating 15-passenger vans and willingness to learn trailer towing procedures.
• Ability to spend multiple days in remote environments while supervising groups of up to 13 campers.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-day backpacking, camping, paddling, or expedition programs.
• Experience kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, fishing, or other outdoor recreation activities.
• Experience facilitating environmental education or outdoor skills instruction.
• Knowledge of Alaska's ecosystems, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Experience developing outdoor education curriculum or adventure programming.
• Enthusiasm for leading field trips throughout the Anchorage, Chugiak, Mat-Su, and Southcentral Alaska regions.

Personal Skills

• Excellent judgment and risk management abilities.
• Strong leadership and group facilitation skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Flexibility and adaptability in changing outdoor conditions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and organized.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating welcoming outdoor experiences for all participants.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hike multiple miles per day while carrying expedition equipment.
• Ability to camp overnight and work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to carry, load, and unload outdoor gear, food, and supplies.
• Ability to participate in paddling, hiking, and other physically demanding outdoor activities.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.
• Ability to supervise campers continuously in frontcountry and backcountry environments.

Training & Attendance Expectations

• Attend all required pre-season staff training.
• Successfully complete Trip Guide orientation and risk management training.
• Read and understand all Trailside Discovery Camp trip manuals, policies, and emergency procedures.
• Participate in Trip Guide debriefs and planning meetings throughout the season.
• Fulfill the full summer employment commitment outlined in the employment agreement.
• Be available to lead multi-day and overnight trips throughout the summer season.
• When not assigned to overnight trips, Trip Guides may serve as High Adventure and/or environmental Instructors and support day camp programming, field trips, and outdoor recreation activities.